JOHNSON’S GULLS ARE STILL TORQ OF THE TOWN

GARY JOHNSON says his Torquay side will head to Chesterfield full of confidence today after the 3-1 home defeat of Eastleigh.

The Gulls remain a point clear at the head of the National League after goals from Billy Waters, Asa Hall (above) and Jake Andrews secured a ninth win in 11 games.

Torquay boss Johnson said: “It was a fantastic performance. We played with a lot of confidence.

“We have got a lot of belief going into this next group of games after this great winning run we have had.

“We have to make sure the boys are ready for Chesterfield because it’s a big game.

“Someone is going to drop points at some stage and we don’t want it to be us.”

Second-placed Sutton travel to Notts County tomorrow on the back of Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Aldershot with goals from Donovan Wilson, Louis John and Isaac Olaofe.

Manager Matt Gray said: “I’m pleased with how we have responded to losing at Eastleigh last weekend.”

Hartlepool, who lie third, will attempt to extend their unbeaten league run to 17 games when they face Bromley today.

Dave Challinor’s side beat Chesterfield 3-1 and the manager said: “It’s three points from our perspective, another one chalked off.

“We want to make sure May 29 is a meaningful game in here where we’re in with a shot with fans back in the ground.”

Paddy Madden struck the only goal of the game as Stockport boosted their promotion hopes with a 1-0 win at Halifax to make it 13 games without defeat ahead of the home clash with Wealdstone.

County manager Simon Rusk said: “Not every player can recover in 48 hours so that makes team selection difficult.

“We want to keep that freshness so we’ll make some changes.”