Chris Todd’s Under-18 side continue to go from strength to strength, with a 2-0 win at rivals Bridgwater on Saturday morning blowing the South West Counties title race wide-open.
Despite being dealt a blow on the eve of the top-of-the-table clash as both of their resident goalkeepers were ruled out, the young Gulls stepped up to the task in Somerset admirably, with Buckland Athletic starlet Jacob Mortimore enjoying a dream debut between the sticks by keeping a clean sheet.
At the other end, striker Theo Cadby was once again on the scoresheet, with his strike breaking the deadlock just prior to the interval. It was then left to Brandon Quinn – fresh from being named in the England Colleges squad – to celebrate his international cap in fine style, with the game-clinching second goal after the break.
Bridgwater’s first defeat of the season sees United slash the gap between the two sides at the top of the table to just three points, with Todd’s men still possessing a crucial game in hand over the side from Somerset.
Following the match, Torquay’s Head of Youth took a moment to thank both Buckland Athletic Reserves and Pro:Direct Academy for their co-operation in allowing ‘keeper Mortimore to step into the breach at short notice.
“It was excellent. I was pleased for Jacob, who got a clean sheet, and he did very well. I’d like to give a mention and thank Buckland Reserves and PDA, for allowing him to play for us.”
United’s next task sees them take on Yeovil Town at home next Saturday morning, in a fixture that will also serve as a dress rehearsal for the two teams’ League Cup semi-final in March, after both sides secured their progress through to the final-four last weekend.
TUAFC: 1. Jacob Mortimore, 3. Joe Edmonds, 4. Alfie Collings, 5. Callum Thomas, 7. Sam Bishop, 8. Brandon Quinn, 9. Theo Cadby, 11. Lewis Brookes, 16. Jack Winsor, 18. Sammy Stayt, 21. Harvey Field.
SUBS: 2. James Rowe, 10. Jayden Gilbert, 14. George Collins, 17. Ben Aldous, 19. Jack Mogg.