United 1
(Carson 45+2′)
Aveley 1
(Hernandez 59′)
The points were shared at Plainmoor on Saturday, as Torquay fought out a 1-1 draw with Aveley.
Fresh from signing an extended deal at Plainmoor, it was Matt Carson who put The Gulls ahead on the stroke of half-time, before Alex Hernandez levelled things up in the second half though. Despite United’s best efforts, that was the way it stayed.
Having secured a 3-2 win at Chesham in dramatic fashion last time out, manager Paul Wotton shuffled his pack once more by making three charges, with Finley Craske, Brad Ash and Oscar Threlkeld replacing Finn Tonks, Jadyn Crosbie and Roddy Collins in the starting XI.
After emerging from a closely-fought first twenty minutes unscathed, United went on the offensive in search of the opening goal.
With both of Torquay’s front men competing for an aerial ball, Cody Cooke’s knock-down rebounded kindly for the closely-stationed Ash, with visiting goalkeeper Carey Bloedorn doing well to smother not one, but two, close-range Ash strikes.
The Millers’ stopper was swiftly called into action again moments later, with the ball reworked to the left-hand side, allowing Carson to deliver the back post, where Dan Hayfield’s header forced the ‘keeper to palm over his crossbar.
In the 33rd minutes, they went close once more.
Hayfield’s cut-back from the right flank was no doubt intended for Ash, however with the ball travelling all the way across the edge of the 18-yard box, Lirak Hasani was perfectly placed to attempt a repeat of last weekend’s heroics – however, on this occasion, a defensive header saw the goalbound shot deflected over the crossbar.
Torquay were now starting to enjoy the best of possession and openings, although it must be said Aveley were still giving a good account of themselves, with a number of threatening-looking set-pieces keeping the United defenders busy at the other end.
Just when it looked as though it would be all-square at the break, Wotton’s men went ahead.
Carson had already proven himself to be a willing outlet down the left flank, and with his run forcing The Millers defenders back into their own penalty area, his cross-shot caught everyone out by dipping over Bloedorn – but under the crossbar – to give United an interval advantage.
The men in yellow were immediately on the front foot after changing ends for the second half, and it should have been 2-0 on 55 minutes.
A lovely passing move saw United stretch their opponents, and after substitute Tonks feed Ed Palmer on the overlap, his deep cross onto the penalty spot was met by Hasani, but on this occasion his first-time volley cleared the upright by some margin.
Regrouping after that let-off, Aveley drew level in style just short of the hour mark.
After winning a free-kick 22 yards out and left of centre, Hernandez stepped up to curled a fine free-kick over the wall and inside the post, past Hamon’s despairing dive.
Wotton’s men applied plenty of pressure thereafter, and had plenty of the ball, however they weren’t really able to create much in the way of clear-cut openings against a well-marshalled Aveley defence.
A string of corners in the dying stages saw United set up camp inside the opposing penalty area, however the visitors were back in numbers, with their combined efforts doing enough to keep Torquay out.
Not the result they wanted at 3pm, but another point on the board nonetheless.
UNITED: 1. James Hamon, 2. Finley Craske (17. Finn Tonks, HT), 3 Jay Foulston, 5. Sam Dreyer, 7. Lirak Hasani (10. Omar Mussa, 62′), 11. Brad Ash, 14. Matt Carson, 16. Ed Palmer, 18. Oscar Threlkeld (c), 19. Cody Cooke (9. Ben Seymour, 62′), 20. Dan Hayfield.
SUBS NOT USED: 8. Roddy Collins, 15. Jadyn Crosbie.
AVELEY: 1. Carey Bloedorn, 2. Jason Ring, 3. Alex Kpakpe, 4. Adam Leathers (14. Ikechi Eze, 77′), 5. Harry Gibbs (c), 6. Harry Beadle, 7. Emmanuel Ogunrinde (16. Kenny Aileru, 88′), 8. Luke Allen (17. Ryan Bernal, 86′), 9. Charlee Hughes, 10. Alex Hernandez (12. David Kawa, 71′), 11. Tyrese Owen.
SUBS NOT USED: 15. Razzaq Coleman.
Attendance: 3,263 (22 away)