Torquay United’s involvement in this season’s Sportslighting St Lukes Challenge Cup ended at the Quarter-Final stage on Wednesday evening, as a young Gulls side went down 3-0 to Tavistock AFC at Langsford Park.
Having already shown their pedigree by knocking out holders Exeter City in the previous round, the Western League side provided a tough test for a predominantly-youthful Torquay team, with only Shaun MacDonald, Matt Buse, Jared Lewington and Olaf Koszela having seen first-team action this season.
The match marked the return to competitive action for Buse and young pro Louie Slough, to further enhance manager Gary Johnson’s selection options for the 2019/20 run-in.
After a tight first-half saw the sides go into the break scoreless, the home side took advantage in the second period, as they took their place in the semi-finals thanks to goals from Jack Crago, Josh Grant and Jordan Annear.
TUFC: Shaun MacDonald, Josh Baxter, Paul Grigorescu-Adam, Louie Slough (Charlie Holbrook 70′), Toby Edmundson, Dan Chapman, Scott Piper, Matt Buse (Jacob Evans, HT), Jared Lewington, Olaf Koszela, Mason Wasdell (Harry Bamforth 70′). SUBS NOT USED: Andy Collings (GK), Alex Cherry.