Stunner wins it for Torquay United

Brett McGavin took the plaudits of Plainmoor after his superb 35-yard screamer secured a 1-0 victory over a battling Dover Athletic.

McGavin smashed home his stunner on the hour to give Torquay United all three points against a side that showed all their fighting qualities, despite being bottom of the league.

The Gulls, however, can reflect on a solid defensive display and also a number of penalty shouts that could have made the margin of victory even more comfortable.

“It was a fantastic goal and I couldn’t believe how far out he was,” said United manager Gary Johnson. “At the time, I thought it was 25 yards but watching on the video, it was more like 35 yards.

“He’s got that in him and he played well. We had a good shape, we weren’t as open as the last few games, and I’m pleased for the lads, pleased for the positive supporters at the club. We are competing.

“If we’re honest, there has to be one or two penalties from the four [claims]. The one on Ross [Marshall], you don’t dive in those situations because you’re already ahead of the player.”

As well as the cracking strike from McGavin, United can take comfort from a far more disciplined performance as a defensive unit.

The football wasn’t fluid throughout, as a gusty wind and Dover’s determination made it difficult for the Gulls, but Johnson was justifiably satisfied with the overall control of the game demonstrated by his team.

“It was tight because it was only 1-0 from 60 minutes,” he said. “In the first 20 minutes, we didn’t start well and keep the ball well enough, but we did in the second 20 minutes and had a few chances.

“We started to get ourselves in their penalty area, our wide men were getting involved and getting our passes away. At half-time, we said to keep going and find our quality to win the game, whether it’s a cross, a set-play or a shot from 40 yards.

“I don’t think Dover had a shot on target in the whole game, so, even though at Plainmoor sometimes people panic when teams attack, we defended well and we had most of the play. We had double penalty area entries than them, double the shots, so a very good 1-0 win.

“Some people think you’ve got to win 5-0 every week but we’ve got the three points, and we are in a decent position considering all that has happened to us this year.

“I don’t think they had an opportunity in the second half. We defended much better as a group, we were compact in all areas of the pitch and Dover battled right to the end.

“It’s a good result and another win at home.”