GARY’S GULLS SOAR AT LAST
United have play-offs in their sights
AFTER paying tribute to the memory of for- mer manager Frank O’Farrell on Tuesday night against Aldershot Town, Torquay United came out on top in the battle between the Irishman’s former clubs against Weymouth.
Sunderland loanee Stephen Wearne’s second goal in as many games and a penalty from skipper Armani Little provided the Gulls with a two-goal cushion in the first half. Danny Wright’s early second half header then sealed a result that manager Gary Johnson believes edges them closer to the play-offs.
“We had two or three good opportunities, but the third goal was vital,” said Johnson.
“Every time we win we get closer to the play-offs. It’s been a good run for us, the boys are putting in the effort. To play our game you have to put in a lot of effort. The lads are up for it and the club are up for it.”
The Gulls broke the deadlock in the 12th minute when Stephen Duke-McKenna sent Wearne away down the left hand side before he cut inside and calmly slotted home.
Seven minutes later, United doubled their lead when Little converted from the penalty spot, after he had been felled by Weymouth’s Ben Morgan, to score his 11th goal of the campaign.
The Terras went close on 23 minutes when a Sean Shields cross picked out Bradley Ash, who saw his header saved by Gulls keeper Shaun MacDonald.
MacDonald was called into action again on 32 minutes as he palmed an effort from Ben Thomson behind for a corner. and four minutes later, to deny Cameron Murray.
United came close to adding a third on 37 minutes when Connor Lemonheigh-Evans teed up Danny Wright for a close range opportunity which Wright chested against the post.
Three minutes before the break, Thomson had a volley palmed behind by MacDonald, and on the stroke of half time, Ash tested MacDonald with a shot from outside the penalty area – which the United keeper tipped behind.
Within a minute of the restart, the Gulls added a third when Wright nodded home at the far post after Lemonheigh-Evans flicked a cross from Tom Lapslie into his path.
Weymouth went close to a deserved consolation when sub Max Carlyle tested MacDonald with a header but, boss David Oldfield could only reflect on a disappointing result.
“We had some chances, but the horse had well and truly bolted by then,” he said.
“We have to work so much harder on not conceding so many silly goals.”
STAR MAN:
Stephen Wearne (Torquay) ATT: 2,538 ENTERTAINMENT: REFEREE: Aji Ajibola