After coming up against two of his former clubs and one of his old managers this season, next up for Kevin Nicholson will be a contest with one of his ex team-mates when Torquay United face Chris Todd's Eastleigh on Easter Monday.
So far in his short managerial career, Nicholson has faced the club he left Torquay to join - Forest Green Rovers; the side he signed for after leaving the Gulls - Kidderminster Harriers - and an FC Halifax Town team managed by his former Forest Green manager Jim Harvey and now he is set to do battle with Todd for the first time.
The duo served alongside each other as players at Plainmoor for three years between 2007 and 2010, and they were both part of the United side that won promotion back to the Football League in 2009 - when they beat Cambridge United in the Conference Play-off final.
It was a highly memorable three years for Todd especially, as he fought his way back to appear for the Gulls at Wembley against Cambridge after being diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia - cancer of the blood in lay man's terms - early on in the 2008-09 campaign.
However, after a brief loan spell with Salisbury City, he was back in time for the end of season run-in as United ensured that their exile outside the Football League would only last for two years.
To achieve this, he showed a strength of character that has stood him in good stead for his managerial career with the Spitfires, who he took charge of after a brief spell as assistant manager to his predecessor Richard Hill.
Meanwhile, Nicholson's Gulls of 2016 need to display a gutsy resolve of their own as they aim to bounce back from a 5-0 defeat away at Dover Athletic, in which right-back Durrell Berry was stretched off with a broken leg.
One positive for United so far this weekend is the return of Luke Young, following a cruciate ligament injury that has kept him out for the entire season so far, when he came on as a 63rd minute substitute. He is set to play some part in the proceedings on Easter Monday.
Sunday 27 March 2016
Friday 25 March 2016
ARGYLE WIN TO GET BACK ON TRACK
Plymouth Argyle got their promotion bid back on track on Good Friday with a win over Morecambe.
Goals from loan signings Jordan Houghton and Jamille Matt - who are on loan at Home Park from Chelsea and Fleetwood Town - secured a 2-0 win for the Pilgrims over the Shrimps, who were reduced to ten men on the stroke of half-time when Alex Kenyon was dismissed for a foul on Carl McHugh.
Only goal difference is keeping Argyle out of the top three at the time of writing, as they remain level on points with third placed Bristol Rovers.
Pilgrims manager Derek Adams has strengthened his squad for their end of season run-in with the re-signing on loan deadline day of midfielder Hiram Boateng from Crystal Palace.
However, Boateng's return now means Adams has more players in his squad than he allowed to select in the match-day squad.
Current rules stipulate that no manager is allowed to name more than five loanees amongst his starting eleven and seven substitutes for each fixture.
Argyle currently have six players on loan at Home Park: Oscar Threlkld (Bolton); Craig Tanner (Reading); Houghton (Chelsea); Matt (Fleetwood); Daniel Nardiello (Bury) & Boateng (Crystal Palace), which means on every match-day - one of the aforementioned loanees is forced to sit in the stands.
It's a conundrum that Adams will have to face at least another eight times during the regular season, unless the Pilgrims are forced to settle for a Play-off spot.
As things stands, Argyle, who are currently 4th in the table, could be facing a reunion with Wycombe Wanderers - their Play-off semi final opponents from last season - as the Chairboys are in the 7th place and therefore would be due to meet the Pilgrims should they both finish the season in the current positions.
Goals from loan signings Jordan Houghton and Jamille Matt - who are on loan at Home Park from Chelsea and Fleetwood Town - secured a 2-0 win for the Pilgrims over the Shrimps, who were reduced to ten men on the stroke of half-time when Alex Kenyon was dismissed for a foul on Carl McHugh.
Only goal difference is keeping Argyle out of the top three at the time of writing, as they remain level on points with third placed Bristol Rovers.
Pilgrims manager Derek Adams has strengthened his squad for their end of season run-in with the re-signing on loan deadline day of midfielder Hiram Boateng from Crystal Palace.
However, Boateng's return now means Adams has more players in his squad than he allowed to select in the match-day squad.
