Ball calls on Torquay squad to 'own' play-off semi-final

Jimmy Ball has guided Torquay to five wins from their last six matches [Shutterstock]

Torquay United manager Jimmy Ball has called on his players to embrace their National League South play-off semi-final.

The Gulls, who finished the season in third place, take on fourth-placed Dorking Wanderers at Plainmoor on Saturday for a place in next week's final.

The Gulls will be hoping to improve on last season when they were beaten 1-0 by Boreham Wood at the same stage of the play-offs.

Ball's side go into the game having won five of the six matches they have played since drawing 2-2 with Dorking on 24 March.

"Just own it," Ball told BBC Sport.

"Why shy away from what it is? They all know what it is and the stakes that are on hand.

"As coaches and staff we've got to make sure we have covered everything that they may possibly need, and then when you go and put your head on your pillow on Friday night, you've got no regrets of what you've done in a week.

"So far I'm really happy with everything and everything that's been covered and the plan that we're going to have going into it."

Torquay's 2-1 win at Tonbridge Angels last week ensured them a home play-off semi-final [Shutterstock]

Plainmoor is likely to be sold out for the match as Gulls fans hope their side can take a step closer to returning to the fifth tier.

Ball is confident his side will be able to cope with the pressure of their big game as they try and return to the National League for the first time since 2023.

"I'd get excited if there's 10 people in the ground because I just love competing and I love football," he said.