United’s Under-18s continued their bright start to the 2023/24 campaign with a third successive win on Saturday, as Kevin Wills’ side maintained their 100% league record.
On this occasion though, the Young Gulls needed to display all their battling qualities away from home, as Dave Hockaday’s Mangotsfield team raced into a 2-0 lead inside 20 minutes.
Although Torquay weren’t at their best in the opening exchanges, Wills’ side continued to boss proceedings, and it was to their credit that they were soon back on level terms.
Firstly, Gene Price followed his promising display in the recent FA Youth Cup rout over Bovey Tracey with a coolly dispatched penalty to get United back in the game, before another impressive performer at Bovey, centre-back Liam Poole, continued his goalscoring exploits to restore parity at the halfway stage.
The second period was played much in the same vein, however having recovered from their early setback, Torquay took full charge of proceedings, and eventually claimed all three points 15 minutes from time, as Mason Elliot pounced to score the winner.
The Young Gulls’ latest win sees them placed second in the table, three points behind – with a game in hand on – leaders Bridgwater, prior to their next league outing at home to Fairford Academy at South Devon College on Saturday (10.30am KO).
United Drawn At Home To Falmouth In FA Youth Cup
Following their impressive 6-1 win at neighbours Bovey Tracey in the First Qualifying Round, Torquay United have been given home advantage in their 2nd Round Qualifying tie against Falmouth.
The venue and date for this fixture will be confirmed in due course.