PIRATES TRIUMPH ON MANSELL'S RETURN

Lee Mansell’s return to the Launa Windows Stadium proved to be the mere side-show it probably deserved to be as Bristol Rovers defeated Torquay United on Boxing Day. 

The former Gulls’ skipper, who now wears the captain’s armband for the Pirates, was part of the Rovers’ supporting cast as the football on offer took centre stage. 

A Matty Taylor strike from 18-yards after eight minutes and a header from Neale Trotman on the half hour mark set them on their way and ultimately proved to be decisive.

Duane Ofori-Acheampong pulled a goal back for the Gulls three minutes later, with an effort that deflected off his heel after the Rovers keeper Fabian Speiss flapped at a Courtney Cameron cross; 

United were denied a late equaliser through substitute Elliot Benyon that was ruled out for a dubious offside.However, if the goal had stood then it would have been a point gained from a Gulls perspective, as the Pirates had dominated the proceedings in terms of chances created. 

The stand-out performers for the Gulls included skipper Luke Young, who outshone his predecessor Mansell and nearly found an equaliser on 26 minutes with a long-range effort that cleared the cross bar; right-back Durrell Berry, who produced a solid display on his recall to the side, and teenage left-back Levi Ives.

BOXING DAY RETURNS FOR MANSE AND BUCKS

Boxing Day 2014 will see Bristol Rovers midfielder Lee Mansell return to Plainmoor (the Launa Windows Stadium) and Paul Buckle face one of his former clubs Exeter City as manager of Cheltenham Town.

Mansell, 32, joined the Pirates in the summer after spending eight years with the Gulls, in which he made 389 appearances, many of them were as captain of the side.

Boxing Day's fixture will also see him face United manager - and his former team-mate - Chris Hargreaves for the first time; the pair were also colleagues at Oxford United before Mansell's move to the Gulls in 2006.

In addition to this, Mansell will also be lining up against his successor as Gulls' captain Luke Young.

Meanwhile, at St James Park, Paul Buckle will be leading his Cheltenham Town side to face Exeter City, a club which he served twice as a player and also as assistant manager to Paul Tisdale.

Buckle, who managed Torquay, Bristol Rovers and Luton Town before heading to America where he worked as Technical Director of the New Yorks Mets Academy, is seeking his first win as manager of the Robins since he was appointed as successor to the long serving Mark Yates.

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO: TORQUAY UNITED'S 2013-14 LOANEES

With the end of 2014 nearly upon us, we will now take a look at the fortunes of the players that appeared for Torquay United on loan during the 2013-14 season.


Callum Ball:


The striker who joined the Gulls on the eve of the campaign on loan from Derby County, Ball played nine times for Torquay and scored twice and is currently playing in the Scottish Premier League for St Mirren after he was released by the Rams at the end of last season.

Ade Azeez:

Young forward Azeez, who arrived at Plainmoor on loan from Charlton Athletic, became the Gulls’ 1,000^th player when he appeared in the Gulls away fixture against Newport County in September 2013. He was released by the Addicks at the end of last season and signed for AFC Wimbledon.

Paul McCallum:

After scoring three goals in six appearances for the Gulls in all competitions, McCallum returned to his parent club West Ham United. Shortly after returning to Upton Park, he was loaned again by the Hammers – this time to Scottish Premier League side Heart of Midlothian, where he played six times before returning to East London through injury. He is still with the Hammers.

Anthony O’Connor:

The Republic of Ireland Under-21 central defender joined the Gulls from Blackburn Rovers and remained at Plainmoor on loan for the remainder of the campaign; even after Chris Hargreaves had replaced Alan Knill as manager. He is currently plying his trade in Devon once again this season with Plymouth Argyle.

Jak McCourt:

Liverpool-born central midfielder McCourt, who was signed by Alan Knill from Leicester City, agreed an extension to his contract with the Foxes during the close season but is yet to make an appearance for Nigel Pearson’s side.

John Marquis:

The Millwall striker Marquis proved to be one of Knill’s most astute loan signings, scoring three goals in a five-match loan stint. During this spell, the Gulls won twice, drew twice and lost once; this was one of their best runs of form in a largely disappointing campaign. He is once again out on loan in League Two, this time with Cheltenham Town.

Shamir Goodwin:

Following a change of name to Fenelon, Shamir has been loaned out again by his parent club Brighton and Hove Albion, firstly to Rochdale – a spell which he was recalled from after failing to break into their first team- and then to Tranmere Rovers.

Conor Wilkinson:

Wilkinson’s loan spell at Plainmoor proved to be a brief one, but he has since been loaned out to Oldham Athletic. On his return to the Trotters, he made his debut for Neil Lennon’s side in a goalless draw with Reading earlier this month.

