'Disappointing and poor' from Torquay United

Assistant manager Aaron Downes admitted that Torquay United’s fans outperformed the team as the Gulls paid the price for a well below-par display in a 3-2 defeat at Weston-super-Mare, which leaves them seven points behind National League South leaders Yeovil Town.

“Off the pitch, it was a fantastic following,” said Downes, who deputised for manager Gary Johnson in after-match interviews.

United had sold out their 850-ticket allocation on a night of pouring rain in Somerset.

“But for one reason or another we didn’t show up on the pitch, especially in the first half,” said Downes.

“To put out a performance like that as a group was very disappointing and poor.

“It was in stark contrast to Saturday’s performance (5-1 v Welling).

“It wasn’t the performance that we expected or wanted.”

United’s night finished with both Aaron Jarvis, who scored his ninth goal of the season to equalise at 1-1 during a brief upbeat spell in the second half, and veteran defender Dean Moxey helped off with knee and facial injuries.

Jarvis collided with the fence behind one goal and Moxey left the pitch in stoppage-time with blood streaming from his nose.

United finished the match with ten men, with Downes saying: “We have been looking at some new recruits, but there is a good enough team in the dressing room to be where we want to be.

“There is still a great opportunity this season.”

Struggling Weston dominated for long periods, outpacing and outworking Torquay.

They won with two goals by ex-Gulls loanee Reuben Reid, one a ‘handball’ penalty against United sub Ross Marshall, and a long-range effort from defender Kieran Thomas, who also headed into his own net near the end.

Jarvis’ goal sparked an improved spell which did not last, and Downes added: “We got on top in that moment, but we can’t be blinded by 10-15 minutes.”

United have lost four of their last six matches in league and cup.

Jarvis, Moxey, Tom Lapslie, Dillon De Silva, Dan Martin and Kevin Dawson are all likely to be out for Saturday’s trip to Hampton & Richmond, who beat Worthing 4-1 on Tuesday.