Torquay United boss praises young cup tie stars

Gulls overwhelm Frome to reach the next round

Torquay United manager Gary Johnson has paid tribute to the young stars who stepped up and helped the Gulls make it into the next round of the FA Trophy.

“I had a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes,” he said. “I brought them together and told them they had done us proud.”

Injury-hit United called up five youth players for the game at Frome on Saturday with one of them - Jake ‘Welly’ Wellington - named in the starting line-up. Two more - Kai Swann and Thomas Chastey - came on from the bench, while Charlie Wills and Harvey Coggins featured as subs but did not get game.

United won the game 4-1 with two goals from Fleetwood loanee Theo Williams and further strikes from Ollie Tomlinson and Will Jenkins Davies, the latter playing his first game since returning for a second loan spell from Plymouth Argyle.

United keeper Rhys Lovett also saved a penalty as Torquay overwhelmed their Southern league opponents on a heavy pitch.

Johnson said after the game: “The young lads did us proud, and Callum Thomas played his first 90 minutes for the first team and didn’t look out of place.

“It’s great that we can use some of our academy and college lads, and they’ll never forget their debuts.

“Welly has scored a couple of goals and done well, and we needed somebody as a wide player. We were pleased with everything the young lads did.

“I know what it’s like for them to get these sort of opportunities.”