Torquay United manager Jimmy Ball: “Brave and resilient to come through a hard fight”

Torquay United had to battle through the full range of footballing emotions before finally securing a dramatic 3-2 victory at home to Folkestone Invicta in the National League South.

After three home draws and a disappointing defeat at Farnham on Bank Holiday Monday, United needed a lift, and it arrived on eight minutes, Jacob Beaumont Clark curling a stunning strike into the top corner following what had been a nervous opening to the game.

The Gulls then began to soar, Deon Moore slotting home after an incisive break from Sonny Blu Lo-Everton. United could, and probably should, have been out of sight at the interval, but instead started the second period with a double sucker-punch.

Recently promoted Folkestone, who have made a fine start to their season, struck twice to level the match and the game turned into a stressful struggle, eventually decided by substitute Matt Jay fizzing a fine effort into the top corner for all three points.

“I would have liked it a bit easier, a bit less stress, but I’m delighted for everyone at the club: fans, players, staff because we all worked hard for that,” said United boss Jimmy Ball.

“The first half was frustrating because we should have come in 7-0 up, I don’t think that’s an exaggeration. We looked a bit shaky early on and Toby [Savin] had an issue really early in the game, which meant he couldn’t kick the ball.

“After the shaky start, we got into a rhythm of exciting football, scored two great goals and played how we want to play but you’re still scratching your head as to how we haven’t scored a hatful in the first half.

“What sometimes happens when you’ve been that dominant is you think you’ve done enough. I’m disappointed with their goal from a corner and the second was again one where we didn’t deal with it well enough.

“But I’m pleased for the players, for the work we’ve done, and for the three points. My job is to come down very quickly and start thinking about Maidenhead [on Tuesday night].

“The fans here are incredible and they helped us [get the win]. I think the players deserved all the support they got because I’m immensely proud of the resilience they showed.

“They were nervy at the start, understandably with the criticism we deserved, but they got braver and braver. We then got pegged back but got ourselves up again and every man gave everything for Torquay United today.

“It was a hard fight and we came through it to win the game.”