Torquay United aim for the top

A win under the lights could see the Gulls flying high

Torquay United return to National League South action at Plainmoor on Tuesday night knowing that despite a disappointing defeat in Essex on Saturday, a win under the lights in front of their own fans could take them to the top of the league.

United had put together a run of four wins before the trip to Aveley on Saturday, but they were second best against a lively home side and lost 2-1.

But for yet another stellar performance from goalkeeper Mark Halstead, things could have been even worse for the Gulls.

But with results elsewhere playing their part in keeping things close at the top, Torquay have a golden opportunity to make amends when Farnborough provide the Tuesday night opposition.

Speaking after the Aveley defeat, Torquay manager Gary Johnson said management, players and supporters alike had been disappointed.

He said: “On the day we were beaten by a team that deserved to win.

“We didn’t have too many players turn up, and I’m a bit disappointed with that.

“We’re never going to win every game. We just have to keep trying to improve the lads, and get them out of the slumber that they seemed to be in today.”

And, said Johnson, he could understand why some fans were unhappy.

“When we’re that poor we’ve all got a right to moan about it,” he said. “We’ll see whether we can change it around like we did after the draw at Dover and the defeat against Worthing.”

Forward Lewis Collins was an injury absentee at Aveley, with winger Dillon De Silva coming into the side in his place. De Silva may keep his place in the starting line-up, depending on the fitness of Collins.

New loan signing Luke Pearce came on from the bench on Saturday, and the 19-year-old Southampton striker will be looking for more game time against Farnborough.

The visitors are currently eighth in the league, two points behind sixth-placed Torquay. They won 3-1 at home to Hampton & Richmond on Saturday with two goals from Alfie Pavey and one from Ricky Holmes.