Torquay United fizzle out in the rain at Weston

Gulls stay fifth in the table despite disappointing defeat

Torquay United assistant manager Aaron Downes has apologised to Gulls fans who made the trip to Weston-super-Mare last night to see their team lose 3-2 in the National League.

It was a wet and cheerless night for the sizeable away contingent as United turned in a below-par performance.

But they remain fifth in the league despite the setback.

United were second best from the off and were feeble in a first half which saw the home side take the lead through seasoned striker Reuben Reid, a former United player who also served Plymouth and Exeter.

Torquay came close to levelling the scores late in the first half as Brad Ash charged down a clearance from home keeper Harrison Lee, and the Gulls were a little better in the second half.

Aaron Jarvis levelled the scores with a determined solo effort but a penalty for handball - netted by Reid - put Weston back in front.

With the rain falling harder and the game fizzling out, defender Kieran Thomas got a third for Weston with a long-range drive before scoring a headed own goal at the other end to give United a second goal just before the whistle.

“It wasn’t the performance we were expecting,” said Downes afterwards. “I want to thank all our supporters. It was a fantastic showing from them tonight and we’re sorry we couldn’t replicate that on the pitch.

“It was a poor night for us on the pitch, but off the pitch it was a fantastic following.

“We knew what a big game it was going to be, but for one reason or another we just didn’t show up on the pitch.”

Downes said he was frustrated and ‘bitterly disappointed’ at the performance.

There were also two late injuries to add to United’s misery, and they finished the game with 10 men having used all their subs before the final casualty.

Striker Jarvis hobbled off with a knee injury and met Dean Moxey at the entrance to the players’ tunnel as the defender was helped off after suffering a facial injury.

Downes said: “Aaron took a nasty clash into the barrier and has an injury around the knee area. Dean has quite a nasty cut to the nose.

“He’s a tough bloke and I’m sure he’ll be able to handle that. Aaron will have to be assessed.”