Torquay boss critical of team after Dagenham loss

Torquay United boss Jimmy Ball has labelled his players as "naive" and "toothless" after they were beaten 2-0 by National League South leaders Dagenham and Redbridge.

The Daggers took the lead through Davide Rodari from close range just before half-time after Callum Morton lost possession in his own half.

Rodari got his second with a volley from 12 yards out in the 67th minute, but the Gulls' afternoon went from bad to worse when substitute Day Hayfield was sent off for a mis-timed challenge moments later.

Speaking after the match on Saturday, Ball described both of Dagenham's goals as "disgusting".

"The players have the capacity to run and they're not doing it," he told BBC Radio Devon.

"The two goals are disgusting. We were naive.

"Their desire to put it in our goal was stronger than our desire to block it or fight to stop it."

Ball added: "We were soft touches, but we've been like that for two years away from home."

Jimmy Ball became Torquay boss in March 2022 after having lead Totton to promotion to National League South and the first round of the FA Cup.

His current side sit 13th in National League South after a mixed run of results, despite being considered one of the hot favourites to win promotion this season.

He said: "I believe we've got quite a lot of talent in the team, but we're just toothless and nobody's taking their chance," he said.

"I just don't know how to reach down into their soul and find out why none of them have got the character to grab an opportunity when they're given one - I wish I did."

Torquay welcome Hampton and Richmond to Plainmoor next week.