Current rules stipulate that no manager is allowed to name more than five loanees amongst his starting eleven and seven substitutes for each fixture.
Argyle currently have six players on loan at Home Park: Oscar Threlkld (Bolton); Craig Tanner (Reading); Houghton (Chelsea); Matt (Fleetwood); Daniel Nardiello (Bury) & Boateng (Crystal Palace), which means on every match-day - one of the aforementioned loanees is forced to sit in the stands.
It's a conundrum that Adams will have to face at least another eight times during the regular season, unless the Pilgrims are forced to settle for a Play-off spot.
As things stands, Argyle, who are currently 4th in the table, could be facing a reunion with Wycombe Wanderers - their Play-off semi final opponents from last season - as the Chairboys are in the 7th place and therefore would be due to meet the Pilgrims should they both finish the season in the current positions.
Monday 21 March 2016
YOUNG SET TO RETURN FOR GULLS
Losing Luke Young to a cruciate ligament injury in pre-season dealt a major blow to Torquay United's National League prospects, but the former Plymouth Argyle midfielder could be set to return for the Gulls in the near future.
Young hasn't been able to kick a ball in anger all season, but he has stepped up his rehabilitation to the point that he has been able to join in with the side's pre-match warm up in many of United's recent games.
Manager Kevin Nicholson hinted that he might be available for the Gulls' away fixture with Gateshead on April 2nd.
"Maybe Easter is a little bit too soon for 'Youngy', we need to get some decent training into him," said Nicholson.
"We'll have a look over the week to see if we can get him some match-related football, and if we can I reckon next weekend might come a bit too soon for him; but possibly the weekend after, he maybe knocking on the door.
Young was voted as the Gulls' Player of the Year in the 2014-15 campaign, in which he scored six goals - including a stunning long range strike against Wrexham which is regarded as one of the finest goals ever since at Plainmoor in recent years.
Young hasn't been able to kick a ball in anger all season, but he has stepped up his rehabilitation to the point that he has been able to join in with the side's pre-match warm up in many of United's recent games.
Manager Kevin Nicholson hinted that he might be available for the Gulls' away fixture with Gateshead on April 2nd.
"Maybe Easter is a little bit too soon for 'Youngy', we need to get some decent training into him," said Nicholson.
"We'll have a look over the week to see if we can get him some match-related football, and if we can I reckon next weekend might come a bit too soon for him; but possibly the weekend after, he maybe knocking on the door.
Young was voted as the Gulls' Player of the Year in the 2014-15 campaign, in which he scored six goals - including a stunning long range strike against Wrexham which is regarded as one of the finest goals ever since at Plainmoor in recent years.
SEASON PREVIEW 2016: YEOVIL TOWN LADIES
Following Yeovil Town Ladies' Women's FA Cup defeat against Sunderland Ladies, manager Jamie Sherwood has his sights firmly on winning promotion from Women's Super League One.
A Brooke Chaplen brace enabled the Lady Black Cats to progress through to the Quarter Finals, where they will face Reading Women, leaving the Lady Glovers - as the old cliché dictates - to concentrate on the league.
Over the course of the winter, there have been a number of changes going on with Yeovil Town Ladies as they announced that they will be playing their home games in the league at Huish Park.
There have also been a number of personnel changes, as captain Natalie Haigh announced she couldn't commit to playing due to work and study commitments, Ellie Isaac decided to go travelling and vice-captain Corinne Yorston returned to her former club Bristol City Women - formerly Bristol Academy.
Travelling to Huish Park in the opposition from the Stoke Gifford Stadium were Nadia Lawrence, Hannah Short and Lauren Townsend, as Sherwood looked to fill the gaps left by their departures.
He also boosted the Lady Glovers' attacking options with the signing of England Under 19 international Atlanta Primus - daughter of former Portsmouth defender Linvoy Primus - from Chelsea Ladies.
Wales international Kayleigh Green also joined from Cardiff City Ladies, who would have featured against Sunderland on Sunday had she not been cup-tied.
Following Haigh's departure, midfielder Ellie Curson was appointed as captain.
Sherwood also retained the majority of last season's squad - most notably Sarah Wiltshire and Annie Heatherson.
