Torquay United cruise to comfortable victory at Hemel Hempstead
Goals from Matt Worthington and Matt Jay seal three points for Torquay United
Torquay United made it consecutive victories on Tuesday evening with an impressive 2-0 away win over Hemel Hempstead, as Jimmy Ball’s side continued their climb in the right direction.
The Gulls produced a composed and professional display to secure all three points, with first-half goals from captain Matt Worthington and Matt Jay putting them firmly in control.
Ball was forced into two changes from the side that defeated Walton & Hersham in their previous outing. Harry Shield and Callum Morton were brought into the starting line-up, replacing the suspended Jake Wannell and Deon Moore, who was away on international duty with Guyana.
Torquay made an immediate impact and took the lead after just 10 minutes. Shield, making his return to the starting XI, delivered an inviting ball into the Hemel Hempstead penalty area, where Worthington was on hand to produce a superb left-footed finish and put the visitors ahead.
United continued to dictate proceedings and doubled their advantage 10 minutes before half-time. Shield was again the provider, with Jay showing excellent control before firing past Hemel goalkeeper Michael Johnson to give the visitors a commanding 2-0 lead.
The hosts emerged with greater urgency after the interval, knowing that an early goal could potentially change the complexion of the contest. Both sides created opportunities during an entertaining opening to the second half, but Torquay remained organised and determined to protect their advantage.
Hemel threatened to get back into the game, only for Dom Bernard and Shield to produce crucial defensive interventions, with both players making important clearances to preserve the visitors' two-goal cushion.
At the other end, Johnson was called upon to keep his side in contention, producing an excellent save to parry away Tegan Finn's effort.
However, Torquay continued to look the more dangerous side and came close to adding a third goal in the closing stages. Substitute Sonny Blu Lo-Everton almost marked his return to action in spectacular fashion when his 79th-minute effort clipped the woodwork.
There was to be no further scoring, as Ball's side comfortably managed the closing stages to secure another valuable three points on the road.