Our JPL age groups continue to go from strength to strength, with a number of positive performances on show recently.
Although the poor weather put paid to some fixtures ten days ago, our U10s emerged victorious from their clash with Exmouth, as goals from Archie Briard and Max Hooton saw the The Gulls record a 2-1 home victory.
Our Under-12s also made the most of home comforts by beating a strong Bristol Inner City side by the odd goal in five.
Despite finding themselves a goal down early on, Torquay responded and drew level on 31 mins, when a free kick from Will Glanfield found full back Jamie Mitchell to level the scores.
Although United were behind again shortly after, a strong second-half showing from Paul Mills’ team saw them turn the game on its head.
With wide midfielders Charlie Wise and Oscar Mills starting to put pressure on the Bristol full-backs, the hard work paid off on 44 mins as United levelled things up. Midfielder Mills was the instigator, as his mazy run resulted in his side winning a penalty, although unfortunately he was subsequently unable to take any further part in proceedings.
Thomas Ross ensured his efforts weren’t left unrewarded though by restoring parity from the spot, before the same player made it 3-2 fifteen minutes later as The Gulls edged ahead for the first time.
There was to be late drama, with Bristol missing their own spot-kick ten minutes from time, however United held on for a very pleasing win.
On the same day, our U14s welcomed Weston Super-Mare to Paignton Academy. It was the home side who started the stronger, and they were duly rewarded for some fine play inside the first quarter, as Freddie Heath profited from a Lucas Robinson cross.
With no changes to the scoreline in the second period, it wouldn’t be until the third quarter that Torquay strengthened their grip on the game.
The lead was finally doubled on 45 minutes as a Murray Wardle pass found Toby Hard, who drove a firm shot into the net from outside the box.
The final quarter saw United’s goal come under threat for the first real time in the match, as a couple of ambitious efforts from the visitors forced Alex Reda Khalaf into action. Torquay continued to stand up to the challenge though, with a determined ending to the contest seeing the side deservedly chalking up a very welcome clean sheet.
Not to be outdone, our Under-16s also got in on the winning act, as they recorded a convincing 4-1 success, as a hat-trick from Kelson Pollard, combined with another strike from Aidan Blackie sealed a triumphant afternoon for United.
Keep up the great work lads!
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