Recap

A warm away day at Stoke Gabriel & Torbay Police produced an open and entertaining contest from the first whistle, with both sides creating early chances. We edged the opening stages, but the hosts enjoyed a ten-minute spell where they found too much space and capitalised from a corner to take a 1–0 lead. Murray was called into action soon after, staying alert to deal with a couple of further efforts.

We responded by adjusting our shape to tighten key areas while creating new attacking options, and the change had an immediate impact. Mead, Lismore, and Scott began to find more space to receive and drive us forward, shifting momentum back in our favour.

With pressure building, we earned a number of set-piece opportunities. After Lismore was brought down just outside the box by the last man—with no further action taken—we made it count. Connor Cussans stepped up and produced a composed finish to bring us level at 1–1.

The second half saw both teams create moments in the final third. Defensively, Hayward, Prowse, Sidhu, Willis, along with McKenna and Townsend, stood firm and managed the line well against a capable attacking side.

We continued to pose a threat, with Townsend sliding in Hayward and Cussans narrowly missing with an effort into the side netting. The introduction of Gilbert, Kearley, and Hamblin helped us maintain momentum and balance, while still remaining cautious of the opposition’s threat.

Further chances came through Hamblin, Mead, and Gilbert, before a final push with Gumbo and Ward as we looked to find a winner. Despite our efforts to finish strongly and on the front foot, the game ended in a 1–1 draw.

Man of the Match presented by Danny Lismore on his last game prior to moving to Newquay.. Olly Murray, delivering an assured and composed performance throughout.