Record-breaking day at Plainmoor and history for Torquay United Women

Torquay United Women shattered their previous attendance record in Sunday’s superb FA Cup clash with Exeter City at Plainmoor.

An incredible 1,010 fans packed into the ground on a cold Sunday afternoon to watch the Gulls and Grecians compete for a place in the next round of the Women’s FA Cup.

On the pitch, Exeter played some fantastic football and showed why they are playing two levels above United in the football pyramid with a powerful victory, but the Gulls can take huge credit for the spirit, character and quality on display.

The bigger story was arguably in the stands, as the attendance more than doubled the previous record for TUFC Women, and a perfect example of how Torquay United are looking to develop the game for women and girls.

A club spokesman said: “It was one of the great days at Plainmoor, a fabulous atmosphere, great football on the pitch and a wonderful advert for women’s football in the South West.

“Ever since Torquay United Women came fully under the club’s umbrella, we have been striving to improve standards and professionalism in all that we do, and you can see that approach is working under the guidance of manager Ryan Perks and his coaching team.

“Rob Hawes from the Bryn Consortium is chairman of TUFC Women and fiercely determined to grow the game for the benefit of all women and girls in South Devon, and we also have Danni Wyatt from the TUFC Board of Directors as a key part of the set-up, on and off the pitch.

“The atmosphere was tremendous throughout the day, and we are so grateful to all the supporters for making it such a special occasion for the players from both sides.”

As recognition for the tremendous progress being made by TUFC Women, Danni Wyatt has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Women in Sport category at the Westcountry Women’s Awards.