Magpies downed by dominant display as Torquay move five points clear
Torquay United 2,
Maidenhead United 1
A dominant display from hosts Torquay United sent Maidenhead United to a second defeat in three matches with the National League leaders claiming a 2-1 win which was more emphatic than the scoreline suggests.
The result takes the Gulls five points clear at the top of the table while the Magpies cling onto fourth place by a point having played four more matches than Stockport who sit a spot below them.
It was a flat and frustrating performance for Maidenhead who were hoping to ignite another winning streak after Saturday’s hard-fought victory at Eastleigh. But after making the three hour trip across to Plainmoor, Torquay ensured
the Magpies would be returning home empty-handed having dominated their visitors right from the first whistle.
Kyle Cameron tested Taye Ashby-Hammond and Danny Wright fired wide within the opening five minutes as the Magpies were given little time to settle after their long journey.
Next, Ben Whitfield saw a well-struck effort parried over the crossbar and out of play. From the resulting cross, Sam Barratt was on defensive duty as he forced a shot off the line and out for a second corner. Fortunately, Fraser Kerr was denied by Ashby-Hammond at the second attempt.
Manny Parry was called into action next to deny a goalbound effort from Aaron Nemane before Wright had another attempt at goal sail over the bar. The ball eventually found its way into the back of the Magpies’ net just after the half hour mark following Jake Andrews’ free kick, but the goal was chalked off after the referee noticed Ashby-Hammond had been impeded.
It looked likely that Maidenhead were going to make it into the break a little worn but unscathed. However on the stroke of half-time, Whifield was sent through on goal and had the patience to chip over the onrushing Ashby-Hammond to break the deadlock.
The Magpies turned the pressure on in the second period but perhaps not enough on Shaun MacDonald’s goal until Torquay doubled their lead. Ashby-Hammond produced a fine double save in the opening minute of the second half when Connor Lemonheigh
Evans’ effort was initially parried and the follow up from Wright was turned past the woodwork.
Having been knocking on the door all evening, Wright eventually got his name onto the scoresheet when he glanced home Jake Andrews’ cross just before the hour to send Torquay 2-0 up. Down the other end, Kerr denied Nathan Blissett with a goalline clearance before substitute Josh Smile saw his effort deflected wide.
Shaun Donnellan eventually found the breakthrough and nodded home a goal for the Magpies in the 83rd minute. The hosts, however, nearly had the final say when Adam Rendell’s free-kick rattled the crossbar in the game’s dying embers.