Torquay United return to winning ways with impressive away victory

Torquay United bounced back in style on Saturday as Jimmy Ball's side produced a dominant display in Surrey to secure a convincing 3-0 victory and get their promotion push back on track.

The Gulls put their midweek disappointment against Totton behind them with an excellent all-round performance at the Elmbridge Xcel Sports Hub, with Matt Jay, Cody Cooke and Jacob Beaumont-Clark all finding the net.

Ball made five changes to his starting line-up following the defeat at Totton, bringing in Dom Bernard, Beaumont-Clark, Dan Hayfield, Taylor Scarff and Tegan Finn as United looked to return to winning ways.

The changes certainly had the desired effect, with Torquay taking control from the opening whistle and immediately putting their hosts under pressure.

Their positive approach was rewarded after 18 minutes when Jay opened the scoring with a composed finish.

Goalkeeper Toby Savin quickly turned defence into attack with an excellent clearance, allowing United to move forward at pace. The ball eventually found its way to Jay, who showed great composure to lift it over the advancing Dillon Addai and give the visitors a deserved lead.

The Gulls continued to dominate and almost doubled their advantage six minutes later when Jake Wannell came close to turning Finn's dangerous delivery into the net from close range.

Despite United's superiority, resolute defending from the home side ensured they went into the interval just one goal behind.

However, there was little change after the restart as Ball's men continued to dictate proceedings and search for a second goal.

A Finn corner caused further problems for the Walton defence, with Jay and Wannell both threatening to force the ball over the line.

Hayfield then tested Addai with a well-struck effort, only for the goalkeeper to produce an important save.

The hosts briefly threatened an equaliser when Makise Evans beat the offside trap and found himself through on goal, but Savin was equal to the effort, producing a good save to preserve Torquay's advantage.

That proved to be an important moment as United finally gave themselves some breathing space in the 72nd minute.

A series of substitutions injected fresh energy into the visitors, and one of those introduced, Cooke, made an immediate impact.

Bernard delivered an excellent cross into the Walton penalty area, where Cooke rose highest to power a header into the back of the net and make it 2-0.

With the points now looking increasingly secure, Torquay continued to enjoy themselves and added a third goal to put the result beyond doubt.

Beaumont-Clark provided the finishing touch with an excellent individual effort. Having initially seen his route towards a left-footed shot blocked, the former Everton wide player showed impressive skill to switch onto his right foot, cut inside and curl a superb effort beyond Addai.

It was a fitting way to cap an outstanding afternoon for the midfielder and a thoroughly professional team performance.

The hosts were denied a late consolation when the woodwork came to Torquay's rescue, ensuring Savin and his defence completed the afternoon with a clean sheet.