Their Women's Super League Two campaign gets underway on Wednesday night with a trip to Bristol City Women - who Yeovil beat in the previous round of the Women's FA Cup to set up their tie with Sunderland, who were relegated from WSL 1 last season.
The Vixens are likely to be one of the Lady Glovers' rivals in their quest for promotion, along with Everton Ladies and Aston Villa Ladies in what promises to be a very open season in WSL 2., but after the lessons which they learned from last season - as well as their new additions - Yeovil might just have something to celebrate come the end of the season next November.
Player to Watch: Ellie Curson
After joining the Lady Glovers midway through the 2014 season, Curson has grown in stature and became one of the first names on the Yeovil Town team sheet last season and, such is her standing within the squad, she was selected to succeed Natalie Haigh as captain. Recently, she received further international recognition for Wales and is set to play a major role once again for Yeovil.
A Brooke Chaplen brace enabled the Lady Black Cats to progress through to the Quarter Finals, where they will face Reading Women, leaving the Lady Glovers - as the old cliché dictates - to concentrate on the league.
Over the course of the winter, there have been a number of changes going on with Yeovil Town Ladies as they announced that they will be playing their home games in the league at Huish Park.
There have also been a number of personnel changes, as captain Natalie Haigh announced she couldn't commit to playing due to work and study commitments, Ellie Isaac decided to go travelling and vice-captain Corinne Yorston returned to her former club Bristol City Women - formerly Bristol Academy.
Travelling to Huish Park in the opposition from the Stoke Gifford Stadium were Nadia Lawrence, Hannah Short and Lauren Townsend, as Sherwood looked to fill the gaps left by their departures.
He also boosted the Lady Glovers' attacking options with the signing of England Under 19 international Atlanta Primus - daughter of former Portsmouth defender Linvoy Primus - from Chelsea Ladies.
Wales international Kayleigh Green also joined from Cardiff City Ladies, who would have featured against Sunderland on Sunday had she not been cup-tied.
Following Haigh's departure, midfielder Ellie Curson was appointed as captain.
Sherwood also retained the majority of last season's squad - most notably Sarah Wiltshire and Annie Heatherson.
Their Women's Super League Two campaign gets underway on Wednesday night with a trip to Bristol City Women - who Yeovil beat in the previous round of the Women's FA Cup to set up their tie with Sunderland, who were relegated from WSL 1 last season.
The Vixens are likely to be one of the Lady Glovers' rivals in their quest for promotion, along with Everton Ladies and Aston Villa Ladies in what promises to be a very open season in WSL 2., but after the lessons which they learned from last season - as well as their new additions - Yeovil might just have something to celebrate come the end of the season next November.
Player to Watch: Ellie Curson
After joining the Lady Glovers midway through the 2014 season, Curson has grown in stature and became one of the first names on the Yeovil Town team sheet last season and, such is her standing within the squad, she was selected to succeed Natalie Haigh as captain. Recently, she received further international recognition for Wales and is set to play a major role once again for Yeovil.
Saturday 19 March 2016
THE MAGIC OF THE CUP
When Yeovil Town knocked Sunderland out of the FA Cup in
1949, the result made the footballing world sit up and take notice of the
Glovers.
It is a result that is still regarded as one of the
competition’s greatest upsets of all time and also underlined the potential of
the then Southern League Yeovil had of becoming a Football League side one day.
Now, in 2016, as Yeovil Town Ladies prepare to face
Sunderland Ladies in the Women’s FA Cup, a win for the Lady Glovers over the
Lady Black Cats would create a level of interest that would increase the club’s
profile and could help bring them one step closer to becoming a WSL One club.
Whereas in 1949, the Sunderland side that faced Yeovil at
the ‘old’ Huish included England internationals such as Raich Carter and Len
Shackleton, the Lady Black Cats side is set to feature Republic of Ireland
international - and 2014 Puskas award runner-up - Stephanie Roche, as well as
England hopefuls Lucy Staniforth and Beth Mead – who will both be looking to
impress England manager Mark Sampson.
