Torquay United

Plainmoor, home of Torquay United based in Devon and play their trade in the National League South. Nicknamed the “Gulls” which is typical for a seaside club! They also play in Yellow & Blue which is a great colour combination for me!!!

Once a make stay in the Football League but times have changed and not for the better… In 2011 the club were in the play-off final for League 1! But they lost and then lost in the play-off semi-final the year after… In 2021 the club were a Penalty Shootout away from a return to the Football League but lost to Hartlepool and 2 seasons later they were relegated to the National League South… What on earth happened?!

Today they play Bath City in the League which makes a change from playing the likes of Mansfield Town, Stevenage, York City and Rotherham United! Straight down the M5 from Bristol onto the A380 and into Shedden Hill Car Park to meet Gaz in Albert’s Bar for the early kick off! Great to see him as always and great to meet Andrew & son who are Torquay fans!

In typical fashion… Man United win it late on… On to today’s game now! £20 to watch this National League South tie… Geez! The teams are ready! Devon vs Somerset! Who dares wins?

Kick Off! “YELLOW ARMY!” Torquay starting the better of the 2 teams so far. 11 minutes in and Torquay come forward, it’s played to McGavin to shoot from just outside the box… BRILLIANT SAVE! The corner is played to Dolan outside the box and he’ll shoot… Tipped over for another! Good save again! In comes another corner… Foul on the Bath keeper says the Referee.

As the half rolls on, so do Bath! 36th minute and here come Bath, they get a shot away from just outside the box… Good block! At half time the score remains 0-0.

Second half, 53 minutes now and Bath have a corner, in it comes… Cleared at the far post. “YELLOW ARMY!” Torquay fans rallying behind their team!

63rd minute and Torquay have it on the left, it’s played to Collins who goes for goal just outside the box to the left… Oooooh! Just wide!

74 minutes now and Bath have a corner, in it comes… Headed at goal… Saved… OH! Did that cross the line…? No! The keeper just stopped it from crossing and Torquay are reprieved!

82 minutes on the clock and Torquay come forward again, Donnellan has it and he goes for goal from about 30 yards out… Deflected… AND IT’S GONE IN!!! TORQUAY HAVE GOT IT!! 1-0!

We’re into the last stages of stoppage time now and Torquay are holding on for dear life here… “GET OUT!” The Torquay fans cry to their defence! Bath come forward and it’s played into the box… The header… OH! It’s just wide! Torquay launch it up field now… That’s it! They have the win!

FT: Torquay United 1-0 Bath City

Ratings

• Atmosphere: 7/10 – A very good fanbase! Quiet at times but got behind their team really well today!
• The Ground: 9/10 – Very nice ground! Love the main stand from my view and it feels like a better Burton Albion ground in my book.
• Expense: 9/10 – £20 is a bit steep for this level but still a decent game.
• Overall Experience: 9/10 – Great to see Gaz and meet Andrew and son and great to see this ground at last! Just wish there were more goals…

34/40