Torquay United bow out of FA Trophy after narrow defeat at Horsham

Torquay United's FA Trophy campaign came to an early end on Saturday as they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat against Horsham in West Sussex.

James Hammond's first-half penalty proved the difference between the sides, despite a much-improved second-half performance from the Gulls, who came agonisingly close to forcing a penalty shoot-out.

Manager Jimmy Ball made six changes to the team that recorded a convincing midweek victory at Hemel Hempstead, with goalkeeper Zak Baker making his senior debut. Cody Cooke, Sonny Blu Lo-Everton, Angelo Cappello, Sean Robertson and Caleb Roberts also returned to the starting line-up.

Horsham started strongly and put the visitors under early pressure, with United forced to defend several dangerous attacks.

The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when Roberts brought down Charlie Hester-Cook inside the penalty area, leaving the referee with little option but to point to the spot. Hammond stepped up and confidently dispatched the penalty beyond Baker to give the hosts the lead.

Torquay battled to find an immediate response but Horsham continued to look the more dangerous side. The Gulls were fortunate to reach half-time just one goal behind, with the crossbar coming to their rescue on three occasions.

Lee Harding came closest in the 42nd minute when his effort struck the underside of the bar and bounced down towards the goal-line before being cleared to safety.

United emerged after the interval with renewed purpose, raising their tempo and putting the Horsham defence under increasing pressure.

The hosts were forced to defend in numbers as Ball's side began to take control, although their well-organised backline proved difficult to break down.

With the game entering its final quarter, Torquay introduced fresh attacking options in an attempt to rescue the tie.

Substitutes Callum Morton and Matt Jay combined to create a promising opportunity, with Jay's effort forcing an excellent save from Horsham goalkeeper Sam Howes.

United came desperately close to an equaliser with nine minutes remaining when Dan Hayfield unleashed a powerful 25-yard strike which crashed against the crossbar, before bouncing away to safety.

There was still time for another opportunity as substitute Matt Worthington saw his goalbound effort blocked at close range, with Torquay's appeals for a penalty waved away.

Despite a determined late push, the Gulls were unable to find the breakthrough they needed to take the tie to penalties.

It was ultimately a frustrating afternoon for Ball and his players, who were left to rue missed opportunities and an unfortunate first-half penalty as their FA Trophy hopes ended at the first hurdle.