The Lady Glovers will be going into the tie on the back of a
morale boosting win over Bristol City Women – formerly Bristol Academy – in the
previous round, which they won on penalties.
Their last meeting in the WSL, shortly before Sunderland’s
promotion to the top-flight, ended in a 2-1 victory for the Lady Black Cats,
with Sarah Wiltshire – prior to her move to Manchester City Women – netting for
Yeovil.
Wiltshire’s goal for the Lady Glovers served to draw them
level with Sunderland at the Jones Stadium, and she was unlucky not to score a
second shortly afterwards that would have served to give them a 2-1 lead.
The magic of the cup means that, on any given day, anything
can happen – and it often does.
Sunday 13 March 2016
THE APPRENTICE VERSUS THE MASTER
After seeing his Torquay United side extend their unbeaten run to six matches with a goalless draw against Aldershot, a managerial duel with one of his former bosses - Jim Harvey - will be the next challenge for Kevin Nicholson when United face FC Halifax on Tuesday.
Harvey, who Nicholson served under at Forest Green Rovers during the 2006-07 season, is now overseeing FC Halifax Town's own battle against relegation from the Vanarama National League, as well as having one eye on an appearance at Wembley in the final of the FA Trophy.
The Shaymen are currently 20th in the table, at the time of writing, with 36 points - whilst the Gulls are in 22nd on 34 points.
Their meeting on Tuesday night will be the fourth time that Nicholson has faced one of his former acquaintances during his reign in charge of Torquay- having faced Forest Green twice, as well another of his previous clubs Kidderminster Harriers.
On Boxing Day, the Gulls turned on the style to beat Forest Green 4-1 in front of a crowd of 2,051 at the Launa Windows Stadium.
Despite trailing to an early Keanu Marsh-Brown effort. However, two goals from Tyrone Marsh before half-time and two late second half strikes from Durrell Berry and Andre Wright rounded a memorable victory for United - which was their first in front of their own fans since the opening day of the campaign. In the return fixture on New Year's Day at the New Lawn, the Gulls took the lead through Aman Verma as a shock double appeared to be on the cards before a late recovery from Rovers saw them win 3-1.
Earlier this month, the Gulls played host to Kidderminster and raced into a two-goal lead courtesy of a Dean Snedker own goal and a header from Nathan Blissett, who netted against his former club.
However, Harriers pegged United back in the second half as Kelvin Langmead and Artur Guahoua struck to pull Kidderminster level before Nathan Smith scored a 82nd minute winner for the Gulls, although there appeared to be an element of handball in his effort.
Should United repeat the performance levels that they showed in these three matches, then it promises to be another intriguing contest.
Nicholson's reunion with Harvey won't be the only link between the Gulls manager and the Shaymen; His former United teammate Nicky Wroe, who appeared alongside Nicholson in the 2009 Conference Play-off final against Cambridge United in 2009, is set to feature for Halifax, whilst former Gulls' striker Waide Fairhurst - who had his contract terminated in compassionate grounds at the end of January - could also appear for the visitors.
Harvey, who Nicholson served under at Forest Green Rovers during the 2006-07 season, is now overseeing FC Halifax Town's own battle against relegation from the Vanarama National League, as well as having one eye on an appearance at Wembley in the final of the FA Trophy.
The Shaymen are currently 20th in the table, at the time of writing, with 36 points - whilst the Gulls are in 22nd on 34 points.
Their meeting on Tuesday night will be the fourth time that Nicholson has faced one of his former acquaintances during his reign in charge of Torquay- having faced Forest Green twice, as well another of his previous clubs Kidderminster Harriers.
On Boxing Day, the Gulls turned on the style to beat Forest Green 4-1 in front of a crowd of 2,051 at the Launa Windows Stadium.
Despite trailing to an early Keanu Marsh-Brown effort. However, two goals from Tyrone Marsh before half-time and two late second half strikes from Durrell Berry and Andre Wright rounded a memorable victory for United - which was their first in front of their own fans since the opening day of the campaign. In the return fixture on New Year's Day at the New Lawn, the Gulls took the lead through Aman Verma as a shock double appeared to be on the cards before a late recovery from Rovers saw them win 3-1.
