Salisbury FC earn well fought point against Torquay United

Salisbury came away from Devon with a well-earned point against Torquay United on Tuesday, March 11.

Torquay were forced to fight back in a rollercoaster of a game. Although they had initially led through Offrande Zanzala, Salisbury led through goals from Callum Watts and Ronan Silva on either side of halftime before Will Jenkins Davies levelled for the hosts.

The visitors started the game brightly, causing problems for playoff-chasing Torquay. The first good chance of the match fell to Noah Coppin inside the first few minutes, but he could not get his header at the back post on target.

Torquay almost scored an own goal a couple of minutes later, but Jame Hamon did well to turn Jordan Dyer’s goal-bound header over his bar.

The opening goal of the game came somewhat against the run of play. Torquay United won a corner after Rhys Byrne did well to tip a looping effort from Matt Jay over the bar. Torquay filled the box from the resulting corner, and after the ball his the bar, Byrne then saved, but the rebound fell to Offrande Zanzala, who tucked home with 13 minutes on the clock.

Salisbury’s players then thought they had equalised just two minutes later. Callum Watts swung in a free kick that was nudged goalwards, with Hamon making a good save at the feet of Dan Fitchett. Owen Dore headed home the rebound, but referee Stacey Pearson and her assistant ruled the goal out after a long discussion. The assistant raised his flag for offside, much to the frustration of the Salisbury players.

Salisbury continued to create chances with Finn Tonks and Callum Watts missing the target after good attacking play.

The visitors then equalised in stoppage time at the end of the first half. Good build-up play saw Noah Coppin found on the right-hand side by Finn Tonks. Coppin’s ball in the box fell to the feet of Callum Watts, who struck low past Hamon and into the back of the net to make the scores level at halftime.

It didn’t take long in the second half for Salisbury to deservedly take the lead, but there was some good fortune about the goal. Ronan Silva’s cross come shot looped over Hamon into the far corner in the 55th minute.

The equaliser came 18 minutes later, with similarities to the first. A ball went into the box from a Torquay free kick, which was headed against the bar. Will Jenkins Davies reacted fastest to the rebound and smashed the ball low under Rhys Byrne.

Salisbury had some half-chances to retake the lead and defended well to keep Torquay at arms length, and the game ended in a two-two draw.

The Whites return to the Ray Mac on Saturday, March 15, with Hampton and Richmond the visitors.