Aiden O’Brien:

The Republic of Ireland Under-21 striker, who is good friends with Gulls’ striker Duane Ofori-Acheampong, only appeared three times for Torquay last season but made his league debut for the Lions this season against Birmingham City. 


Jayden Stockley: 


Stockley enjoyed two spells on loan at Plainmoor last season; one under Alan Knill and another under Chris Hargreaves. He was also on target against AFC Wimbledon in Hargreaves' first game in charge. This season, he is out on loan again in League Two with Cambridge United. 


Enoch Showumni:


The former Nigerian striker, who can count Luton Town, Bristol City, Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday amongst his former clubs, arrived on loan from Notts County before returning to Meadow Lane and then joined Plymouth Argyle on loan. In the summer, after he was released by the Magpies, he signed for Conference South side Wealdstone. He is currently on loan at Isthmian Premier Division side Canvey Island.

Baily Cargill:

Left-back Cargill made his debut for his parent club AFC Bournemouth against Exeter City in the Capital One Cup first round and also featured in their Quarter Final tie with Liverpool, alongside another two former Gulls: Eunan O’Kane and Adam Smith.  He has also appeared for the England Under-20 side.

Shaquile Coulthirst:

Spurs starlet Coulthirst scored twice in five games for Chris Hargreaves’ side - with goals against Bristol Rovers and Exeter City - as the Gulls fell short of avoiding the drop at the end of the campaign. He is once again out on loan in League Two, this time with Phil Brown’s Southend United.

GLOVERS DREAMING OF UNITED TIE

Yeovil Town will host Manchester United in the third round of the FA Cup after they finally defeated Accrington Stanley at Huish Park.

Late goals from Simon Gillett and Kieffer Moore secured the Glovers' passage through to the next stage of the competition, and ensures that Yeovil will be facing the Red Devils for the first time since their famous FA Cup fifth round meeting at Maine Road - Old Trafford was out of action due to Second World War bomb damage - in 1949.

It will also be the first ever FA Cup tie that United manager Louis Van Gaal has ever been involved in. The Dutchman has managed in its Dutch, Spanish and German equivalents over the years, but this will be his first as a manager in the world's oldest club knock out competition.

GLOVERS AIMING TO SET UP UNITED TIE

After drawing with Accrington Stanley in the second round of the FA Cup, Yeovil Town have the carrot of a third round tie at home to Manchester United dangling in front of them ahead of Tuesday night's replay.

The Glovers drew the original fixture between the two sides 1-1 at the Crown Ground, and have sold 3,000 tickets as a bumper crowd looks set to witness the replay at Huish Park.

Should Yeovil overcome Stanley at the second time of asking, it will be the first time that the Glovers have played the Red Devils since their famous FA Cup fifth round tie of 1949, a run which saw them beat Sunderland en route.

However, the minds of Gary Johnson's side were firmly on the 'bread and butter' of their League One campaign, as they defeated Oldham Athletic 4-0 at Boundary Park, in a match that pitied Johnson against his son, Lee, the former Glovers midfield maestro.

A similar result on Tuesday night would bring further smiles to the Johnson household.

THE GULLS ROCKIER ROAD TO WEMBLEY

It may not have the prestige of the FA Cup, but the FA Trophy could yet turn out to be an important competition for Torquay United as they produced a five-star display to defeat Bishops Stortford.

A first half brace from Ryan Bowman set the Gulls on their way before Luke Young, Duane Ofori Acheampong and substitute Jordan Chapell - with his first goal for the Gulls since he scored the fastest goal in the club's history last October against Portsmouth - completed the scoring.

For their exploits, United have boosted their coffers to the tune of £5,000 and they are now four games away from the final at Wembley - barring the requirement of any replays.

Winning the competition in the past has proved to be a springboard to further success for many clubs, including Wycombe Wanderers, Macclesfield Town, Cheltenham Town, Yeovil Town and Stevenage who all won the Trophy before subsequently winning promotion into the Football League.

In the case of Yeovil, it was the first trophy that they won under the guidance of Gary Johnson back in 2002.

This, in turn, provided a foundation for further success which included eventually winning promotion to the Championship.

A good run in the competition for Chris Hargreaves's Gulls in 2014-15 would send out a message that they mean business regarding the matter of eventually winning promotion back to the Football League.

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY HAS SIGHTS ON EUROS

For Torquay United fans, Jamie Ward will always be regarded as the one that got away.

Ward spent just six months on the English Riviera after joining the Gulls in the summer of 2006 following his release by Aston Villa, who he had played for in an FA Youth Cup final in 2004 alongside the likes of Gary Cahill, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Luke Moore.

He was persuaded to move to south Devon by the then Torquay manager, and fellow Brummie, Ian Atkins, amid interest from Stockport County and Wrexham. 

During his time at Plainmoor, Ward was converted from being a right-winger into a centre forward and scored 11 goals in 29 appearances in all competitions before he was sold to Chesterfield in January 2007 for a fee of £95,000.

