Ball encouraged as Torquay draw with leaders Dorking
New Torquay United manager Jimmy Ball is encouraged by his side's 2-2 draw with National League South leaders Dorking Wanderers.
Callum Dolan celebrated his return from injury with two goals [Shutterstock] New Torquay United manager Jimmy Ball says he is encouraged by what he saw as his side drew 2-2 with National League South leaders Dorking Wanderers. The point moved the Gulls up to sixth place in the table and they remain 10 points behind their opponents with six games left to play. It was Ball's first home game in charge of Torquay since being appointed as Paul Wotton's permanent successor last week.
Jordan Young went close twice in the early stages before Alfie Rutherford gave Dorking a 13th-minute lead. It was a lead they held until substitute Callum Dolan - returning to play for the first time since suffering what was thought to be a season-ending knee injury - levelled with a 20-yard effort in the 78th minute. Two minutes later, Dolan volleyed in at the far post to put the Gulls 2-1 up, only for Sam Pearson to make it 2-2 four minutes later.
Dolan and Louis Dennis both had chances to get a winner in stoppage time but could not convert. "I'm gutted that we weren't able to have a memorable night tonight with a win but I think the performance was encouraging," Ball told BBC Radio Devon. "I think we've got to get a bit more gritty, we've got to have both sides of the game.
"We've got the beautiful football, pretty side of the game... We need a bit more ugly, a bit more dirty when we have to be, in this league. "Defences win leagues and the goals are regrettable but we've got to work on those things together.