Gulls wrap up pre-season with win at Tiverton

Dan Hayfield, Jaydn Crosbie and Brad Ash all found the net for the Gulls, who kick-off their new season at home to Enfield Town next Saturday.

For new boss Wotton - who has brought in 20 new faces since taking charge in the summer - it was the perfect way to round off what has been a decent build up to the new campaign.

“Pre-season is pre-season,” he said. “We worked out the games we wanted to play, the same with the training loads, and the boys are in a good place. Pre-season games are always a struggle, but overall our fitness is great and we can’t wait for that first league game.”

Hayfield gave the visitors the perfect start at Ladysmead, firing his side in front with a brilliant free-kick from 25 yards that nestled into the top corner.

Although Torquay dominated large parts of the first half, they were unable to turn possession into chances - that was until eight before the break when former Tivvy player Ed Palmer got to the byline before floating in a cross that Crosbie was able to head home at the back post.

Two soon became three not long after the break when Ash curled a sublime effort into the net.

Wotton took the opportunity to rotate his squad later in the second half - and it was two of those substitutes who went close to adding to their tally. Striker Ben Seymour and Omar Mussa both going close without rewards.

At the final whistle, the Gulls manager praised his side’s efforts, adding: “I thought it was a great work-out for us. It was a red hot day, but the boys applied themselves to the game very well.

“Now we can’t wait for that first game. It’s great that we start at home and, hopefully, we get a great crowd. We’ll train Monday, Tuesday, again on Thursday and Friday, then I have the tough choice to pick a team for that first game.”

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