At this time the Gulls were in the midst of Chris Roberts’s brief but calamitous reign as Chairman, which plunged the club into turmoil, during a campaign in which Torquay were relegated from the Football League.

His sale effectively ended any realistic chance that the Gulls had of avoiding relegation to the Conference for the first time ever. Nevertheless, Torquay did benefit two years later from a 25% sell-on clause when Ward was sold by the Spireites to Sheffield United for a fee of £330,000.   

Ward’s career has gone from strength to strength since then, and he is currently plying his trade with Championship promotion chasers Derby County and has won 13 caps for Northern Ireland.

Now, as we head into 2015, he also has the potential to do something that the province’s favourite son George Best never managed to do: play in the finals of a major tournament as Northern Ireland are currently top of their Euro 2016 qualifying group.

Ward, who qualifies to play for Northern Ireland through his grandfather, has been ever present in all but one match during Michael O’Neill’s side’s qualifying campaign thus far, as they aim to become the first Northern Ireland side to reach the final stages of a major tournament since the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.

Northern Ireland are currently second in qualifying Group F, which includes Romania, Hungary, Finland, Faroe Islands and Euro 2004 winners Greece, after winning three of their opening four qualifiers. This run includes a 2-0 win over the Greeks, in which Ward and his strike partner Kyle Lafferty found the target.

Their qualification prospects have been enhanced by UEFA’s decision to increase the number of teams participating in the finals from 16 to 24, which means smaller countries now have a greater chance of qualifying for the main stage.

All of the nine group winners and runners-up will qualify automatically, along with hosts France and the third placed team with the highest number of points. The remaining eight third-placed teams will then go into a two-legged Play-off. So O’Neill’s men could finish third in their group and still qualify for the 2016 finals that are due to be held in France. 

Should Ward go on to represent the province in France, he will become the first ex-Gull to appear in the latter stages of a European Championships since Keith Curle represented England at Euro 92 in Sweden.

He will also be the first former Torquay player to appear in the final stages of a major tournament since Paul Hall played for Jamaica at the 1998 World Cup, which was also held in France.

MOST CRUCIAL RESULT OF THE SEASON

On a Tuesday night at a wind swept Launa Windows Stadium, Torquay United pulled off what could be their most crucial win of their campaign so far against FC Halifax Town.

The Gulls’ superior finishing proved to be the difference as first half strikes from Ryan Bowman and Duane Ofori-Acheampong sent them on their way before Lois Maynard pulled a goal back for the Shaymen with his fifth of the season.

In securing victory over the Shaymen, United have leapfrogged their Play-off rivals in the Vanarama Conference table; and they are now just two points shy of the fifth and final Play-off spot.

Defeat, however, would have left Chris Hargreaves's side five points adrift and facing an uphill battle to stay in touch over a busy festive period.

It was a result achieved with a depleted squad, as Aussie defender Aaron Downes was suspended and full-backs Durrell Berry and Thomas Cruise both missed the game through injury. The absence of the latter two saw midfielder Jamie McQuilken and teenager Levi Ives play at right-back and left-back respectively.

Next up for the Gulls is a trip to Bishop Stortford in the FA Trophy, a competition which Hargreaves captained them to the final of in 2008 where they were beaten by Ebbsfleet United.

SHERIDAN LOOKING TO HELP PILGRIMS TO BLUNT BLADES

In recent years, certainly since the 'new' Wembley was re-opened in 2007, the staging of FA Cup semi-finals at the national stadium has become normal practise.

However, over 20 years ago, it was regarded as a novelty rather than the norm when a Sheffield Wednesday side, which contained current Plymouth Argyle manager John Sheridan, played their Steel City neighbours Sheffield United, whilst Arsenal faced Tottenham Hotspur in a North London derby in the other semi-final.

The Owls defeated the Blades 2-1 after extra time and went on to face Arsenal in the final, which they lost 2-1 after a replay, and Sheridan is once again out to defeat United as his Pilgrims' side head to Bramall Lane this Saturday for an FA Cup second round tie.

Argyle, of course, have their own pedigree in the competition having famously reached the semis themselves in 1984 where they were beaten by Graham Taylor's Watford at Villa Park.

They reached the third round last season where they were beaten 3-2 by Port Vale in a replay at Home Park, after drawing 2-2 at Vale Park.

Should the Pilgrims emerge victorious, it will be the first time that they have overcome a team in a higher division than themselves since the 1998-99 season when they overcame Reading - who were then in what is now League One -  after a replay.

Argyle drew 1-1 at the Madjeski Stadium, courtesy of a late strike from Chris Hargreaves, before winning the replay by a solitary Mick Heathcote effort.

In the next round, they were beaten 3-0 by a Preston North End side managed by David Moyes.

