Match report by Fred Deveson.

A chilly afternoon in the South West saw the hosts Torquay United pick up their first win in 2024, after a long-range cracker from Brett McGavin sealed Dover’s fate.

There was action before the game had kicked-off at Plainmoor, as sadly Bailey Akehurst picked up a nasty knee injury in the warm-up. The left-back was stretchered off to the applause of all fans. He was replaced in the starting lineup by Peter Ojemen; his first game this year.

After a thoughtful minute silence, the game kicked off and it was high intensity from the start. The Gulls were full of energy and had the crowd right behind them, but it was the visitors who had the edge. Two corners came in from Dover in quick succession, but nothing came from them. 

The Dover pressure continued, and Oyenuga was making good progress until a nasty challenge left him in a heap on the floor.The resulting free-kick came to nothing. 

Torquay had a chance to build their own pressure following this flurry from Dover. The hosts had a penalty shout waved away by the referee, much to the anger of the home faithful. 

Dover came forward again after this, and it was Wilkinson who created the chance with a fantastic flick to George Nikaj, who was in on goal, but a brilliant tackle by the Torquay defender stopped the Dover number 10 getting a shot on goal.

Da Silva for the hosts was beginning to make life hard for Ojemen on the right hand side, and it wasn’t long before Torquay had the ball in the Dover penalty area. Another penalty shout was dismissed by the referee, angering the Yellow Army even more. 

The pressure from the home side continued, however, and Jinadu was called into action when a spin and shot had to be saved down to his left. 

Not long later, there was a succession of corners by the hosts, who crowded the Dover goalkeeper in the hope of forcing a mistake. The Whites dealt with it well, however, and the half time whistle came shortly after.

Torquay started the second half with plenty of energy and intensity, but it was Dover who had the best chance early on. A great ball into the box was just missed by Naylor, who couldn’t quite his head on it, much to the relief of Torquay. 

Torquay then began their onslaught of chances. Some intricate passing in the Dover box lead to a good chance for the Torquay number three, who hit his effort straight at Jinadu.

The goal came soon after, however, and what a goal it was. McGavin picked the ball up just outside the area and he had the time and space to unleash a strike which buried itself in the left corner of Jinadu’s goal. The hosts took a deserved lead.

The Dover boss tried to change things up after the goal, with Oladipo coming off the bench. Roman Charles-Cook later switched to left back, with Allen and Sutherland coming on to try and attack the wings more. Peter Ojemen was brought off to allow these attacking changes.

In the final few minutes, Dover did not go out without a fight. Nikaj received the ball and worked his way towards the penalty area, winning a corner. Following the corner, Allen picked the ball up on the right and entered the box. The winger looked to be brought down, but the shout was waved away once again by the referee, much to the anger of the 13 travelling Dover fans.

Torquay then implemented their time wasting strategies keepingthe ball in the corner, and eventually holding out for their first win of 2024. 

It was another disappointing afternoon for Dover Athletic, who are winless so far this year. 

Torquay United: 1. Mark Halstead, 3. Dan Martin, 6. Ross Marshall, 8. Asa Hall (4. Tom Lapslie,  67′), 11. Brad Ash (10. Lewis Collins, 75′), 14. Brett McGavin, 17. Dillon De Silva, 18. Will Jenkins Davies, 21. Dean Moxey (c), 23. Ollie Tomlinson, 30. Ethon Archer.

SUBS NOT USED: 22. Rhys Lovett, 26. Archie Harris, 32. Osman Foyo.

DOVER ATHLETIC: 1. Daniel Jinadu, 3. Roman Charles-Cook, 4. Peter Ojemen (11. Ifeanyi Allen, 66′), 6. James Dunne (c) (9. Zidan Sutherland, 83′), 10. George Nikaj, 14. George Wilkinson, 15. Charlie Naylor, 16. Jacob Mensah, 20. Nick Dembele (7. Denstiny Oladipo,62′), 25. John Oyenuga, 26. Scott Holding.

SUBS NOT USED:  8. Freddie Oliver, 22. Luke Baptiste.

Attendance:  1,889 (13 away)