Torquay United suffer first defeat of 2026 at bottom club Chippenham Town

An inspired night of goalkeeping, wasteful finishing, bad luck and sleepy defending all added up to a first defeat of 2026 for Torquay United.

Travelling to bottom club Chippenham Town, the Gulls were heavy favourites to cement their place at the top of the National League South, but a lacklustre first period was not in the original script.

United were miles better after the break, struck the post and found home custodian Will Henry in brilliant form, setting the stage for Tom Mehew to pinch all three points in the closing stages.

On a sticky, bumpy surface, both teams struggled to find their attacking rhythm in the early exchanges. Ed Palmer had a looping header comfortably saved by Henry, while Jake Evans made James Hamon work a bit harder with a low block at the other end.

Gradually, the tempo increased a notch, Kieran Wilson had a dig that was deflected over and Nashe Sundire’s effort was charged down. United ended a dour half on top, although they did enjoy one reprieve when Hamon thwarted Ezio Touray and skipper Sam Dreyer hacked cleared the loose ball.

After the break, United were vastly improved, as substitutes Louis Dennis and Dylan Morgan made a swift impression. Morgan, in particular, was a menace down the left, as Henry denied both Cody Cooke and Jordan Young.

Momentum was fully behind the Gulls and Dennis was desperately unlucky to see a spearing left-footer cannon back off the post. Next came a rare slip from Henry, who only just recovered in time to smother the ball ahead of a lurking Young.

Morgan had a header cleared off the line before the growing influence of Young saw his near-post shot bravely blocked by Henry. The next save was even better, Henry brilliantly tipping over a thunderbolt from Morgan.

United were all over their hosts and the best chance of their night fell on 79 minutes. For once, Henry was beaten by a Young curler but full credit to Freddie Grant, who covered his goalkeeper to head clear off the line.

In the classic smash and grab scenario, Chippenham then stole maximum points when a low cross evaded everyone and slack defending at the far post allowed Mehew to nip in with a tidy finish beyond Hamon.  

The final ten minutes were a complete Yellow siege but the big opportunity refused to fall United’s way and frustrating points dropped in the title race.