Hampton & Richmond saw their eight game unbeaten run come to an end, thanks to a sole Torquay penalty, converted by Asa Hall midway through the first-half. The result keeps the Beavers fourth in the National League South, with Second place Chelmsford City tightening their grasp on the top play-off position after a dramatic late victory at Taunton.
Torquay began the game as the brighter of the two teams, with Jack Stobbs hitting several whipped crosses into the away box. Brad Ash also saw his chipped cross just miss his target-man who was free at the back post. Hampton & Richmond did create some chances, however, as Sam Deadfield lofted a delicious cross to the back post, with Alex Gibson-Hammond unlucky only to hit the side netting. After 15 minutes, the game began to settle, with the hosts controlling possession but not really testing Adam Desbois in goal.
It was just before the half hour mark when the deadlock was broken. Brad Ash took control of the ball well, inside the box and with his back to goal. As he twisted and turned, Luis Fernandez attempted too stick a leg out to win the ball, catching Ash, who duly to a tumble, and the referee pointed to the spot. Adam Desbois guessed the correct way as Asa Hall shot to his right, but the Keeper just couldn't get enough on it.
In the second half, Hampton & Richmond looked much the better side, especially with the introduction of Josh Anifowose for Jordan Thomas on the hour-mark. The midfielder helped to drive the team forward, and just moments after his introduction, the visitors created one of their better chances. The ball fell to Ruaridh Donaldson, whose cross deceived almost everyone, beating the goalkeeper and requiring a goal-line clearance. Ten minutes later, Donaldson was involved again, this time he was left completely unmarked at the back post. His diving header went agonisingly wide.
The visiting supporters were then treated to the rare site of seeing Dean Inman up-front, as Tope Fadahunsi was forced to come off with a slight knock. The Beavers continued to press until the end, but on this occasion, the day belonged to Torquay, who secured the three points and put some much needed distance between themselves and the relegation places.
Manager Mel Gwinnett gave his thoughts on the game "Ultimately neither 'Keeper had too much to do in that game, especially Adam. We've always been a team who are happy to be without the ball for large periods, and Torquay didn't actually create too much with it. In the second half especially I thought we were much the better team and definitely deserved something out of that one, but that's football. It was a great occasion with so many fans here getting behind the Torquay players and hopefully this will give them the lift they needed after such a difficult season on and off the pitch."
The Beavers return to Beveree Stadium this Good Friday! We host Tonbridge Angels in the NLS with Easter Egg Hunts, prizes, wide food selections and more! Tickets just £12 for adults!