Jimmy Ball praised his players’ toughness and commitment after Matt Worthington’s decisive goal secured a 1-0 FA Cup victory at Tonbridge Angels.
Speaking in his post-match interview with BBC Radio Devon Sport, the United manager reflected on a clinical counterattack and a determined defensive display that booked the Gulls’ place in the next round.
For Ball, the performance delivered exactly what the occasion demanded.
“That’s what the day required,” he said. “It required us to come here and be grittier, tougher, more aggressive, more committed. And that’s what happened.”
Tonbridge tested United throughout, but the Gulls’ goalkeeper and defence rose to the challenge to protect a valuable clean sheet.
“They’re a good side, strong, well drilled, and really put it on you,” said Ball. “We knew that. We planned for it, we spoke about it, and the players went and delivered.”
At the other end, Worthington provided the all-important finish following impressive hold-up play from Callum Morton — a move that reflected United’s preparations for the tie.
“It was a great goal from our point of view because we did highlight that they would give us chances to do that,” Ball explained.
“Fair play to them, when they come and put the ball on you, they do commit bodies. We capitalised on that, thankfully.
“We knew it was always going to be a very, very tight game, and possibly one goal.”
United also showed tactical flexibility, with Ball switching to a 4-3-3 during the first half as Tonbridge adjusted to the visitors’ initial shape and pushed their right-back further forward.
“We always had a change in mind once they adapted to it,” he said. “They were game and they kept coming, which I knew they would, and we just had enough today.”
At half-time, Ball’s message was to maintain concentration, keep making the right decisions and remain patient when opportunities to attack arrived.
“The message at half-time was: don’t get bored of defending. Don’t think that today requires anything else. Don’t try to overcomplicate it,” he said.
“Play in the right areas, play in the right moments when you get your chances to play.”
That focus remained essential deep into stoppage time, with Tonbridge continuing to press until the final whistle.
“You’re going to be under pressure until the very last kick of the game, which they were,” Ball added. “They stood up and were counted, so they were fantastic.”
With United safely through, the manager was happy to leave thoughts of the next opponents until the draw.
“I always have an idea in my head, and then it’s the complete opposite, so I’m not going to say a word,” he said.
“We just take it wherever we go and enjoy it.”
