Sam Ling’s 117th-minute goal secured Hornchurch’s promotion to the National League for the first time, as they triumphed over Torquay United in a dramatic National League South play-off final. Ling, son of ex-Torquay boss Martin Ling, scored with a low volley. The home crowd erupted as the Urchins, who finished second in the regular season, reached the fifth tier for the first time since their reformation in 2005.
A Dramatic Encounter at Hornchurch Stadium
Deon Moore had put Torquay ahead with an early volley, but Dominic Poleon levelled for the hosts with a penalty just before half-time. Moore then scored again to restore Torquay’s lead, but Henry Hearn equalised in stoppage time to force extra time.
The Gulls, who finished third in National League South, will now spend a fourth season in the sixth tier.
Hornchurch booked their place in the final with a win over Weston-super-Mare.
Torquay’s Season Ends in Disappointment
The loss concludes a rollercoaster season for Torquay, who were top of the table in February. A seven-game winless run ended their title hopes and resulted in Paul Wotton losing his job, with Neil Warnock stepping in as caretaker manager. Jimmy Ball was appointed in mid-March and led Torquay to six wins and a draw from his first nine games, including a play-off semi-final victory against Dorking Wanderers.
Moore volleyed home his seventh goal in five games from the edge of the box with Torquay’s first chance. Angelo Balanta forced a save from Torquay goalkeeper Seb Stacey six minutes later, while Josh Rees headed Ling’s cross wide after 25 minutes as the hosts began to assert themselves.
Hornchurch continued to control the game and Rees volleyed over from 12 yards after controlling a half-cleared corner nine minutes before the break. Their goalkeeper Arthur Nasta then palmed away a long-range Sonny-Blu Lo-Everton strike soon after.
Hornchurch’s deserved equaliser came when Stacey brought down Charlie Pegram, and Poleon converted the penalty.
Late Drama Decides the Winner
The second half was more cagey until Moore’s goal, as he latched on to Callum Dolan’s through ball and finished precisely into the bottom left corner.
Moore’s opener sent Torquay’s travelling crowd of around 900 fans into raptures.
- Sam Ling scored the winning goal in the 117th minute.
- Deon Moore scored twice for Torquay United.
- Henry Hearn’s stoppage-time goal forced extra time.
Hornchurch will join divisional champions Worthing, as well as National League North winners AFC Fylde and play-off victors Kidderminster Harriers, in the National League next season.