Torquay United players need to 'liven up' as cup tie beckons

Manager Gary Johnson 'disappointed' after Hemel setback

Torquay United manager Gary Johnson says his players need to ‘liven up’ after Saturday’s late defeat at Hemel Hempstead.

Torquay had fought back from a goal down to lead 2-1 with just six minutes left on the clock, but the Tudors capitalised on poor defending by the Gulls to score twice in quick succession and win the game to the delight of their home fans.

For a couple of minutes Torquay were top of the National League South’s ‘live’ league table, but the two late goals pushed them back down to sixth, albeit just two points behind leaders Bath in an intensely competitive promotion race.

United’s scorers were Argyle loanee Will Jenkins Davies, getting his first for the club, and defender Ross Marshall.

Johnson said afterwards that he had been disappointed by the result, and added: “Today we had a few players who didn’t play their best game, and if you don’t play your best game in this league there are teams that can turn you over.

“I was disappointed with some of the lads and I’ve said why. Hopeful they’ll pick that up, and liven up for the next game.”

Johnson said his side had not started the game well, but had created plenty of first half chances.

“We have got into the penalty area a lot without really having that quality to see it through,” he said. And having got in front late in the game, his players had not been able to hang on.

“I was disappointed that we didn’t defend the corner well for their second goal and then got done on the break for their third,” he said.

“We have had a long chat in the dressing room about what we need to do if we are going to win the league. We need to be a bit more active.

“In some games we have looked sharp, in some not so sharp. We have got to find out what the key is to keep sharp all the time.”

Torquay have a break from league action this week, with Southern League Premier outfit Hungerford Town the visitors to Plainmoor on Saturday in the FA Cup.