On Saturday 29 November 2025, at the The Dunmow Group Community Stadium, Chelmsford City welcomed Torquay United in a crucial tie of the 2025/26 National League South. The game kicked off at 3:00 PM before a healthy home crowd of 1,795 spectators.
The opening 45 minutes were largely even. Chelmsford created the stronger openings: a headed effort by Ben Tompkins in the sixth minute, and a curling free-kick by Lyle Taylor later on that just cleared the bar.
Torquay’s only meaningful attempt came around the half-hour when a low drive from Jordan Thomas tested Chelmsford’s keeper.
But despite these glimpses, neither side managed to break the deadlock by half time.
The second half proved decisive. In the 60th minute, substitute Kieran Wilson — making his debut for Torquay United — cut inside and unleashed a stunning long-range strike into the top corner, giving the visitors the lead.
Just three minutes later, Jordan Young doubled the advantage with a perfectly executed free-kick, curling it over the wall and beyond the reach of the Chelmsford keeper.
After that, Torquay defended with discipline and composure, limiting Chelmsford’s attempts to mount a comeback. A late Chelmsford surge produced one shot saved by Torquay’s goalkeeper, but none of the follow-up efforts found the back of the net.
The 2-0 away win marked Torquay’s fifth straight league victory — propelling them to the top of the National League South on goal difference.
For Chelmsford City, the defeat ends hopes of a fourth consecutive home win and hands Torquay a welcome confidence boost as they chase promotion.
The match underlined two main themes: first, the impact of game-changing substitutions (the Wilson and Young effect); and second, the fine margins at this level — quality finishing and defensive solidity proving decisive.
First Half – Balanced Play but Few Clear Chances
The opening 45 minutes were largely even. Chelmsford created the stronger openings: a headed effort by Ben Tompkins in the sixth minute, and a curling free-kick by Lyle Taylor later on that just cleared the bar.
Torquay’s only meaningful attempt came around the half-hour when a low drive from Jordan Thomas tested Chelmsford’s keeper.
But despite these glimpses, neither side managed to break the deadlock by half time.
Second Half – Quality Strikes Turn the Tide
The second half proved decisive. In the 60th minute, substitute Kieran Wilson — making his debut for Torquay United — cut inside and unleashed a stunning long-range strike into the top corner, giving the visitors the lead.
Just three minutes later, Jordan Young doubled the advantage with a perfectly executed free-kick, curling it over the wall and beyond the reach of the Chelmsford keeper.
After that, Torquay defended with discipline and composure, limiting Chelmsford’s attempts to mount a comeback. A late Chelmsford surge produced one shot saved by Torquay’s goalkeeper, but none of the follow-up efforts found the back of the net.
Outcome and Implications
The 2-0 away win marked Torquay’s fifth straight league victory — propelling them to the top of the National League South on goal difference.
For Chelmsford City, the defeat ends hopes of a fourth consecutive home win and hands Torquay a welcome confidence boost as they chase promotion.
The match underlined two main themes: first, the impact of game-changing substitutions (the Wilson and Young effect); and second, the fine margins at this level — quality finishing and defensive solidity proving decisive.
Chelmsford City
Torquay United
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