Earlier this month, the Gulls played host to Kidderminster and raced into a two-goal lead courtesy of a Dean Snedker own goal and a header from Nathan Blissett, who netted against his former club.
However, Harriers pegged United back in the second half as Kelvin Langmead and Artur Guahoua struck to pull Kidderminster level before Nathan Smith scored a 82nd minute winner for the Gulls, although there appeared to be an element of handball in his effort.
Should United repeat the performance levels that they showed in these three matches, then it promises to be another intriguing contest.
Nicholson's reunion with Harvey won't be the only link between the Gulls manager and the Shaymen; His former United teammate Nicky Wroe, who appeared alongside Nicholson in the 2009 Conference Play-off final against Cambridge United in 2009, is set to feature for Halifax, whilst former Gulls' striker Waide Fairhurst - who had his contract terminated in compassionate grounds at the end of January - could also appear for the visitors.
Sunday 6 March 2016
KEVIN HILL AT 40
As today is the 40th birthday of former long serving Torquay United stalwart Kevin Hill (yes, he really is that old!) we will look back at five key matches from the 474 appearances in all competitions that he made for the Gulls.
1) Macclesfield Town 2 Torquay United 1, 9th August 1997
The opening day of the 1997-98 campaign was a day of many firsts for both Torquay United and Macclesfield Town. The Silkmen, who had won promotion to the Football League after winning the Conference title in the 1996-97 season, were playing their first fixture as a league club.
Torquay - then managed by Kevin Hodges - were fielding a whole host of new signings, including a young midfielder signed for Torrington Town on the recommendation of Hodges' former Plymouth Argyle boss Johnny Hore by the name of Kevin Hill.
'Hilly' made the first of what would be a club record total of 474 games for United when he came on as a second half substitute for fellow debutant Paul Gibbs in a game that the Gulls lost 2-1, as Efe Sodje and former Plymouth striker Richard Landon scored for the Silkmen and Andy Gurney replied for United.
2) Barnet 2 Torquay United 3, 5th May 2001
In their final fixture of the 2000-01 season, Torquay travelled to Underhill to face in a 'do or die' relegation decider that would see the loser drop into the Conference. After winning the club's Player of the Year award on what would be the first of two occasions in the previous campaign, 'Hilly' had firmly established himself as a Torquay United favourite and went into the game as United's joint top-scorer with Eifion Williams on nine goals.
The Gulls started the game brightly as Jason Rees opened the scoring with a 25-yard drive in the 10th minute, which helped to ease the nerves of the travelling Gulls' faithful.
On 25 minutes, United won a corner on the right hand side, which was taken by Paul Holmes and picked out 'Hilly' who nodded home his 10th goal of the season to give United a valuable two-goal cushion.
The hearts were in the mouths of the travelling Torquay supporters in the 40th minute when Barnet were awarded a penalty, after referee Richard Beeby adjudged Jimmy Aggrey to have handled the ball. The Bees' leading scorer Darren Currie stepped up to take the spot-kick, but Gulls keeper Stuart Jones guessed the direction of it correctly and saved it.
From the resulting goal kick United launched another attack, as Eifion Williams linked up with David Graham to extend the Gulls' lead to three goals before the half-time break.
In the second half, Barnet reduced their deficit to a single goal following a Ryan Green own goal and a Wayne Purser, which meant nerves were frayed in the final minutes of the game. However, United held on to clinch the win that secured their league status under the stewardship of Colin Lee.
3) Southend United 1 Torquay United 2, 8th May 2004
Three years later, the Gulls were venturing to the South East of England in very different circumstances to their trip to Barnet. United, now managed by Leroy Rosenior, knew their brief was simple: they had to better whatever result that Huddersfield Town achieved against Cheltenham Town at Whaddon Road to win automatic promotion for the first time in 38 years.
More than 2,500 Gulls' fans made the journey to Roots Hall and they saw their team get off to a flying start, as Steve Woods headed home an Alex Russell corner after three minutes.
