Torquay Utd v Chester City September 02 -2017 - ko 3.00pm .

You have to say we were hard done by today. The turning point in the match undoubtedly was Torquay's disallowed goal when winning 1-0 in the second half. Similar to William's disallowed goal towards the end of last season against Braintree, the players were all stood in position for the re-start after celebrating the "goal". Then the referee went to a late linesman flag due to Chester's protests, had a long consultation and eventually disallowed the goal. We can only assume it was for a push as their keeper took the re-start near the penalty spot. Crowd a dismal 1,455, 151 odd from Chester.

But here is some good, all our 3 debutants had outstanding games. Sponsors MOTM Dowling, the young blond loan player from Bristol City, scored a corker on 12 minutes following a well worked move down our right. Haworth had a good run, Gray crossed, the ball was cleared out to Dowling just outside the penalty box. Dowling curled a beauty that clipped the inside of the post and went in. Not bad for an 18 year old 12 minutes into his debut. Not only that but Dowling was class on the ball in the centre of midfield beating players and picking out fine accurate passes. Dorel in goal was very assured pulling off at least 3 fine saves mainly with his feet, had good presence and command and his kicking was very good. Dorel's timing was very good coming out for balls and clutched crosses with ease. He's got your typical French passion about him and was not a happy man when the equalizer went in at the death. Some friends around me even prefer Dorel to Clarke which is some compliment. Left back Cole had a very solid debut at left back - very tidy defending and distribution. It was a novelty to have a proper left back.

The first half was crazy and very entertaining to watch. Both teams had several clear chances and the half-time score should have been around 3-3. Torquay were the better team early on and were deservedly winning. It was refreshing to see Torquay playing with width and the team looked more balanced than of late. Haworth did well on the right wing looking strong and pacy. Keating missed 2 gilt edge chances in a minute. He did not connect at close range with the goal gaping when he wrongly thought he was offside. A little later he hit the side netting at close range. Gray should have done better when through on goal on our left going for glory instead of squaring the ball to 2 Torquay players for an easy goal. Gray's shot was right at the keeper. At the other end, the woodwork saved us twice and Dorel had to be alert to block clear chances. It was a case that the 2 teams were better attacking than defending but it made good viewing.

There were less chances in the second half. There was good heart in Torquay's performance and the home crowd responded. Gray's disallowed goal was a sweet strike after the ball fell loose to him. Torquay's final ball and decision making was not always the best, Reid did his usual making some great runs but being off target with his shooting. Luke Young was hit and miss and was upstaged by the young Dowling in central midfield. Keating had a flicked header just wide and at the other end Dorel did a good smothering save when Chester were through. In the 92nd. minute Higgins lost out a header in our box from a cross and Chester stabbed the ball home at close range. One goal is was not enough in the end and Torquay had seemingly done enough to deserve their first win of the season. It was a decent team effort.

So a much improved performance and all 3 debutants helped to raise our game. But there is an awful lot for the new manager to sort out and a lot of "dead wood" to sort out. For starters Gowling's return can't come soon enough as it is worrying how many clear chances Chester had today. Thankfully we had a competent keeper today to help our cause. In attack we are not clinical enough and do not press home our advantage when on top.

Hopefully next Saturday I will see our new manager who has a hell of a job on his hands.

All sounds very encouraging. Such a shame we couldn't hold on, but an upping in performance is good news. Something to build on. Now on to getting the new man in to work with what we've got before our next match.