Clinical and quality finishes make the difference for Torquay United

Torquay United moved to within three points of leaders Worthing in the National League South after a superb 4-1 demolition of Hampton & Richmond Borough at Plainmoor.

The Gulls were dominant for virtually the entire day, apart from falling behind to a shock goal on 21 minutes, but Callum Dolan restored parity with a gorgeous curling finish before half-time.

After the break, United’s control of the game was accurately reflected in the scoreline. Sonny Blu Lo-Everton, operating in his favoured role, notched the second from a Jordan Young assist. Young then rifled in number three and Dylan Morgan completed the scoring with another thunderous strike.

“It was a really good performance and a really good three points,” said United manager Paul Wotton. “We scored four top class goals, should have had a lot more as well, but a very professional and patient performance.

“We played some good football, just a ten-second lapse when they scored. We haven’t been clinical in previous games, but all four finishes were fantastic, and I also think Hampton’s goalkeeper played very well.

“Our mentality was right, other than that ten seconds, but we were ruthless and I enjoyed watching us. I said to Mikey [assistant manager Mike Edwards] that it would be handy to go in 1-1 at half-time.

“It was a little bit of guile and quality from Callum, whereas previous weeks we’ve been guilty of thrashing at it and maybe being a bit too desperate to score. He showed the calmness to just feed it in the corner.

“We played Sonny Blu as a number ten, which is his natural position. He’s not a central midfield player but the calmness from Youngy [was very good]. Youngy’s finish was excellent and Dylan’s top drawer as well, I’m not sure which one was the best.”

If there was a downside to an otherwise excellent day, it came in the form of worrying knocks for Dolan and full-back Jordan Thomas, with the Dolan injury looking the more serious out of the two.

The Gulls will assess the pair ahead of another home game next weekend, this time against Maidstone, but Wotton’s final words were full of praise for the Yellow Army, particularly those who endured the long trip to Dover for a late postponement seven days previous.

“We’ve got two injuries, which I’m very concerned about but that’s been standard practice this season,” added Wotton. “I’m concerned about both of them, we’ll see what happens over the next couple of days.

“Other than that, the boys were great and over 3,000 fans in the second week of January, thank-you very much because that’s a tremendous home gate. Everyone’s had an expensive Christmas and some travelled to Dover as well, so it was very much appreciated.”