Following a successful 2023, United’s Under-18s made an impressive start to 2024, as they secured a 2-0 victory over Mangotsfield at South Devon College.
With Saturday’s opponents just one point and one place behind the Young Gulls ahead of kick-off, a tough encounter was in prospect, and it was the visitors that began the strongest.
With Mangotsfield failing to take their chances and Kevin Wills’ side gaining some momentum prior to the interval though, it was all-square at the change of ends.
The complexion of the game soon changed following the restart, as United began to dominate, and duly took the lead, as Liam Poole poked home for a corner.
Boosted by that, Torquay took charge thereafter, before making the points safe in style as Jacob Wellington capped off a mazy run with a cool finish to double the advantage.
With Bridgwater’s trip to Swindon Supermarine postponed, this result means Wills’ side are now just three points behind old rivals Bridgwater at the top of the table, with two games in hand.
League action will take a break this coming weekend though, as attention turns to the Gary Else Memorial Trophy, as Torquay head to Gloucestershire to take on Fairford Town.