Reality check: Torquay United have the potential to be a very good team

Groans and grumbles have dominated the recent Torquay United narrative, but a powerful 3-1 victory at Farnborough on Bonfire Night reminded all of the quality in Paul Wotton’s side.

A rough defeat at Dorking, accompanied by sluggish away form and a home loss to leaders Hornchurch, has prompted some disquiet among the Yellow Army, but the response on a drizzly November evening was full of intent.

Louis Dennis arguably sorted the result with two goals in the opening two minutes before Jordan Dyer sealed the deal with a second-half header. Rakish Bingham did slot a penalty consolation for the hosts, but this was a night when Torquay showed they can also be a good side away from home.

The start from United was beyond explosive, pressing their hosts into submission and when the ball was worked to Callum Dolan in the left channel, his flicked pass with the outside of the boot was perfect for Dennis to meet first time and slot beyond goalkeeper Jack Turner.

The fireworks continued to sparkle for the Gulls, as one became two from the next attack. Jay Foulston clipped a deep free-kick into the penalty area, and when the ball bounced loose after the initial header had been won by the Gulls, Dennis had a simple tap-in from two yards.

The aforementioned grumbles felt like a distant memory in an opening quarter full of intensity and quality from the Gulls, evidenced perfectly by United winning the ball back in midfield and a surging run from Dennis, which only ended after a brace of cheeky nutmegs from the man on a hat-trick.

It was turning into a great night for those in attendance on the outskirts of London, joined by a healthy crowd back at Plainmoor, watching on the telly with a warming chicken curry in the Gulls Nest.

Momentum continued with a delicious move on the half-hour, Jordan Young released down the right and when his initial cross rebounded back to the same Gull, United’s leading scorer attempted a sneaky effort that almost beat Turner at the near post.

The Dennis dreams of a treble were cruelly ended by injury on 35 minutes, replaced by Sonny Fish. The change in personnel had no impact on the game pattern, as Dolan threatened a third, jinking on to his right foot for a bouncing effort repelled by Turner.

Half-time arrived with Farnborough failing to land a glove, or even a mitten, on the Gulls.

Given the complete dominance of the first period, there was no qualms about a sedate opening 15 minutes to the second half, punctuated by a Matt Jay effort saved by Turner. United goalkeeper James Hamon, meanwhile, remained the most underworked player in the building.

The Gulls were in complete control, playing some terrific football at times, as demonstrated by a slick move that released Jay into the right channel and his low shot was turned wide by Turner.

It was a momentary reprieve for the outplayed hosts, as the game was done and dusted from the subsequent corner, swung deep for Dyer to nod back across goal into the gaping net.

From all the United positivity, Farnborough responded by winning a soft handball penalty from a corner, and Bingham smashed it into the top corner.

The goal prompted a flurry of enthusiasm from the home side and some rare work for the United defensive pack, but never any real sign of a fightback, despite one late goalmouth scramble that briefly reignited home hopes.

Move on to Maidenhead, where another away win for the Gulls would silence the travelling tumult.