Plenty of positives for Paul Wotton after stalemate with the Daggers

Torquay United stretched their unbeaten run to five games in the National League South and a third consecutive clean sheet, but manager Paul Wotton conceded his side lacked that one special moment to secure victory over a determined Dagenham & Redbridge.

The visitors arrived looking for some form after a shaky start to the campaign but were obviously buoyed by the return of former England international, who was marshalled superbly by the United defence.

Ultimately, it was at the other end where the Gulls were unable to find the killer touch.

“There were a tonne of positives, five games unbeaten and three clean sheets,” said Wotton. “We defended fantastically as a team, limited Dagenham to nothing, other than a scramble at the end, but I’m so disappointed we didn’t have that moment of magic to get three points.

“The boys worked and worked. Physically, we are very strong and the two centre-halves were outstanding against a top player. In the first-half, it was non-committal from both teams, although I felt we had the better of the game.

“Second-half, we talked about upping our quality and intensity, and to switch the play much quicker. I’m just disappointed we didn’t have that one moment.

“The back four was excellent and the two midfield players in front of them. You can see he [Carroll] is a top player, when the ball goes into him, it sticks, and he doesn’t give it away. I’ve got to give Dyer and Dreyer because they were fantastic.

“JT [Jordan Thomas] did great when he came on and he’s been training fantastically well. Denzel is a hamstring issue, so I’d be very surprised if he’s fit for next weekend, so now it’s Jordan’s turn to shine.

“We looked fit, full of running and doing everything we could to win the game. We just needed that bit of luck or quality.

“Callum Dolan has put four or five balls across the box, we just needed someone to get in front of their man and score. [Jordan] Young hit the bar as well but we didn’t test the goalkeeper enough.

“We’ve got a disappointed changing room, which I like, and Dagenham have got some good players and won’t be down there for long.”

Perhaps one major factor in the missing goal ingredient was the absence of striker Cody Cooke with a groin injury, joining a treatment room that has housed fellow forward Sonny Fish since pre-season.

On the positive, teenager Cian Dillon had another bright game in his loan spell from QPR and there is more to come from that attacking unit.

“Cody is injured with a groin issue and we seem to have a centre-forward curse at this football club,” said Wotton. “He might need a scan and definitely not going to be a quick fix.

“Cian Dillon acquitted himself very well, showed some good touches and I was pleased with him.”