Torquay lose in sudden death shoot-out

Gulls slip on penalties

Torquay United have lost their National League play-off final following a remarkable penalty shoot-out that went to sudden death.

It was, nonetheless, a dramatic afternoon at Ashton Gate in Bristol, the home of Bristol City, after Torquay's keeper Lucas Covolan amazingly scored a last minute equaliser to take the game against Hartlepool into extra time.

The final got off to a very open start, with Torquay having a goal controversially disallowed after just a few minutes. Hartlepool also came close to scoring through a shot which was spilled almost into the path of their forward.

Continuing in the fast manner, each side had a multitude of decent chances, but neither team could make them count.

That was until the ball found its way into the Yellows’ box and, after failing to clear their lines, Hartlepool’s talisman Luke Armstrong struck the ball off the underside of the bar and into the back of the net.

Although they felt hard done by because of their disallowed goal, Torquay went into half time satisfied to be facing just a one goal deficit.

Exactly as Torquay fans had hoped, The Yellows came into the second half with a renewed intensity, showing their eagerness to get level. 

Torquay had the ball in the back of the net for a second time. But the goal was once again harshly ruled out, this time for a foul on the keeper.

Later in the half another decision went against the Gulls, when forward Lemonheigh-Evans went down in the box. Penalty claims were waived away.

Despite the feeling of misfortune, Torquay were not to be defeated yet; they continued to push until the very end.

The Gulls’ heavy pressure tolled when, extraordinarily, goalie Lucas Covolan found himself on the end of a 94th minute cross, heading the ball into the bottom corner, sending the Torquay occupied stands into madness. 

With that, normal time was over, and The Yellows deservedly kept their promotion dreams alive for at least another 30 minutes.

Nerves and fatigue got the better of both teams over the added half hour, with neither side having a clear chance, leaving the game to be decided on penalties.

Further heroics from Lucas Covolan occurred when he saved Hartlepool’s opening two penalties. But Torquay's first two penalties were saved by Hartlepool's keeper. 

After the scheduled five-each penalties, it went to sudden death after the fire 10 kicks.

The drama became more dramatic. Fans from both sides watched through narrowly spread fingers.

But it wasn't Torquay's afternoon.  The responsibility of the final penalty fell to substitute Matt Buse, whose strike hit the glove of Hartlepool's keeper and then, near but so far away. Onto the crossbar. Saved.

And with that, the heartbreak of a play off final loss, and another year in non league football, was confirmed.

The scoreline will show Torquay lost 5-4 on penalties.

But Gary Johnson and The Yellow Army should be proud of their players, who gave it their all until the death. Ultimately however, defeat condemns the Gulls to an eighth year in the National League.

Happier times - before setting off for Ashton Gate (courtesy: William Agar)