McGavin's magic strike gives Torquay United victory

United move back into the play-off places

A thunderous strike by Brett McGavin provided the only goal of this hard fought game at Plainmoor, and it was practically the only moment of real quality in a scrappy game dominated by a strong wind.

But Gulls fans will have gone home happy with three points, a clean sheet and the sight of their team moving back up into the play-off places in National League South after a recent mini-slump in form.

Fans who watched a threadbare United tumble out of the FA Trophy at Hereford last weekend will have been delighted to see Tom Lapslie and Brad Ash returning to the squad after injury for the Dover game, with Asa Hall fit enough to start.

Dan Martin also started at left back as Gulls boss Gary Johnson rang the changes after the disappointing showing at Hereford.

United were the better side throughout, although Dover tested the home defence on a number of occasions. Only a superb saving tackle by Dean Moxey saved United on one occasion, while at the other end Dover keeper Daniel Jinadu saved well from Dillon De Silva.

Most of United’s chances came through De Silva, whose hard work on the right wing produced a series of dangerous crosses.

The breakthrough came from McGavin on the hour. With the ball at his feet 25 yards from goal he had the home support urging him to shoot, and when he did there was nothing Jinadu could do to prevent his powerful shot finding the net.

From then onwards the teams largely cancelled each other out, although McGavin almost grabbed another with a free kick at the death which Jinadu saved well at full stretch.