If Saturday's tie turns out to be a draw, it will cause a minor fixture headache as Nigel Clough's Blades are due to play Southampton in the Quarter Finals of the Capital One Cup on the scheduled date of the replay - December 16th.

Also any re-match taking place a week later on December 23rd wouldn't be ideal either, as both sides have packed Christmas schedule - starting on Boxing Day - ahead of them.

So, if the match is tied the two sides may have to wait until the date that the third round matches are played - the weekend of January 3rd - to decide who progresses through to the next stage.

A LASTING LEGACY

One legacy of Leroy Rosenior’s three-and-a-half year spell in charge of Torquay United – long before his infamously brief ten-minute stint in 2007- is the Launa Windows Stadium (Plainmoor in old money) faithful have had an expectation of attacking, passing football. 

It was a style of play that was characterised by midfield pass masters such as Alex Russell and Jason Fowler. This has meant that subsequent Gulls’ managers have almost been obliged to accommodate a Nicky Wroe, a Eunan O’Kane and, more recently, a Luke Young into their respective sides. 

However, Leroy didn’t transform the group of players that he inherited from Roy McFarland in 2002 into the promotion winners which they later became in the 2003-04 campaign overnight. 

In his first season in charge, the 2002-03 campaign, the former West Ham striker oversaw plenty free flowing and free scoring, attractive football. 

The Gulls scored 77 goals in all competitions, 71 of which came in the league, that included 31 from the strike partnership of Martin Gritton and David Graham who found the back of the net 16 and 15 times respectively.

Whilst scoring goals came easily to Leroy’s Gulls, conceding them at the other end proved to be an Achilles heel as they conceded 71 in the league and a further eight in cup competitions.

It was a flaw that ensured that Torquay finished the campaign on the periphery of the Division Three promotion race in 9^th place. 

Fast forward to the present day and Chris Hargreaves’s Gulls of the 2014-15 campaign are experiencing a similar headache. 

In the current Vanarama Conference season to date, Torquay are the joint-second highest scorers with 38 goals with second placed Grimsby Town – leaders Barnet are the highest scorers with 50. 

Nevertheless, due to the 29 goals that they have conceded, the Gulls find themselves in 10^th place in the league table with 32 points, four short of the Play-off zone. 

The conundrum facing Hargreaves now is finding a way of strengthening the defensive base behind his more attack-minded players such as Young, leading scorer Ryan Bowman and wide men Louis Briscoe and Toby Ajala. 

His recent addition of ex-Plymouth Argyle right-back Durrell Berry on non-contract terms is certainly a step in the right direction. 

After overseeing his first campaign in charge, Leroy swooped to bring Craig Taylor to Plainmoor on a permanent basis, following a successful loan spell from the Pilgrims, moved Matt Hockley into centre midfield to partner the more cultured Russell. He later brought in Brian McGlinchey as left-back from Argyle following a successful loan spell. 

The end result was that the Gulls won automatic promotion for the first time in 38 years and finding players of similar ilk on what is an extremely limited budget is the challenge now facing Hargreaves.

Unfortunately, in the current financial climate, players may have to leave before new arrivals can be sought. 

However, it is often forgotten that Taylor’s central defensive partner, Steve Woods, spent the entirety of the 2003-04 season at Plainmoor under non-contract terms.

TEAM OF THE YEAR

Yeovil Town Ladies capped their debut season in the FA Women's Super League by being voted as Women's Super League Two Club of the Year.

The Glovers, who finished fifth in Women’s Super League Two and play their home games at Sherborne Town’s Jones Stadium, received the award after meeting criteria that includes demonstrating success in areas such as success on and off the pitch, supporting a range of programmes to help develop players, supporting the RESPECT campaign, community work and overcoming challenges.

One challenge that the club met successfully was the departure of manager Sarah Lawler, who stood down midway through the season after accepting a new job as a development coach with the FA; her assistant, Jamie Sherwood, stepped into the breach before his appointment was made permanent at the end of the season.

Lawler had spent 11 years with the club, which included several as a player, and she had been an influential figure in helping the club achieve Women’s Super League status.

At their new level, Yeovil found themselves competing against some illustrious clubs in women’s footballing circles, such as eventual champions Sunderland Ladies, Doncaster Belles and Millwall Lionesses.

They also encountered some of the games’ better known players including Reading Ladies’ England striker Fran Kirby and Sue Smith, an iconic figure in the women’s game, who turned out for Doncaster Belles. The Belles were also managed by former Plymouth Argyle striker Gordon Staniforth.

After losing their opening fixture against Reading Ladies, the Glovers won their opening home league match 4-1 against the London Bees with midfielder Stacey Pearson scoring a hat-trick.

One of the Glovers great strengths as the season wore on was their team spirit and for a club whose motto is ‘achieve by unity’ that level of togetherness stood them in good stead over the course of the campaign.

