LAST-GASP JOE SAVES THE GULLS FROM LOSS
TORQUAY UNITED defender Joe Lewis picked the perfect moment to score his sixth goal of the campaign, as his dramatic late equaliser secured a point against Maidenhead United.
Former Wales Under-21 international Lewis turned home a cross from Ben Wynter on 90 minutes to cancel out Sam Barratt’s opener for the Magpies, but manager Gary Johnson admitted that his side’s display fell below par.
“Six is a good return for a centre half and he (Joe Lewis) has still got four games to go, so there’s still more headers that he could score,” said Johnson.
“I felt that we didn’t really get our game going. Some of the lads weren’t quite on form, but to be fair we still gave it a right good go and we could still have won the game.”
Opposite number
Alan Devonshire insisted on switching his attentions towards their Bank Holiday Monday clash with Aldershot Town.
“We’re unbeaten in five games now, so we’ll go again against Aldershot,” said Devonshire.
“I played Sam (Barratt) up front today because we’re a bit short up there, I’m pleased for him because he scored with a chance out of nothing. At that point I thought we were going to go on and win the game.”
Opportunities were few and far between s in the opening period, as Barratt forced a routine save from Gulls keeper Shaun MacDonald on three minutes.
Arguably the pick of the early chances fell to
United in the 20th minute, as defender Ali Omar sliced a free-kick from Armani Little over the bar.
The Gulls threatened again on 34 minutes as Danny Wright saw a shot deflected behind and from the corner Connor Lemonheigh-Evans picked out Lewis who headed over.
Three minutes before halftime, Maidenhead left back George Wells tested MacDonald with a long-range strike, which the United keeper turned behind for a corner. A minute later Wynter attempted a 30-yard shot which was palmed away by Daniel Gyollai.
Maidenhead took the lead on 57 minutes, when Barratt volleyed home with an angled effort.
Four minutes later, the Gulls threatened as Wright had a header tipped over by Gyollai, following a cross from Dan Martin.
In the 65th minute, Barratt attempted an ambitious shot from inside his own half, but it was easily claimed.
Torquay came close to equalising again on 70 minutes when Wright teed up Tom Lapslie, who was denied by Gyollai.
Nevertheless, the Gulls managed to grab a late equaliser as Lewis connected with Wynter’s cross to nod home.
There were still chances for Torquay to snatch a winner in injury time through sub Klaidi Lolos and Wright.