Eight minutes later, United doubled their lead when David Graham nodded home a cross from Jo Kuffour as the Gulls put themselves firmly in the driving seat.
Southend hit back in the 17th minute through Lawrie Dudfield and the news coming through from Cheltenham wasn't good either as Huddersfield had taken the lead.
Kuffour came close to adding a third for United and Dudfield had another goal disallowed as the Gulls' destiny remained in the balance.
However, much to United's relief, Cheltenham managed to find an equaliser through Shane Duff and the Gulls also survived a late penalty decision after referee Tony Leake waved away appeals from the Shrimpers for a challenge by Reuben Hazell on Drewe Broughton.
But hang on they did, as the Gulls celebrated their first automatic promotion success since 1966.
4) Carlisle United 1 Torquay United 2, 29th April 2006
The Gulls' stay in League One proved to be a brief one, as they were relegated on the final day of the season following a 2-1 defeat against Colchester United.
On their return to League Two, they found themselves involved in another relegation battle to avoid dropping into the Conference and, after the appointment of Ian Atkins as manager, they launched another late bid for survival.
Wins over Macclesfield, Wrexham and Stockport County set them up nicely for an away clash with champions elect Carlisle United.
The Cumbrians started strongly, but the Gulls refused to cave in and took the lead on eight minutes when 'Hilly' connected with a cross from Jo Kuffour. It was his ninth goal of the campaign, and many observers likened his leap latch on to Kuffour's cross as the nearest thing they have seen to human flight!
Four minutes before the half-time interval, Kuffour found the target himself as his strike partner Lee Thorpe flicked a cross from Martin 'Buster' Phillips into his path and he fired home his fourth goal as many games with a shot on the turn.
Carlisle, who were looked to get their hands on the League Two title, weren't doing to go down without a fight and they pulled a goal back three minutes into the second half when Zigor Aranalde headed home a corner from Chris Lumsdon.
The pressure was now on the Gulls to defend and their central defensive pairing of Steve Woods and Craig Taylor against a Carlisle forward line, which included future United striker Karl Hawley and former Sunderland and Leeds striker Michael Bridges.
With ten minutes to go, Gulls' keeper Andy Marriott had appeared to have punched into his own net, but it was ruled out for an infringement and United held on to secure another vital win.
Carlisle were made to wait until the following Tuesday to get their hands on the league title, as they beat Mansfield Town, whilst a week later, Torquay made their safety a formality with a goalless draw with Boston United.
5) Torquay United 1 Exeter City 4, 5th May 2008
As a youngster, 'Hilly' was told by Exeter City that he was, as they described 'too small, not strong enough and couldn't win headers'. Given that he gained a reputation for being able to out jump opponents far taller than his own five feet nine inch frame, you wonder just how wrong you can be about someone!
It was then quite apt that he would equal Dennis Lewis's long-standing club appearance record against the Grecians.
The Gulls led City on aggregate after winning the first leg of their Conference Play-off semi-final 2-1 at St James Park.
'Hilly' was recalled to the starting line-up in place of Lee Phillips, and the decision by Paul Buckle to do so appeared to be paying dividends as he won a number of trademark headers in the first half.
When United did finally make the breakthrough, it was through 'Hilly' as he fired home in the 58th minute following good build-up play involving Tim Sills and Chris Zebroski.
However, far from being a catalyst to clinch a victory that would have seemed like Nirvana to the Gulls' faithful, the Grecians hit back following a tactical switch, as Paul Tisdale switched from playing 4-3-3 to 4-4-2, to score four times in the last 20 minutes.
Goals from Ryan Harley, a penalty from Ben Watson, Richard Logan and Wayne Carlisle saw Exeter book a Play-off final place at United's expense in a match which wasn't just a turning point in the Gulls' history, but also in that of the managerial career of Tisdale.
For 'Hilly', it would be his final appearance for the Gulls at Plainmoor as he beat Lewis' record in the FA Trophy final against Ebbsfleet United before leaving United to sign for Dorchester Town.
Footnote: 'Hilly' is still playing for Exmouth Town, who he is joint player-manager of, in the South West Peninsula League and his love of playing still remains as strong as ever.