Another was their strong spine, which comprised of goalkeeper Rachel ‘Dodge’ Simkin, centre backs Natalie Haigh and skipper Rachael Edwards and midfielders Jade Radburn-Lorton and Katie Sherwood, wife of manager Jamie.

They all helped provide a strong defensive base for more attack-minded players such as Welsh international trio Helen Bleazard, Ellie Curson and leading scorer Sarah Wiltshire.

Since her arrival during the mid-season from Watford Ladies, Wiltshire scored 11 goals in eight matches to finish the campaign as the club’s leading scorer, and the third top scorer in the league behind Reading’s Kirby (24) and Sunderland’s Beth Mead (13).

Other key performers included Welsh international right-back Nicola Cousins who joined mid-season from Cardiff City Ladies.

The Glovers have ambitions to reach Women’s Super League One within the next three years, but they will be aiming for that target without Katie Sherwood and Rachael Edwards, both of whom announced their retirement at the end of the season.

For skipper Edwards, it was the end of a career that very nearly didn’t happen at all; whilst in her teens she suffered a knee injury and was told that she wouldn’t be able to kick a ball in anger again.

However, after making a successful comeback in her mid-twenties, she joined Yeovil Town Ladies eight years ago and led the team out in their opening fixture at the Madjeski Stadium against Reading.

Nevertheless her retirement doesn’t spell the end of her involvement with the Glovers – as she has now become a director of the club and will no doubt be playing a key role in any future progress.

GULLS GET THEIR BUZZ BACK AT THE HIVE

Torquay United’s 3-2 win over Barnet on Tuesday night must surely rank alongside two other victories by the same score line against the Bees.

Those two wins, in the 2000-01 and 2012-13 seasons respectively, both played a crucial role in helping the Gulls retain their Football League status.

In 2001, they travelled to Underhill - under the guidance of Colin Lee - and raced into a two-goal lead courtesy of a 25-yarder from Jason Rees and a header from Kevin Hill.

The Bees were then awarded a penalty after Jimmy Aggrey was adjudged to have handled the ball, but Gulls keeper Stuart Jones guessed correctly and saved Darren Currie’s spot-kick.

David Graham then increased Torquay’s lead to three shortly before the half-time break before Barnet fought back in the second half thanks to a Ryan Green own goal and a Wayne Purser effort.

12 years later, the Gulls defeated the Bees by the same score line at Plainmoor to seal a win that played a major part in helping their survival cause.

Elliot Benyon gave Torquay a first half lead, which was cancelled out by a Jake Hyde equalised for Barnet, who were then managed by former Dutch star Edgar Davids.

Billy Bodin and Brian Saah then increased the Gulls’ lead to two goals before Hyde struck again to complete his brace, but they couldn’t find an equaliser as Torquay took a massive step towards securing their League Two status.

Whereas those results helped United to beat the drop, this latest triumph at the Hive - Barnet’s current home since 2013 - could prove to be the catalyst which gets their attempt to win promotion from the Vanarama Conference back on track.

The win ends a run of four successive defeats in all competitions, and a run of six losses in seven competitive fixtures.

Louis Briscoe opened the scoring for United before Ryan Bowman appeared to have doubled their advantage, but his effort was later accredited to Bees keeper- and former Plymouth Argyle custodian- Graham Stack to give the Gulls a two-goal advantage going into the half-time break.

Spanish substitute Luisma Villa then pulled a goal back for the hosts before Briscoe completed his brace on 65 minutes with his sixth of the campaign, which puts level with Luke Young as United’s leading goal scorer, to restore their two-goal cushion.

Another Bees’ sub Bernard Mensah reduced their deficit to a single goal, but the Gulls’ defence held firm and Toby Ajala and Duane Ofori-Acheampong could have added to their tally late in the game.

Next up for the Gulls is a home clash with fellow Play-off chasers Forest Green Rovers on Saturday.

PILGRIMS AND GLOVERS THROUGH, BUT GRECIANS ARE OUT

Plymouth Argyle and Yeovil Town booked their places in the second round of the FA Cup with wins over AFC Fylde and Crawley Town respectively, but Exeter City bowed out to Warrington Town.

The Pilgrims saw off their Vanarama Conference North opponents thanks to headed efforts from Peter Hartley and Marvin Morgan, and the Glovers defeated their fellow League One outfit by a single goal courtesy of a strike from Jordy Hiwula.

Meanwhile, Exeter City did not enjoy such fortune as they were eliminated by Warrington Town, the lowest ranked team left in the competition.

Warrington skipper Craig Robinson, brother of MK Dons manager Karl, powered home a David Mannix corner after seven minutes, which proved to be decisive for the Cheshire side managed by Shaun Reid, the brother of former Plymouth Argyle manager, Peter Reid, as they held on to clinch victory.

