Magnificent seven for Torquay United in a Plainmoor demolition of Eastbourne

Torquay United delivered their finest 45 minutes of the season, banging in four unanswered goals against an outclassed Eastbourne Borough. The Gulls then added three more after the break for their biggest win under manager Paul Wotton.

The fun started with Louis Dennis opening the scoring on just six minutes and many more chances were spurned before he doubled his personal tally with a side-foot finish beyond the advancing goalkeeper.

Jordan Young and Dylan Morgan added two more before the break, and then the headlines and match-ball were handed to Dennis, who completed his hat-trick. Young and Morgan also both struck again to round off a magnificent seven.

The Gulls set down an early marker with dangerous crosses from both Jay Foulston and Matt Jay before a lovely assist by Jordan Thomas teed up Dennis for a simple opener. The onslaught continued with Dan Hayfield and Morgan forcing successive saves from the over-worked Eastbourne custodian.

United then pulled together a delicious team move, culminating in Sonny Blu Lo-Everton forcing another top save from Ryan Sandford. Young slotted the rebound but the assistant’s flag quelled celebrations.

Not for long though!

Dennis raced clear on the half-hour and slid a neat finish beyond Sandford and when James Hamon made his first meaningful block at the other end, United took that as a warning to reassert their authority.

The third goal, six minutes before half-time, was a sumptuous team move, Dennis executing the final pass with a lovely backheel for Young to convert. Eastbourne looked a beaten side and that status was confirmed by Morgan firing an angled drive beyond the hapless Sandford.

United ignored the second-half tradition of coasting along with their sizeable lead, deciding instead to inflict more pain on Eastbourne, with Dennis striding through the middle of the park and flashing a delightful finish into the bottom corner.

Not be outdone, Morgan slotted a copy-cat strike just two minutes later, shifting the ball on to his left foot before fizzing a low effort into the opposite corner. Obviously jealous of the attention, Young also added his brace, lobbing over a bemused Sandford for number seven.

Wotton gave a debut to new signing Sonny Sharples-Ahmed but the Gulls did finally take their foot off the gas in the closing stages. A great win after a tough week and perfect prep for the visit of high-flying Worthing.