Late penalty gives Torquay the win at the Ray Mac

Wednesday, 6 November 2024 11:13

Salisbury fell to a one-nil defeat against Torquay United thanks to a late penalty at the Ray Mac on Fireworks Night.

Cody Cooke struck home from the penalty spot in the 85th minute to score the only goal of the game after Canice Carroll had tangled with Finley Craske just inside the box.

Salisbury started the game well, creating some half-chances. Jordan Thomas got on the end of Jordan Ragguette's cross but was unable to make the most of the chance in the 6th minute.

Salisbury continued to press and retain the ball for large parts of the first half, and Noah Coppin tried the spectacular to open the scoring in the 22nd minute. His overhead effort from a Josh Hedges long throw just went over the bar.

Coppin again was presented with a good chance after a Salisbury break in the 33rd minute. Hedges fed the ball to last season's top scorer, but Coppin pulled his effort wide of James Hamon's upright.

Jordan Young had a chance for Torquay with 36 minutes on the clock, but after finding space in the Salisbury box, he dragged his effort wide, and the sides went in goalless at halftime.

It was the away side that started the second half the brighter, seeing more of the ball and probing at the Salisbury back line, which, led by Carroll, was standing firm to most of Torquay's attacks.

Torquay had two free kicks in five minutes, both from dangerous positions, but both efforts failed to beat the Salisbury wall.

Salisbury threatened in spells, Callum Watts getting down the left and putting a dangerous ball into the box in the 64th minute, but he was unable to pick out a white shirt.

Torquay made changes, and the oncoming Will Jenkins-Davies and Lirak Hasani started to cause problems for the home side. Jenkins Davies was denied by a good stop from Lincoln in the 74th minute when he was put in on goal.

Then, Craske's arrival in the 78th minute also proved to cause problems for Salisbury. Craske tumbled under a challenge from Carroll in the Salisbury box, and referee Lisa Benn pointed to the spot.

Cody Cooke, Torquay's top scorer so far this season, stepped up and, after a long pause, sent Lincoln the wrong way to seal The Gull's victory.

In the final minutes of the game, Salisbury threw long balls at the Torquay defence but were unable to create a decent opportunity.

More from Local News

Shops to stay open for 'Festive Shopping' evening

Shops will open until 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 5th, for an evening of festive shopping in Salisbury, the City of the Stars, this Christmas.
A step towards a safer community as Speedwatch group gets underway

Laverstock & Ford Parish Council saw their inaugural Community Speedwatch get underway this month after some initial setbacks.
Trainee teacher takes part in prestigious Lord Mayor’s Show in London to raise awareness of liver disease

A trainee teacher and marathon runner who is waiting for a liver transplant, was a special guest at the Lord Mayor’s Show in London last Saturday, representing the British Liver Trust, the UK’s leading liver health charity.
Residents encouraged to ‘Ask the Leader’ at event in Amesbury

Wiltshire Council is continuing to host its series of community events across the county where people can ask questions to find out more about the work of the council, with the Leader of the Council having visited 16 of Wiltshire’s 18 community areas so far.
Three men arrested in connection with van break-in series

Wiltshire Police have arrested three people in connection with an investigation into thefts from vans across the county, during which thousands of pounds worth of power tools have been stolen.
Wiltshire Council working hard to reduce overspend

Wiltshire Council has provided its second formal update of the 2024/25 financial year, which shows its previously forecasted overspending has reduced significantly.
Wiltshire's recycling collection to change from 2027

Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet has agreed its future approach to collecting recycling when its current contracts to carry out this service come to an end in 2026.
Salisbury based trains fitted with new anti-slip tech

A new initiative between Network Rail and South Western Railway has more than doubled the number of trains treating the railway and keeping the tracks leaf-free this Autumn.