The Grecians went close as David Noble hit the woodwork and Matt Grimes had a shot cleared off the line, but it was to no avail as they bowed out of the cup.

A MAD DOG AND TWO ENGLISHMEN

Torquay United return to Vanarama Conference action on Tuesday night as their management team of Chris Hargreaves and Lee Hodges pit their managerial wits against a Barnet side managed by Martin Allen, a manager whom they both played under during their careers.

Gulls boss Hargreaves spent one season under Allen, also known by his nickname 'Mad Dog', at Brentford during the 2004-05 campaign, during which time the Bees reached the Play-offs in League One, where they were beaten by Sheffield Wednesday in the semi-finals, after finishing fourth in the league.

His assistant Hodges briefly played under Allen at whilst at Reading, when the current Barnet manager was assistant to Alan Pardew, before he was brought to Home Park by Paul Sturrock during the 2000-01 season.

The match itself, which is being broadcast live on BT Sport, will be the Gulls' first visit to the Hive, Barnet's new ground, which they moved to at the start of last season, and the occasion will rekindle memories of many previous encounters between the two sides at Underhill- including the final day decider between the two sides in the 2000-01 season, which Torquay won 3-2.

Nevertheless, after experiencing six losses in their last seven in all competitions, the Gulls will be looking to arrest that decline; and if they are able to do so on Tuesday night it could prove to be an encounter as equally memorable as that May day meeting at Underhill in 2001.

GRECIANS TO FACE REID THE YOUNGER, WHILST ARGYLE PLOUGH A FYLDE

Exeter City and Plymouth Argyle begin their FA Cup campaigns against northern non-league opposition next weekend.

The Grecians, who haven't reached the third round of the competition since they took Manchester United to a replay in the 2004-05 season, face Northern League side Warrington Town, who are managed by Shaun Reid- the younger of brother of former Pilgrims' manager Peter Reid, who is currently managing AFC Mumbai in the Indian Super League.

Reid also had a brief spell as assistant to his elder brother at Home Park whilst the Pilgrims were in Administration in 2011.

The game will be screened live on BBC2 on Friday night (November 7th).

Meanwhile, Argyle will be hosting AFC Fylde, the current leaders of the Vanarama Conference North, who have a manager who knows a thing or two about cup giant-killings.

The Coasters are managed by former Tranmere Rovers defender Dave Challinor, whose infamous long throws proved to be an important weapon as they reached the final of the 2000 Worthington Cup- where they lost to Leicester City- and enjoyed numerous another cup runs, which saw them claim numerous Premier League scalps including Middlesbrough, Sunderland, Southampton and Everton.

However, Pilgrims' boss John Sheridan has enjoyed great pedigree in cups,  as both a player and as a manager, having helped Sheffield Wednesday win the Rumbelows Cup in 1991- in which he scored the winning goal- and he also guided Chesterfield to the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final in 2011, where they beat Paolo Di Canio's Swindon Town; so he will be keen to avoid a potential banana skin.

NICHO HAUNTS GULLS ON HALLOWEEN WEEKEND

Torquay United received a reminder of campaigns past on Halloween weekend 2014, as former left-back Kevin Nicholson scored the decisive goal in their defeat at Kidderminster Harriers.

Marvin Johnson opened the scoring for Harriers after four minutes before Nicholson- who was released by the Gulls in the summer after seven years and over 300 appearances- struck with a free-kick in the 26th minute.

United produced a late rally as Australian defender Aaron Downes headed home a Luke Young corner in the 89th minute to score his fifth goal of the season- the Aussie had managed to find the back of the net four times for the Gulls in the 2013-14 campaign- before Young almost snatched a point in injury time with a free-kick that Kidderminster keeper Danny Lewis turned behind for a corner.

The result now means the Gulls have conceded 18 goals in their last seven matches in all competitions, of which Torquay have lost six, a sequence which has seen them drop to 12th in the Vanarama Conference table.

With former Plymouth Argyle right-back Durrell Berry now on board on non-contract terms, manager Chris Hargreaves now has a week and a half until his side are next in action when they travel to leaders Barnet.

HARGREAVES TO FACE FORMER TEAMMATE IN NEXT MANAGERIAL TEST

Shortly before Torquay United’s Conference Play-off final victory in 2009 over Cambridge, Chris Hargreaves was one of four special guests at a question and answers evening held at Plainmoor.

The evening was organised the club’s Supporters Trust and Hargreaves’ fellow guests of honour included former manager Frank O’Farrell, ex goalkeeper Kenny Allen and club record appearance holder Kevin Hill.

During the course of the evening, which was also attended by several members of the first team squad at the time, Hargreaves quipped that he would not regard himself as a Torquay United legend unless he had helped the club win something.

