Aldershot Town 1
Rendell 79’
Torquay United 0
United dropped out of the FA Cup at the first time of asking as ex-Gull Scott Rendell headed the Shots in to the first round.
Gary Owers stuck with the same team that played against Dover seven days ago. Neal Osborn found a place on the bench after returning to United from his loan at Barnstaple. Ryan Clarke the unfortunate one to miss out because of a bout of sickness.
United performed well in the first half. They kept the Shots at arm’s length and frustrated a team that enjoy playing the ball on the ground. The Yellow Army will have appreciated a proper away performance from the team – keeping Aldershot quiet while looking a danger themselves.
Jamie Reid beat his man in the 18th minute. He sent a low ball across goal but Aldershot survived. He combined well with Ryan Higgins moments later. Reid’s ball to the far post couldn’t be sent back across goal by Murphy.
United created the best opportunities, without getting a shot away in the box. The best of this play was when Liam Davis delivered a fantastic ball to the far post at full pelt. Jamie Reid headed the ball back across goal, but no-one was there to complete the move.
Damon Lathrope tested Jake Cole from the edge of the box at his near post. It was a nice height for the goalkeeper, but it was also a good sighter for United too.
Josh McQuoid was also amongst the action. The ball broke to him inside the box a few times but it was always at an awkward height or pace, or he was well covered by multiple defenders.
Aldershot renewed their efforts in the second half and were a little bit quicker, and more incisive.
However, the Shots didn’t stretch Vincent Dorel at all, until Rendell headed the winner. It came after another spell where United had threatened Aldershot’s goal. The killing instinct was lacking though.
Luke Young tested Jake Cole down to left left from a free-kick, but that was as close as United came in the second half.
Scott Rendell rose to head the ball back across goal and find the net from a searching cross from Adam McDonnell. It was the extra piece that was missing from United’s performance.
United couldn’t muster much after Aldershot had taken the lead. The Shots kept the ball with more assurance and saw the game out without much drama.
TUFC: 30 Vincent Dorel, 3 Liam Davis, 4 Damon Lathrope [2 Michee Efete 83’], 5 Sean McGinty, 6 Josh Gowling, 8 Luke Young, 12 Callum Evans, 13 Josh McQuoid [27 Jennison Myrie-Williams 77’], 19 Jamie Reid, 23 Ryan Higgins, 39 Rhys Murphy [10 Ruairi Keating 69’] Subs: 17 James Gray, 20 Neal Osborn
Booked: McQuoid, Gowling, Lathrope,
Aldershot: 1 Cole, Alexander, Evans, Fenelon, Oyeleke, Rendell, Kellermann, Rowe [McClure 65’], McDonnell, Fowler [Mensah 50’], Reynolds © Subs: Havilland, Okojie, Smith
Booked: Evans, Reynolds,
Referee: Christopher O’Donnell
Attendance: 1,583 (156 away)