Thursday 26 February 2015

HALF TIME IN TIE

Torquay United head into Saturday's FA Trophy semi-final second leg against Wrexham at the Launa Windows Stadium needing to overturn a single goal deficit.

Goals from Joe Clarke and Louis Moult gave the Red Dragons a goal two advantage before Ryan Bowman scored an all-important away goal for the Gulls.

Unlike Wrexham, who played out a goalless draw with Forest Green Rovers in midweek, Torquay had a free week thanks courtesy of the postponement of their Tuesday night fixture with Lincoln City.

If they require any inspiration ahead of what will be their fourth meeting with Wrexham this season, then the Gulls need look no further than their league clash against the Red Dragons in early October.

After going a goal down in the first half from Moult, Torquay levelled when a Louis Briscoe capped off a superb flowing move. It was then left to skipper Luke Young to score the winner with one of the finest goals seen at the Launa Windows Stadium with stunning strike from 35-yards.

Should Torquay overcome Wrexham, it will be the Gulls sixth appearance at Wembley - previous visits came in 1989, 1991, 1998, 2008 and 2009 - and it will be against either Bath City or North Ferriby United who compete in the other semi-final.

Manager Chris Hargreaves will also become the first person to lead Torquay to Wembley as both a player and as a manager - he captained the Gulls in their 2008 FA Trophy final appearance against Ebbsfleet United.