Torquay United manager happy with Wimborne win

Gulls go into hat for next round

Torquay United manager Gary Johnson said he was delighted to have the Gulls’ name going into the hat for Monday’s FA Cup draw after a 3-0 win at Wimborne on Saturday.

Goals from Brett McGavin, Jack Stobbs and Tom Lapslie eased United into the cup’s Third Qualifying Round in front of Wimborne’s biggest ever crowd of more than 1,800 fans at the New Cuthbury Stadium.

Wimborne, managed by former Torquay striker Tim Sills, started brightly and forced Torquay keeper Rhys Lovett into an acrobatic save in the second minute.

But goals by McGavin and Stobbs gave the Gulls a 2-0 lead at the break, and Lapslie’s goal in the second half put the tie beyond the Magpies’ reach.

The hosts emerged with credit for a never-say-die performance, and were still fighting even when injuries reduced them to just nine men for the closing minutes.

“The important thing is that we’ve gone through to the next round,” said Johnson, who brought in Lovett in place of regular keeper Mark Halstead and gave Ryan Hanson a game in midfield.

“We can think about the things we have done well, and the things we can improve on, but as always getting through is the most important thing.

“I thought both teams at times played some decent football. With three goals and lots of chances I’m pleased with us, and pleased that we have come and got a result.

“Wimborne had a little spell in the first half - as all teams are going to do - but we then scored a couple of goals.

“I was pleased with the amount of chances we created, and it was nice for Rhys Lovett to make a couple of saves and show what he can do.”

Lovett himself told the club’s official website he was happy with his game, and thought the Gulls back four had been ‘brilliant’. And, he said, the 600 travelling Gulls fans had made themselves heard throughout.

“Great credit to every single person that came,” he said.