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Torquay Bout a Rebeloution!Worthing FC host Torquay United in the National league South at the Sussex Transport Community Stadium |
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Where are we and what’s going on?
We are in Sunny Worthing where the Rebels host the Gulls at Woodside Road in the NLS. We don’t see much (or any) of the NLS but this is a big game at the top end of the table. Dorking are a few points clear at the top but it’s close behind them and the winner tonight could end up 2nd.
Woodside Road has had a big upgrade since we were last here. There is a very large new stand all down the north side. It’s all standing and has segregation for the away fans. We’re in the main stand sitting in the front row. Nice view 👀.
We don’t know any of the players on either side. We do know the Rebels manager who is a bit of a Brighton and Worthing legend, Adam Hinshelwood. We thought Uncle Chris may have joined us tonight but golf is more important apparently. Hope he’s not playing with Dougie (slice it like) Tuck. Both teams have names on their shirts and squad numbers. Always a sign that they mean business.
It’s warm night in February. The all weather pitch is looking OK. It’s a big 6 pointer. Let’s see how it goes. Come on you Mackerel Men.
Off we go..
The sides are feeling each other out. Torquay look very good. They are organised, passing the ball about and giving the Rebels a bit of a run around. The Yellow army are getting behind them. The Rebels support is vocal too. It’s been a long time since we’ve heard 🎵I’d rather be a Rebel than a Rock🎵. Love it.
The Rebels are on the attack, as it breaks down George Cox decides to fall over his own feet to try to get a penalty. It’s a dreadful attempt at dive (did someone shout timber) and the ref sees it for what it is and ignores it.
We think it’s an early goal for the Rebels but Dolaghan’s strike is ruled offside. We have a rubbish view of the line so aren't going to complain about it. Although others are grumbling.
Torquay are knocking the ball about well. They are dominating the midfield but just can’t create a decent chance.
Razaq (Raz) Coleman De-Graf (feel for the kit man) goes on a run. He gets suppounded by defenders who all take a turn to pull at him. Ref eventually gives a foul. Against Raz! Don’t know what he was looking at. Numpty.
There is a delay as the Gull’s captain, Sam Drayer is injured requiring treatment. He comes back on but doesn't look great. The Torquay keeper makes a howler of a pass out, straight to Rebels striker, Brad Dolaghan. He’s too polite not to take the opportunity and puts the Rebels in the lead on 33 ⚽. 1-0. An opportunistic lead, gratefully accepted.
The Mackerel Men try to return the favour by gifting them a goal back but the Gulls make a mess of it. Very ungracious of them.
There are 2 added minutes but the half ends with a single goal advantage to the hosts.
Not long after the restart and Sam Draayer is down injured again. He can’t continue and is replaced in midfield by Dan Hayfield.
The Gull’s keeper is looking a bit rattled. The Rebels need to get at him before he recovers. They are playing much better this half. Applying pressure to the goal in front of us. We’re watching from pitchside now. We get a good view of the Rebels breaking down the left. Raz stays onside to receive the pass from Remiero Moulton and makes sure of his finish no 56 ⚽. 2-0.
Torquay make some changes on 65. Louis Dennis and Dylan Morgan make way for Cody Cooke and Matt Jay.
It’s stop/start for a while as both teams compete to see who can be hit hardest in the face with the ball. Rebels defender Harry Ransom wins. Just.
The ball is down the other end for the moment of the night. 4 or 5 balls come flying over the netting behind Gulls goal. Play has to stop to clear them. Just the neighbours wreaking their revenge. ⚽⚽⚽⚽🤣. Please can we have our ball back Mister. Not now.
The Gulls make another change on 78 as Kieron Wilson makes way for Sonny Fish. Wonder if he is related to Rebels mascot Mackie the Mackerel.
Torquay counter-attack but Remiero Moulton nicks the ball in his own half. There is no stopping him as he charges forward and makes it 3-0.⚽
It’s the hosts turn to make a change on 81. Jack Spong is replaced by Odei Martin.
The hosts' hopes of a clean sheet are over on 85 as Matt Worthington blasts home from inside the box. 3-1.
There are 3 more changes for the Rebels before the restart after the goal. Fresh legs to stop the lead slipping away. Remiero Moulton, George Cox and Teddy Jenks go off. Coming on are Toby Byron, Shiloh Remy and Ollie Godzirmski.
There are 8 minutes of added time. What? Where did they find that from? We were expecting between 3 and 5. Bonkers ref.
2 minutes into the 8 and Adam Hinshelwood is booked for something. Not sure what he did or said but it wasn’t appreciated but we do love a passionate manager.
Then Remy is booked for a late foul. It escalates into full scale handbags on the far side.
It finally comes to an end. 3-1 to the Rebels. It was nice to be back but it’s a school night and time to go now.
We think it’s all over
That was a good game with plenty of chances both ways. It could easily have gone either way but ended up with a good result. And Torquay supporter Cousin David wouldn't be pleased to see it 😁. Must remember to send him a selfie of the scoreboard.
Hope the Yellow Army have a safe, if long, journey back to Devon. That’s some dedication on a school night.
There were some good skills on display. Not sure that we would want to watch the current Tranmere squad take on either of these. Could be a complete car crash. The worst case scenario is that Tranmere face them both in the National League next season. Gulp!
We like the big upgrade to Woodside Road. We haven’t found our favourite spot to watch from yet. Maybe we’ll try the noisy North stand next week.
It’s still tight at the top of the league with Worthing leap frogging over Torquay to tuck into 2nd behind Dorking.
Same time, same place next week for Chesham.
The Other Bits
POTM: goes to Remiero Moulton, the number 25 for a fantastic individual goal against the run of play to kill the game off. The ever important 3rd goal. Special mention to manager Adam Hinshelwood who showed his true colours, getting booked in the 92nd minute. Love a manager that is still that passionate even though the game is done and dusted.
Officially opinionated: The ref was a bit whistle happy. Or maybe more than a bit. Whether he favoured the Gulls, the Gulls just fell over easily or the Rebels fouled more; our legal team have advised us not to comment. So when asked about the useless, biased ref, that’s an official “No Comment” from us 😶.
The Scran’O’meter would rather be a Rebel than a Rock. The hot chocolate scoring a historic 10/10 beating the previous record holder and one of our favourites, Bognor. Thanks. See you next week. Yum.
Love Tranmerekat 🐾
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| Woodside Road |
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| Winners |
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| Mackeral |
