This time a long throw undid Torquay in the 26th minute, as a close-range header from former Gulls trialist Evans saw the ball drift into the back of the net, leaving Plainmoor stunned. Visiting skipper Nick Grimes nearly repeated the trick six minutes later from another deep throw into the box, however on this occasion the ball – thankfully – only flashed into the side-netting. Arkell Jude-Boyd, fresh from two goals in goals nearly extended that scoring run moments later with a venomous strike from just outside the box, with the slightest of deflections seeing it past the post. It took a committed parry from Halstead to prevent another ex-Gull, Lloyd James, celebrating seven minutes before the break, as the Welshman let fly with a ferocious volley from 20 yards out. There was no doubt the tide had turned, and the men in yellow were desperately seeking a foothold in proceedings at that point. No breakthrough came before the break though, leaving United with an uphill task in the second period. 
The Gulls certainly went about their business in the right manner following the restart, but they were unable to get a clear sight of goal thanks to a determined Taunton backline. Time and again, crosses and shots were blocked in the nick of time, and in the 59th minute, the side from Somerset made it three. Former Eastleigh man Stearn made only just...Read more
