New signings in difficult times for the Gulls

Manager Gary Johnson drew some positives from his new signings after Torquay United had lost 4-0 at National League leaders Notts County, a result which stretched their wretched run at the bottom of the table.

The Gulls announced three new arrivals just before the match.

Former Plainmoor defender Mark Ellis, 35, is back on loan from Barrow, with 22-year-old Charlton Athletic centre-back Lucas Ness in on a similar basis, while ex-Barnsley forward Cameron Thompson, 20, has joined on non-contract terms.

Ellis and Ness both started, while Thompson went on from the bench in the second half as Notts added two late goals to their 2-0 half-time lead.

Their goals came from Connell Rawlinson (27) and Ruben Rodrigues (pen 34) before the interval, and Sam Austin and Geraldo Bajrami in the 88th and 90th minutes.

"We had a plan, it was looking OK and we quietened the crowd for a little while," said Johnson.

"But from the moment that they scored their first goal, we were second-best.

"We tried very hard to stay in it, and in my opinion we should have a penalty which would have kept us in it, but they had more players who affected the game than we did.

"It's difficult to come to Notts County with two or three new players, but I thought they did all right.

"We had a few positives in the lads that came in.

"If I sound down, it's because I can't be up when we've just lost a game.

"We've got to keep thinking positive going into the next game (Aldershot H on Tuesday).

"You have to make your own luck.

"There are plenty of points to play for. We're certainly not giving up, and we will keep going."