Torquay United produced a hard-fought performance to claim a 2-1 pre-season victory over Weston at the Optima Stadium on Friday. The game was competitive throughout, with both sides cancelling much of each other out in a cautious first half before the contest opened up in the second.
First-half opener for the visitors
The breakthrough came in first-half stoppage time after sustained pressure from the visitors. A free-kick delivered into the box found Sam Dreyer, whose header set up Kian Jenkins to steer home and put Torquay into a half-time lead. Prior to that, Jordan Young had tested keeper Max Harris with a close-range effort two minutes before the break.
Equaliser and late winner
Just short of the hour mark Weston drew level. A loose pass in midfield allowed Jacob Jagger Cane to create a chance and Liam Sercombe finished from close range. Both sides made several substitutions thereafter as managers sought to sharpen their sides ahead of the league campaign.
With three minutes remaining the game was decided. Substitute Sonny Blu Lo-Everton played a neat ball to Callum Morton at the back post and Morton tucked away the winner from around eight yards, sparking relief among the travelling fans.
Moments and standouts
- Dylan Morgan was central to several of United’s best moves and won the foul that led to the opening goal.
- Zak Baker, introduced in goal, produced two fine saves either side of Weston's equaliser.
- The new strike combination of Isaac Westendorf, Deon Moore and Callum Morton showed promising link-up play late on.
The win completes Torquay’s away pre-season fixtures, leaving three home friendlies before the league opener. The first of those at Plainmoor is a local highlight: a visit from Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday, which will give supporters another opportunity to assess Jimmy Ball’s preparations.
| Goal | Scorer | Minute |
|---|---|---|
| 1-0 | Kian Jenkins | First-half stoppage time |
| 1-1 | Liam Sercombe | Just under 60 minutes |
| 2-1 | Callum Morton | Three minutes from time |
For local supporters, the performance offered encouraging signs: organisation at the back kept Weston’s attacks at bay for long spells, while the substitutes made decisive contributions when the game was in the balance. Attention now turns to Plainmoor and the friendly against Plymouth, where further tweaks to the starting XI and formation are likely before the competitive season begins.
