Torquay United up to third in the National League South table

Fortress Plainmoor has been in particularly stoic mood over the first six weeks of the National League South season, as United notched up win number five on home soil against a battling Ebbsfleet side to move third in the table.

While performances on the road have been patchy for the Gulls, home comforts have seen them sweep past all-comers, often with some all-action, goal-filled performances.

This latest chapter in a perfect Plainmoor story was not quite as dramatic as those that had come before, but just as important, Jordan Young notching the only goal, his sixth in just nine games, midway through the first half.

Ebbsfleet have been low on goals so far this season but also tough to score against, and they were first to pose a question, Lennon Peake fizzing a shot wide from distance. The disjointed United opening continued with a defensive lapse and home fans were relieved to see Aaron Cosgrave’s effort deflect meekly into the arms of James Hamon.

United woke up with a sight yet to behold the Yellow Army in the competitive arena, as midfielder Callum Dolan heralded his return from a frustrating injury with a super darting run down the left, only halted by a top Ebbsfleet challenge.

The game then settled into a lull, but those are the moments made for Young, as his clever run was not picked up by the visiting defence and United’s talisman applied the finishing touch to a Dolan cross.

The Gulls increased their tempo by a further notch and Dolan was having a big influence, working the ball beautifully with Louis Dennis, also back from injury, to win a corner, which fell to Keane Anderson for a pop at goal deflected wide.

A satisfactory first half concluded with a lovely cross from Anderson that only just eluded the run of Dennis. The same duo did combine immediately after the restart but the final shot from Dennis was comfortable for Ebbsfleet custodian Mark Cousins.

United were now in complete control, asking repeated questions of the visiting defence. The wind was beginning to become a pain for both teams but the Gulls remained firmly on top, Cody Cooke firing an effort straight at Cousins.

Dolan retired from a fine full debut on 64 minutes, replaced by another departee from the treatment room, Dylan Morgan, although Ebbsfleet were gradually increasing their influence in attacking areas.

When they did find a gap on ten minutes, Sam Dreyer swiftly closed the door with an outstanding block. Sonny Blu Lo-Everton was another injured Gull to enter the fray, as United had to withstand some heavy late pressure.

Withstand they did to secure a first clean sheet of the season ahead of a break in action next weekend.