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.