1) Macclesfield Town 2 Torquay United 1, 9th August 1997
The opening day of the 1997-98 campaign was a day of many firsts for both Torquay United and Macclesfield Town. The Silkmen, who had won promotion to the Football League after winning the Conference title in the 1996-97 season, were playing their first fixture as a league club.
Torquay - then managed by Kevin Hodges - were fielding a whole host of new signings, including a young midfielder signed for Torrington Town on the recommendation of Hodges' former Plymouth Argyle boss Johnny Hore by the name of Kevin Hill.
'Hilly' made the first of what would be a club record total of 474 games for United when he came on as a second half substitute for fellow debutant Paul Gibbs in a game that the Gulls lost 2-1, as Efe Sodje and former Plymouth striker Richard Landon scored for the Silkmen and Andy Gurney replied for United.
2) Barnet 2 Torquay United 3, 5th May 2001
In their final fixture of the 2000-01 season, Torquay travelled to Underhill to face in a 'do or die' relegation decider that would see the loser drop into the Conference. After winning the club's Player of the Year award on what would be the first of two occasions in the previous campaign, 'Hilly' had firmly established himself as a Torquay United favourite and went into the game as United's joint top-scorer with Eifion Williams on nine goals.
The Gulls started the game brightly as Jason Rees opened the scoring with a 25-yard drive in the 10th minute, which helped to ease the nerves of the travelling Gulls' faithful.
On 25 minutes, United won a corner on the right hand side, which was taken by Paul Holmes and picked out 'Hilly' who nodded home his 10th goal of the season to give United a valuable two-goal cushion.
The hearts were in the mouths of the travelling Torquay supporters in the 40th minute when Barnet were awarded a penalty, after referee Richard Beeby adjudged Jimmy Aggrey to have handled the ball. The Bees' leading scorer Darren Currie stepped up to take the spot-kick, but Gulls keeper Stuart Jones guessed the direction of it correctly and saved it.
From the resulting goal kick United launched another attack, as Eifion Williams linked up with David Graham to extend the Gulls' lead to three goals before the half-time break.
In the second half, Barnet reduced their deficit to a single goal following a Ryan Green own goal and a Wayne Purser, which meant nerves were frayed in the final minutes of the game. However, United held on to clinch the win that secured their league status under the stewardship of Colin Lee.
3) Southend United 1 Torquay United 2, 8th May 2004
Three years later, the Gulls were venturing to the South East of England in very different circumstances to their trip to Barnet. United, now managed by Leroy Rosenior, knew their brief was simple: they had to better whatever result that Huddersfield Town achieved against Cheltenham Town at Whaddon Road to win automatic promotion for the first time in 38 years.
More than 2,500 Gulls' fans made the journey to Roots Hall and they saw their team get off to a flying start, as Steve Woods headed home an Alex Russell corner after three minutes.
Eight minutes later, United doubled their lead when David Graham nodded home a cross from Jo Kuffour as the Gulls put themselves firmly in the driving seat.
Southend hit back in the 17th minute through Lawrie Dudfield and the news coming through from Cheltenham wasn't good either as Huddersfield had taken the lead.
Kuffour came close to adding a third for United and Dudfield had another goal disallowed as the Gulls' destiny remained in the balance.
However, much to United's relief, Cheltenham managed to find an equaliser through Shane Duff and the Gulls also survived a late penalty decision after referee Tony Leake waved away appeals from the Shrimpers for a challenge by Reuben Hazell on Drewe Broughton.
But hang on they did, as the Gulls celebrated their first automatic promotion success since 1966.
4) Carlisle United 1 Torquay United 2, 29th April 2006
The Gulls' stay in League One proved to be a brief one, as they were relegated on the final day of the season following a 2-1 defeat against Colchester United.
On their return to League Two, they found themselves involved in another relegation battle to avoid dropping into the Conference and, after the appointment of Ian Atkins as manager, they launched another late bid for survival.
Wins over Macclesfield, Wrexham and Stockport County set them up nicely for an away clash with champions elect Carlisle United.
