Timing just right for Torquay United in the defeat of Horsham at Plainmoor

Torquay United booked their first victory under new manager Jimmy Ball with an efficient 2-0 defeat of Horsham.

The Gulls controlled the game from start to finish, breaking the deadlock early through Dylan Morgan in a first period that could have yielded a lot more goals.

After the break, United defended stoutly when needed and also had more chances to score, eventually sealing the win with an own goal from Sonny Blu Lo-Everton’s free-kick.

“We wanted to be on the front-foot and the hope was to have a really attacking, dominating performance,” said Ball.

“We created some really good chances in the first half, so we were pleased at half-time but 1-0 is a tough place to be and we had to guard against complacency. To a man, we defended really well and got the clean sheet that has been a long time coming.

“From wide free-kicks, you’ve got to run across people, that’s all set-pieces are. If you get the delivery right and get the timing right, it works.

“Overall, I’m really pleased with the day, with the clean sheet being the most important thing. The players are giving me everything and trying to do all that I ask from them.

“I’m never satisfied, there is loads for me to work on and things for us to guard against, but I’m pleased for the fans and the players. My job is to not get carried away, keep my feet firmly on the ground and hopefully deliver something special.”

Torquay United Women came out on the right side of an insane 11-goal thriller at Gloucester City on Sunday to book a place in the League Cup Final.

United grabbed the lead with a angled finish from Beth Everson and they held that narrow advantage until half-time, but the next 45 minutes included ten goals and some unbelievable drama.

Connie Pengelly doubled the lead with a strike from distance before Gloucester reduced the deficit. Everson quickly restored the two-goal advantage but the hosts responded in style, smashing home two goals to bring the scores level.

United went back in front 16 minutes from time, Tee Kaptein notching from close range and the goals kept on coming, Everson completed her hat-trick and when the dust had settled on a crazy game, the Gulls had prevailed 6-5 to book a place in the final against Poole Town.