Head of Youth Chris Todd was proud of his side’s display in Thursday night’s pre-season friendly, with United’s Under 18s showing up well against Cullompton Rangers’ senior squad.
A 4-0 victory for the home side failed to tell the full story, as the Young Gulls more than matched their South West Peninsula League opponents for long periods, with first team manager Gary Johnson and assistant Aaron Downes watching on with interest.
After falling behind to an early goal at Edenvale Park, things looked ominous for Torquay when a second goal followed via the penalty spot midway through the first period. However, United held firm, and could have even reduced the deficit shortly before the interval, as livewire striker Theo Cadby forced the Cullompton ‘keeper into an unorthodox near-post save.
Following the break, Todd’s rejuvenated team took the game to hosts, with only a couple of last-ditch blocks preventing Torquay’s youngsters from getting on the scoresheet, following some excellent work from Scott Piper and Jack Windsor.
Oakley Hunt was the next to come close, forcing the Rangers glovesman to smother at the his feet, before two goals in the final stages eventually put the game beyond United. The man in charge of Torquay’s young team was full of praise for their display though.
“The whole exercise was very beneficial,” began Todd.
“The lads did very, very well – The progress is evident, and if I am being honest, I don’t think the scoreline was deserved. They worked extremely hard, had some chances themselves and just didn’t take them in the final third.
“Against a men’s outfit, I thought our 16 and 17 year-olds handled themselves really well. I was pleased, the Gaffer was pleased, and we made a lot of changes as well. The progress is there, the talent is there, we’ve just got to keep improving and keep developing.
“We played another mens team last week, and we’re doing it on purpose, to try to get them used to mens football, and the physicality of it, which is totally different to Under-18s football. It’s all part of their learning and development and they are buying into it.
“There’s lots of things we need to work on as a team, and individually as well, but the signs are very promising for Torquay United. There’s been a lot of work going on behind the scenes, and hopefully we can have a good season and hopefully get the players close to the first team training squad, and who knows, perhaps even on the bench.”