Fast forward to the final itself and Hargreaves captained the Gulls to victory over the U’s, scored the opening goal of the match - which United won 2-0, as Torquay bounced back into the Football League after an absence of two years.

Now- in 2014- as manager of the Gulls, Hargreaves will no doubt be aware if in the future if he is to be held in the same regard as manager, he needs to achieve some success with the Gulls.

The last Gulls’ promotion winning captain to take on the manager’s job- Wes Saunders, who led Torquay to their Division Four Play-off triumph against Blackpool in 1991- enjoyed a two-and-a-half year spell in charge, between 1998 and 2001, which ultimately proved to be unsuccessful as he was sacked by the then Gulls’ Chairman Mike Bateson and replaced by Colin Lee.

However, prior to taking on the manager’s role, Saunders had spent five years working for his family’s clothing firm. Hargreaves, in contrast, had spent the time between the end of his playing days in 2010 and his appointment at Plainmoor earlier this year learning his trade as coach of Exeter City’s Under-16’s and working under Eddie Howe at AFC Bournemouth as first team coach.

It is fair to say that Hargreaves had done everything that he could to prepare himself for his first managerial vacancy.

Next up for Hargreaves’s Gulls is a trip to Kidderminster Harriers, who include one of his team-mates from those two years spent battling to get United out of the Conference, Kevin Nicholson.

After making over 300 appearances for United over seven years, Nicholson was released by Torquay following relegation from the Football League.

Over the course of those seven years, Nicholson’s ability from set pieces proved to be an important weapon in United’s armoury, but the Gulls have now found a player whose delivery from dead balls is every bit as dangerous in Luke Young, who returns to the Gulls’ side after missing last week’s FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round defeat at the hands of Aldershot Town.

 

 

 

 

WILLAND UP FOR THE CUP

All eyes will be on the Stan Robinson Stadium tomorrow as Willand Rovers, the lowest ranked club left in the FA Cup, host Gosport Borough, of Conference South, as they aim to reach the first round of the competition for the first time ever.

Willand, managed by Scott Rogers- who scored the winning goal for Tiverton Town in their FA Vase final against Bedlington Terriers in 1999, have made it through five rounds of the competition having beaten Radstock Town, Odd Down, Saltash United, Blackfield and Langley- after a replay- and Aveley.

As the sole representative in the cup from the Toolstation Western League, Willand are the lowest ranked team left in the competition.

Their opponents, Gosport Borough, play three leagues above them in Conference South and, like Rovers, they are also bidding to reach the first round proper for the first time in their history.

To reach this stage of the competition 'The Boro' have beaten Larkhall- also of the Western League- and Maidenhead United, after a replay.

DEFENSIVE FRAILTIES LEAVE GULLS STUCK

Following yesterday's defeat at the hands of Grimsby Town, Torquay United have now conceded 14 goals in their last five Vanarama Conference fixtures.

The Gulls fell behind to a strike from Lenell John-Lewis strike in the 38th minute before Luke Young equalised with a sweetly struck from the edge of the box five minutes later to score his sixth goal of the season.

Grimsby then provided a sucker punch to the hosts as Craig Disley restored their lead-following a misjudgement by goalkeeper Martin Rice- on the stroke of half-time.

In the second half, the Gulls levelled when Aaron Downes headed home a corner from Young to score his fourth of the season on 61 minutes.

However, the Mariners hit back again when a header from John-Lewis crept over the line- despite the best efforts of Torquay keeper Rice- to complete his brace in the 70th minute, which ensured that the visitors returned home to Humberside with all three points.

It could be argued that the Gulls could have been three goals ahead before John-Lewis opened the scoring for the Mariners, as Luke Young (twice) and Ryan Bowman forced fine saves from James McKeown in the opening exchanges.

But, it could also be argued that Grimsby could have scored a third shortly after Downes' equaliser- when Scott Neilson- the grandson of the former Spurs and Wales winger, Cliff Jones- raced through on goal and fired a shot straight into the arms of Rice.

Nevertheless, Torquay's record in their last five Vanarama Conference reads: Played five, won one, drawn 0, lost four, scored ten and conceded 14.

This alarming slump has now seen the Gulls drop down to ninth place in the Vanarama Conference table , and what was looking like a promising promotion bid is in danger of becoming derailed.

It now leaves manager Chris Hargreaves with some serious food for thought.

FOURTH STRAIGHT WIN SEES GRECIANS LOOKING UP RATHER THAN DOWN

It's often said in football that winning can change everything, and that is something that is no more evident than at Exeter City at the moment.

Not that long ago, the Grecians found themselves in the League Two relegation zone and the possible threat of a return to the Conference was a genuine fear for the St James Park faithful.

Some fans even launched an online petition to remove long serving manager Paul Tisdale from his post, such was the strength of feeling in certain quarters.

However, after four consecutive wins against Cambridge United, Tranmere Rovers, Bury and- most recently- Dagenham Redbridge have lifted City up to 14th in the table.

