The Gulls and The Pilgrims fought out a closely contested Devon derby on Tuesday evening, but it was the visitors who came out on top at Plainmoor.
There was a bright start from United, who were wearing their even brighter new home shirt for the first time.
Although former Pilgrim Zak Baker produced a couple of smart saves to thwart a couple of promising attacks from the League One side, Torquay were asking plenty of questions of the Argyle backline too.
However, with the game two minutes short of the half-hour mark, it was Plymouth who struck.
A low ball across United’s six yard box caused The Gulls a problem, and with both defenders and attackers seeking the loose ball, it was Bim Pepple’s outstretched boot that diverted it into the net from close range.
Isaac Westendorf’s powerful turn and shot nearly brought the home side a leveller soon after, but as the break was signalled it remained 1-0 to Argyle.
Jimmy Ball’s side remained committed to give as good as they got after the restart, with even wholesale changes in personnel failing to disrupt their participation in a competitive affair.
Jake Wannell sent a header into Plymouth keeper James Storer’s palms from a Dylan Morgan cross, and with a quarter still to be played – minus any hydration breaks, thankfully – The Gulls were still well in the contest.
In the dying stages, they so nearly levelled it up.
Sam Dreyer headed an effort against the crossbar before Kian Jenkins’ follow-up effort was scraped off the goalline, before an injury-time 20-yarder from Morgan was tipped over.
It wasn’t quite to be tonight for United, but the way they stood up to their EFL neighbours certainly bodes well.
Next up for United is a test against Cardiff City’s talented Under-21 side at Plainmoor on Saturday.
UNITED: 13. Zak Baker (1. Toby Savin), 2. Dom Bernard (23. Sean Robertson), 3. Tyler Hill (15. Kian Jenkins), 4. Jordan Dyer (5. Sam Dreyer), 6. Munashe Sundire (20. Dan Hayfield), 10.Sonny Blu Lo-Everton (11. Dylan Morgan), 14. Deon Moore (27. Matt Jay), 16. Jake Wannell, 18. Matt Worthington (c) (12. Trialist A), 19. Isaac Westendorf (7. Louis Dennis), 39. Callum Morton (8. Jordan Young)
SUBS NOT USED: Trialist B.
Attendance: 4,045 (1,172 away)
