Late winner secures dramatic victory for TUWFC at Plainmoor
Torquay United’s women earned their first three points of the season on Sunday, as they ran out winners over old rivals Sherborne.
The match was only seven minutes old when United took the lead.
Roxy Thomas’ deep delivery into the box was punched away by Sherborne goalkeeper Emily Wilkinson – but only into the path of the lurking Lily Hilton, who gleefully bundled the ball over the line from six yards out.
United created a couple of decent opportunities to add to that advantage, with Jasmine Barker and Matilda Franchi looking particularly threatening.
Five minutes before the break though, the visitors drew level in spectacular fashion.
After being awarded a free-kick some 45 yards out, Sienna Trusson surprised everyone inside Plainmoor by floating a fine effort over United stopper Carly Kelland and into the net to make it 1-1.
Level-pegging at the halfway point.
It was United that were on top following the restart.
Time and again the team in yellow ventured with purpose into the Sherborne box, without managing to find the crucial finishing touch.
Then, out of nowhere, Town went ahead.
Rebecca McMullin’s challenge on the Sherborne attacker initially looked a fair one, however, after gaining a second opinion from the assistant, the referee ignored the disapproval of the Yellow Army and awarded a penalty.
Despite getting a hand to it, kelland was beaten by Chloe Snook to make it 1-2.
With only a quarter of the game remaining, things looked ominous for Ryan Perks’ side, but instead of wilting in the wet, United dug in to pluck victory from defeat.
With nine minutes remaining, a superb right-footed ball into the box took out the Sherborne goalkeeper, and landed right onto the head of Hilton at the back post to restore parity.
Five minutes later, the comeback was complete.
Having won a series of corners without seeing any reward, the 86th minute brought about glory, as a goalmouth scramble inside the six-yard box ended with debutant Georgie Knott stabbing the ball over the line to turn one point into three.
Torquay held on to seal three precious points, and deservedly so.
UNITED: 21. Carly Kelland, 2. Lucy Palmer (c), 3. Roxy Thomas, 4. Lily Hilton, 6. Matilda Franchi, 7. Emily Elliott, 8. Katelyn Bell, 14. Jas Barker (12. Issy Hillier-Nickels, 72′), 16. Jess Geach, 19. Bex McMullin, 15. Georgie Knott.
Subs: 1. Esme Bradley, 17. Sasha Mole, 23. Kiera Harvey, 29. Lexie Hembry
Yellow Card: Hillier-Nickels 89′
Attendance: 208
