Plainmoor penalty heartbreak for Torquay United in the FA Youth Cup

On a dramatic night at Plainmoor, Torquay United U18s exited the FA Youth Cup after a penalty shoot-out loss to Street FC.

Managed by former Plymouth Argyle and Preston defender Scott Laird, Street arrived in TQ1 with an impressive squad of players largely based at the nearby Millfield School, widely regarded as the top sporting school in the country.

In a tight first-half, United’s best chance came when a low cross from Fin Herbert was almost bundled over the line by the arriving Albie Baker. Substitute goalkeeper Mack Stokes then made a top save to deny the visitors.

Jonah Shaw scuttled a low effort inches wide for the Gulls early in the second half but Street then began to take control, forcing Stokes into a string of saves before grabbing the lead from a corner.

Back came United, and a flowing team move culminated in substitute Jack Rowell racing into the left channel for a rising shot that just had enough power to beat the Street custodian.

Shaw almost won it for the Gulls with a fierce drive in the closing seconds but penalties was the final outcome, United succumbing to a 5-4 defeat in the lottery of spot-kicks.