New signing Graham Cummins has made a big difference- scoring three times in nine appearances, and loan signing Alex Nicholls- prior to his recent recall by the Cobblers- has also given the Grecians a different dimension.

The progress of youngsters Christy Pym and Matt Grimes also points to a brighter future as well, as the duo retained their places in Aidy Boothroyd's England Under-20 squad after making their debuts against Romania last month.

A FAB FIFTH FROM YOUNGY GETS GULLS BACK ON TRACK

Luke Young picked the perfect time- and perfect way- to score his fifth goal of the season for Torquay United to ensure that the Gulls defeated Wrexham to get their promotion bid back on track.

A Louis Moult effort, which came after he had successfully charged down a goal-kick from Martin Rice, had given the Red Dragons the lead in the first half before Torquay gradually gained a foothold as they hit back through Louis Briscoe.

The Gulls and Young then saved the best for last as he unleashed a volley from 25-yards, which went in off the post, to score one of the best goals seen at Plainmoor in recent years to seal a win that moves the Gulls back up to third in the Vanarama Conference table, and also sees the Gulls' skipper top the club's goal scoring charts with five goals.

It was a perfect antidote to back-to-back defeats at the hands of AFC Telford and Forest Green Rovers.

GULLS SUSPENSIONS PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES FOR OTHERS

Despite experiencing back-to-back defeats against AFC Telford and Forest Green Rovers, Torquay United remain in the Vanarama Conference Play-Off zone, as well as having three players and their manager dismissed.

As well as picking up no points, the Gulls also saw three players sent off- Aaron Downes and Toby Ajala against Telford and Courtney Richards against Forest Green- and manager Chris Hargreaves also received his marching during their trip to the New Lawn at half-time, following a disagreement with match referee Rob Whitton for reasons unknown to the Gulls' boss.

Downes received a straight red- and three match ban, which he will complete a week on Saturday against Alfreton Town- whilst Ajala and Richards received two yellow cards.

Striker Duane Ofori-Acheampong also picked up his fifth yellow card of the campaign- thus ensuring that he sits out their next fixture against fellow Play-Off chasers Wrexham, as well as Richards.

Although the bans have come as a blow to Hargreaves, it also presents others within the Gulls' squad with an opportunity to stake their claim.

Last year's Player of the Year Krystian Pearce slotted straight in for Aussie defender Downes on Tuesday night and will do so again against the Red Dragons.

Similarly Ajala's two yellows saw a recall for the fit again Louis Briscoe in the right wing berth.

On Saturday, the absence of Ofori-Acheampong and Richards presents opportunities for Josh Wakefield and Ashley Yeoman to stake a claim for a first team spot.

Wakefield, currently on loan from AFC Bournemouth, opened his account for the Gulls in their 4-3 defeat at Telford and is currently odds on favourite to partner Luke Young in the centre of the park; Ben Harding, who is now fit again, could also feature.

Yeoman, who enjoyed a sustained run in the Gulls' first team at the end of last season as United fell short of retaining their Football League status, now has the chance to establish himself as a recognised strike partner alongside current joint leading scorer Ryan Bowman.

A prolific scorer during loan spells with Bideford and Dorchester Town, Yeoman now has the opportunity to go on a lengthy scoring streak with the Gulls.

A MEMORABLE WEEK FOR LUKE

Torquay United skipper Luke Young capped off a memorable week by scoring the decisive goal to earn the Gulls an important win over high flying Woking - and became United’s top scorer in the process. 

With the game poised at 0-0 and heading into the dying minutes, Young struck with a powerfully struck free-kick, which ultimately proved to be the difference between the two sides. 

It was Young’s fourth in as many games, which makes him the Gulls’ top scorer, and also came after he had received a call-up, along with team-mate Ryan Bowman, for the England C’ squad for games against Turkey and Estonia in October and November respectively. 

Torquay wide man Courtney Cameron was also named in reserve squad. 

Since his arrival at the Launa Windows Stadium- Plainmoor in old money, following the Gulls’ new sponsorship deal with the local double glazing company- Young has become assumed the captaincy of Chris Hargreaves’ side, and has emerged as a talismanic figure for Hargreaves’ youthful looking side. 

After opening his account with a brace against Nuneaton, before netting against Grimsby and Woking, Young is currently Torquay’s top scorer with four goals; he has also set about fulfilling a prophecy made by his former manager John Sheridan shortly after he decided, somewhat surprisingly in some quarters, to release him before his move to the Gulls. 

Sheridan said: “Although he hasn’t moved very far – I think it will do him good to get away into a different environment.

“I liked him as a player and if you want to call it a step down or step back (at Torquay) for Youngy to kick on.

“He’s got potential to be a very good player.”

And Young has certainly been demonstrating that potential thus far.