Torquay United take huge leap toward confirming play-off place

The new era at Torquay United is looking increasingly positive after the Gulls secured an impressive 3-0 win at play-off rivals Weston-super-Mare.

The past two months at Plainmoor has been full of upheaval, dismissing Paul Wotton as manager after a torrid run of results that saw the play-off dream come under serious threat.

New boss Jimmy Ball has slowly steadied the ship and a 3-0 triumph at a big rival is a major statement, captain Matt Worthington opening the scoring before a late double from Louis Dennis underlined the victory.

The swirling wind was arguably the main player in the opening stages, as both sides struggled to find any rhythm in their play, United surviving a mild penalty scare when Louis Britton took a tumble in the box.

Seb Stacey was called into action with a routine save and the Gulls were in front moments later, Reece Evans, on his full debut since joining on loan from Reading, setting the pass perfectly for Worthington to steer a sublime finish beyond the home custodian.

It was the one moment of real quality in a breezy first period, Stacey demonstrating assured handling in tricky conditions and United repelling a number of set-pieces from Weston.

The Gulls released the moderate shackles with a tremendous break, Evans racking behind the home defence, only to be thwarted by brave goalkeeping from an alert Max Harris. Job done so far, but Evans was withdrawn at the interval for Louis Dennis.

United had to withstand a windy onslaught for much of the second half but the defence stood tall before Dan Hayfield and Jordan Dyer both went close to release the pressure.

A superb goalline clearance preserved the narrow advantage and Dennis took the hint, putting the game beyond doubt with two goals in the space of three minutes, both assisted by Sonny Blu Lo-Everton.

Roll on Bath City on Easter Monday, when maximum points would put United an extremely strong position to confirm the play-offs.