Wotton's Gulls get off to flying start

Despite falling behind to an early goal from Lewis Taaffe, the Gulls hit back impressively to level through Matt Carson, before Brad Ash put them in front just before the half-hour mark.

Torquay had further chances to add to their tally, including having a Ben Seymour effort chalked off during the second half, but it was goalkeeper James Hamon who came to their rescue, pulling off a heroic save late on to ensure them of the three points.

“It’s first game of the season and all that matters is the three points,” said Wotton. “We’ve got off to a good start, but in reality we couldn't have had a worse start in the game. We spoke about mentality and a good start in the changing room, but we go out, we don't get hold of it up front, we give the ball away sloppy in midfield and they counter, cross, goal, and we’re one nil down.

“Our reaction, though, to going one nil down was fantastic. I thought first half once we got into the game we were exhilarating at times, especially down the sides. Once we got switching the ball and joining in the attack, I thought we looked a real threat. We deserved our 2-1 lead at half time, but it could have been more really. Second half it became a little bit disjointed, we weren't quite as flowing as the first half, but having said that, I think we hit the bar twice and their goalie was magnificent, making two or three really good saves.

“What I will say, however, is our goalie has also made a magnificent save in the last second as well. We know every team we play against will always have chances and Enfield have had one in the first half and one in the second half. They scored their chance in the first half and Hammie’s made a tremendous save at the end, so that was pleasing to dig in and get over the line.”

Having had to oversee a major rebuild in terms of the squad following his summer arrival, Saturday’s victory was the ideal start for Wotton’s tenure in charge of the Gulls. He knows, however, that there is still much to do, on and off the field at Plainmoor, to keep his side moving onwards and upwards.

“We’ve got a million things to work on,” he added. “It was a very hot first game of the season, very sticky, with huge expectation on us for the first game. That said, I thought the boys showed tremendous character to come through that and get the win.”

With a trip to Farnborough next up for Wotton and his players this Saturday, the manager himself is determined to keep his squad out of the spotlight as they look to make their mark in National League South this term.

“Personally I don't know if the players felt extra pressure or not today, but I said to them before the game there's only pressure on me,” said Wotton. “There's no pressure on the players. I don't put pressure on the players. I'll take the pressure. I've been in football long enough to know expectations and to know pressure. That's fine. I've got no problem with pressure. It doesn't bother me one bit.

“As I said, I thought the players were tremendous and the way they reacted to that early setback was brilliant. We knew Enfield were a threat from set-pieces and that they would keep coming and coming, but we were resolute and dogged at the end. I know we’re not anywhere near where I want us to be right now, but the fans helped us through, especially towards the end.

“But if you’re watching this game today, you're going home as a Torquay fan saying ‘well we've got stuff to improve on, but didn't they work hard’ so that makes me very happy.”

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