The Cumbrians started strongly, but the Gulls refused to cave in and took the lead on eight minutes when 'Hilly' connected with a cross from Jo Kuffour. It was his ninth goal of the campaign, and many observers likened his leap latch on to Kuffour's cross as the nearest thing they have seen to human flight!
Four minutes before the half-time interval, Kuffour found the target himself as his strike partner Lee Thorpe flicked a cross from Martin 'Buster' Phillips into his path and he fired home his fourth goal as many games with a shot on the turn.
Carlisle, who were looked to get their hands on the League Two title, weren't doing to go down without a fight and they pulled a goal back three minutes into the second half when Zigor Aranalde headed home a corner from Chris Lumsdon.
The pressure was now on the Gulls to defend and their central defensive pairing of Steve Woods and Craig Taylor against a Carlisle forward line, which included future United striker Karl Hawley and former Sunderland and Leeds striker Michael Bridges.
With ten minutes to go, Gulls' keeper Andy Marriott had appeared to have punched into his own net, but it was ruled out for an infringement and United held on to secure another vital win.
Carlisle were made to wait until the following Tuesday to get their hands on the league title, as they beat Mansfield Town, whilst a week later, Torquay made their safety a formality with a goalless draw with Boston United.
5) Torquay United 1 Exeter City 4, 5th May 2008
As a youngster, 'Hilly' was told by Exeter City that he was, as they described 'too small, not strong enough and couldn't win headers'. Given that he gained a reputation for being able to out jump opponents far taller than his own five feet nine inch frame, you wonder just how wrong you can be about someone!
It was then quite apt that he would equal Dennis Lewis's long-standing club appearance record against the Grecians.
The Gulls led City on aggregate after winning the first leg of their Conference Play-off semi-final 2-1 at St James Park.
'Hilly' was recalled to the starting line-up in place of Lee Phillips, and the decision by Paul Buckle to do so appeared to be paying dividends as he won a number of trademark headers in the first half.
When United did finally make the breakthrough, it was through 'Hilly' as he fired home in the 58th minute following good build-up play involving Tim Sills and Chris Zebroski.
For 'Hilly', it would be his final appearance for the Gulls at Plainmoor as he beat Lewis' record in the FA Trophy final against Ebbsfleet United before leaving United to sign for Dorchester Town.
Footnote: 'Hilly' is still playing for Exmouth Town, who he is joint player-manager of, in the South West Peninsula League and his love of playing still remains as strong as ever.
Wednesday 2 March 2016
THREE OUT OF THREE
Nathan Blissett made it three goals in his last three games for Torquay United, as the Gulls won their third Vanarama National League in a row against Macclesfield Town.
Blissett, who joined United in January following his release by Bristol Rovers, opened the scoring for the Gulls in the 20th minute, after taking advantage of a moment of hesitation in the Silkmen defence, before Kristian Dennis levelled for Macclesfield on 43 minutes.
Far from throwing the towel in, United hit back and restored their advantage when Blissett completed his brace two minutes into the second half, heading home Danny Racchi's corner, which ultimately proved to be decisive.
Continuing with the theme of the number three, it was also United's third win over the Silkmen of the current campaign after beating them on the opening day of the season and knocking them out of the FA Trophy.
Next up for the Gulls is a relegation 'six-pointer' which sees Blissett and manager Kevin Nicholson take on one of their former clubs Kidderminster Harriers.
Blissett, who joined United in January following his release by Bristol Rovers, opened the scoring for the Gulls in the 20th minute, after taking advantage of a moment of hesitation in the Silkmen defence, before Kristian Dennis levelled for Macclesfield on 43 minutes.
Far from throwing the towel in, United hit back and restored their advantage when Blissett completed his brace two minutes into the second half, heading home Danny Racchi's corner, which ultimately proved to be decisive.
Continuing with the theme of the number three, it was also United's third win over the Silkmen of the current campaign after beating them on the opening day of the season and knocking them out of the FA Trophy.
Next up for the Gulls is a relegation 'six-pointer' which sees Blissett and manager Kevin Nicholson take on one of their former clubs Kidderminster Harriers.
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