Medical emergencies at Plainmoor

Torquay United physio Regan Miles reckoned he’d never run as far during the course of a match as he did at Saturday’s friendly against Plymouth Argyle.

Right alongside him was the Gulls’ club doctor Vivek Kulkarni.

Yet, not once did they have to rush onto the Plainmoor pitch to treat any of United’s players.

Miles, Kulkarni, St John Ambulance plus other first-aid and security staff emerged as the busy heroes of an afternoon which saw the game halted no fewer than four times, all because of medical emergencies among fans on the Pop Side terrace.

On a day which was already stressful enough for United’s new owners, members of the Bryn Consortium went down to the touchline to show their concern and reassure staff and supporters.

They were able, happily, to report later that all the people taken ill – two had been stretchered away and one in a wheelchair – had gone home without needing hospital treatment.

It all reflected well on the staff involved.

The Pop Side terrace, where it reportedly did feel warmer than in some other parts of the ground, was not overfilled.

And at no time was access inhibited or fans had to spill on to the pitch.

Perhaps the one question mark was the amount of ‘stoppage’ time added on by the referee – it should surely have been nearer ten minutes than the five signalled at half-time alone.

But nobody worried about that too much.