Match Reaction: Downes apologises for 'poor' performance

Torquay United interim manager Aaron Downes issued an apology to supporters after another dismal display on the road at Tonbridge Angels.

The Gulls have been painfully poor away from home this season, losing ten from 18 games in the National League South, and Tonbridge were full value for their 4-1 victory.

United fell behind midway through the first period and, while they did have positive spells of possession, a three-goal blitz in the space of five second-half minutes confirmed another disappointing defeat that leaves the Gulls perilously placed three points above the relegation zone.

“It was poor,” said Downes. “I can’t keep doing this but I do apologise to the supporters because the away form this season has been nowhere near good enough.

“For the amount of money, time and effort people spend to come and support us, it’s not been good enough from us out on the pitch.

“I have to take responsibility for the players because I’ve put them out there and given them the opportunity and the plans. It’s on me, and I’ll make sure I look at myself, reflect and get the boys going.

“We needed a reaction to show the supporters we are up for the fight, so it’s hard to take.

“We are in a sticky situation, that’s for sure, but we have to make sure we fight and show passion and commitment. I’ll make sure I instil that in the players because we had it in parts [yesterday] but not enough.

“There is a lot of fight and leadership I need to show the players. We’ve got a situation on our hands and we need people to stand up and be counted, and I’ll make sure I’m one of them.

“We are in this together. This is the team and the squad that is going to get us out of trouble, so we’ve got to be fighting.”