The Wanderers made the long trip down to the English Riviera, in search of a return to winning ways in a fixture that has always proven to be high in goals. Last season, the two sides met on three occasions and accumulated 14 goals across all three meetings.
There was a shock to the system before the whistle had even blown at Plainmoor. Jack Wood was meant to start; however, the in-form wide player unfortunately pulled up injured in the warm-up. He was replaced by Dawid Rogalski at short notice.
The hosts had the first sight on goal of the game. Caleb Roberts struck a low effort on target; however, Glenn Morris was on hand to steer the ball away from danger with a good low save.
The Wanderers would then get their first look around the 18-minute mark. Brennan Camp charged down the right flank and was able to square the ball to James McShane. His low, drilled strike was parried away by Gulls’ shot-stopper Toby Savin.
However, not long after, the hosts were able to break the deadlock. Tegan Finn’s strike from the right-hand side was palmed into the path of Deon Moore, who was able to bundle home from close range to give Torquay the lead. 23’ 1-0
The hosts came very close to making it two just moments after the opening goal. Louie Annesley was able to provide a superb block to deny the Gulls a second from close range, before Finn rattled the upright, putting the pressure on the Wanderers.
In true Wanderers fashion, we found the equaliser just past the half-hour mark. A neatly created move allowed George Nikaj to hoist the ball towards goal, meeting the head of Dawid Rogalski, who was able to net his fifth of the season, and his third in as many games. 31’ 1-1
The hosts came close once more as the half drew to a close. The ball fell kindly to Jacob Beaumont-Clark on the edge of the box; his strike from twenty yards crashed onto the crossbar.
HALF TIME: Torquay United 1-1 Dorking Wanderers
Ten minutes was all it took for the Wanderers to find themselves ahead for the first time in the game. Josh Barrett delivered a corner which sailed through many yellow and red shirts in the six-yard box and made its way into the back of the net, giving the Wanderers the advantage in stylish fashion. 56’ 1-2
The hosts were able to level proceedings once more a further ten minutes later. A free kick from the edge of the box was placed perfectly by Sonny Blu Lo-Everton to square the game once again. 68’ 2-2
The contest took another turn with around ten minutes left to play. Gulls defender Jake Wannell reacted abruptly to a refereeing decision in a manner in which the man in the middle did not agree with. As a result, the home side were reduced to ten men for the remainder of the match.
In the dying embers of the game, the Wanderers seemed to be under pressure. Lo-Everton’s ball into the danger area was half-cleared to substitute Dan Hayfield, who drove a low shot towards goal, which was fortunately blocked.
The Wanderers also saw the likes of Isaac Philpot and Dan Pybus get booked deep into stoppage time.
FULL TIME: Torquay United 2-2 Dorking Wanderers
Another high-scoring affair for the Wanderers ultimately ended with the points being shared in Devon. You can hear the post-match reaction from the gaffer by clicking the link here.
We take a break from league action as we begin our FA Cup campaign next Sunday, as we travel to West London to face Isthmian League South Central outfit Southall FC. Do not miss the Wanderers in action and secure your coach travel for Sunday afternoon here.
You can see the line-ups, cards, substitutes and more from this game by using our match centre!