Hemel Hempstead wonder-strike proves painful at Plainmoor for Torquay United

Torquay United’s final home game of the regular season ended in anti-climax after a 2-1 defeat to promotion rivals Hemel Hempstead.

United fell behind to an early strike from Remaye Campbell before Deon Moore restored parity going into the half-time break, but Mauro Vilhete won it early in the second half with a tremendous strike from distance.

In glorious Plainmoor sunshine, the early stages took a while to catch to fire, and when they did, Hemel were the beneficiaries with the opening goal on the counter, George Williams squaring the ball for Campbell to slot an easy finish beyond an exposed Seb Stacey.

It was a shock to the system for the Gulls after four straight wins and some terrific attacking football in recent weeks, but the juggernaut spluttered into life with Jordan Young latching on to a long ball over the top.

Hemel, however, crowded out the danger, but there was a growing sense of optimism among the Yellow Army, boosted even further by a deep cross from Dan Hayfield that came within inches of finding the arriving Moore.

United were level ten minutes before the interval, Callum Dolan pouncing on some slack play from the visitors to guide a lovely pass into the run of Moore, who took a touch wide before firing past the advancing custodian.

Dolan looked to continue the momentum with a low strike fielded by Hemel stopper Michael Johnson, although Stacey had to be on his guard in the dying seconds of the half with a near-post block.

The second period was just a few minutes old when Vilhete won it for Hemel with a scorching strike into the top corner.

United boss Jimmy Ball turned to Louis Dennis and newly-crowned Player of the Season Sonny Blu Lo-Everton, who did both add impetus to the Gulls, but Hemel were doing a fine job of slowing the game down.

There was plenty of endeavour in the closing stages from United but credit to Hemel, they did their job with composure and discipline. The Gulls now travel to Tonbridge, where they will need something from the game to guarantee a play-off place.