One lapse costs Torquay United in the Battle of Storm Austen

Every game between the Uniteds of Torquay and Maidstone seems to be a belting battle; throw in the howling winds of Storm Austen, and fans were treated to an epic scrap from two committed teams.

Conditions prevented any pretty football at Plainmoor but the Gulls showed superb spirit, deservedly taking the lead through an own goal after fine work from Harry Shield and then spurning the chance to extend that advantage when Cody Cooke’s penalty was saved.

The second half became trench warfare for both teams, and United were just six minutes from three valuable points, when a sliced clearance fell to the head of Frankie Hvid to earn a draw for the league leaders.

“I thought we did enough to win the game but I’m proud of the spirt, proud of the fight, the lads stuck together and we had just one lapse, which ends up in our net,” said United boss Jimmy Ball.

“It was tough to take but I try to put myself in the shoes of football supporters, and I’m one as well, and if my team battles like that in conditions like that, they never give up and keep going, then you’re proud of your team.

“However, it’s not three points, which is all I really care about.

“I know people think you should have a system and stick to that system as the only way you can play, but we’ve got bodies in the building who allow us to play different styles of football.

“We knew the conditions would be bad and a bit of a lottery because it was very difficult to play out there. We didn’t do anything wrong, just miscued a clearance and it’s gone straight on to their lad’s head, and that’s sometimes the way things go.

“We got down the wings, even though we didn’t play with wingers, and we delivered into the box. We showed a different way and I thought we were good, just not quite the three points.

“The penalty should have been 2-0 and we’ve got something to build on, but it wasn’t. I’ve been waiting eight months for a penalty, and then we miss it!

“Things seem to be tough at the moment, I won’t lie, but the players are fighting and that gives me a lot of pride. We’ve just got to get the points our performances have deserved; we’ve just got to be a bit more ruthless when the chances come.

“The players are trying, doing their best, as am I, but not a lot is going for us. I really believe it will and things will start to click for us. The players are together and I’m really proud of the approach they are showing.”