Saturday’s 4-1 home win against Dartford on Saturday was ‘something this football club was craving and needed’

The 4-1 victory over Dartford at home on Saturday, according to acting manager Aaron Downes, was “something this football club was craving and needed” as the players attempt to move up the National League South standings in the face of a points deduction and possible administration threats.

Following a goalless first half that suggested a more dramatic second half, the Gulls found themselves up to four goals. It was also really dramatic.

After Aaron Jarvis was hauled over himself in the 48th minute and scored from the penalty spot, the first three goals came in a thrilling four minutes. Jarvis struck bravely, sending the ball hard to the left of the custodian on a slick surface.

After a fantastic play down the right featuring Jarvis and Jack Stobbs, and a deft pass to the back post by Lewis Collins that allowed Arkell Jude-Boyd to score from close range, the score was 2-0 two minutes later. Billy Terrell parried Jarvis’ initial attempt, and in the fifty-second minute, Brad Ash made it 3-0 with a flick over the keeper. The players were in a frenzied state of mind and the audience was rocking during the second half’s intense start.

But there was a nervous fifteen minutes after Ibby Akanbi of Dartford broke through to beat Mark Halstead in the 70th minute with a deft touch past the Torquay custodian. That is, until the 88th minute, when Duane Ofori-Acheampong scored the game-winning goal after getting on the end of a cross at the far post. The striker’s first goal after joining the team again was this one.

After the game, Downes expressed his apparent joy by declaring, “The players deserve the credit.” They have learned so much, but they still needed to have faith in their ability to win a football game, which they accomplished admirably.

“We were pleased with several aspects of the first half, but it lacked a true cutting edge or finished product. And in the final seven minutes of the half, they fixed that. They took off like a bird.

“We believe we have been the stronger and more dominant team, but they do pose a threat and have some talented players on their roster. Additionally, they do it in a way that is embarrassing.

“The most satisfying part of the game, when it gets to 3-1, is how the boys react to counteract out. We were, to be honest, a little bit on the ropes for 15 minutes, but they really turned it around and went back and got another one to make it 4-1 and a comfortable afternoon that we could all enjoy.”

Torquay is now seventh in the table with ten games remaining, seven points outside of the play-off spots, although they still face the possibility of being suspended and facing a 10-point fine. The club was given an additional two weeks (10 working days) last Thursday to finalise a deal. The three parties that were reportedly in talks to purchase the team are now thought to have added a fourth party—someone who is attempting to assemble a group of supporters.