A late equaliser from Tee Kaptein saved the day as United secured a hard-earned point against promotion rivals Forest Green Rovers.
Rovers Dominate Possession in First Half
The first 45 minutes was a closely-fought affair. Forest Green looked the more comfortable side in possession. The Gulls created the best of the few openings that were created.
Beth Everson headed wide from a decent position after a cross from Connie Pengelly. Pengelly then turned from provider to poacher, latching onto a Roxy Thomas ball forward. She rounded Rovers’ goalkeeper Smith, only to see defender McGrath make a superb clearance off the line.
Controversial Goal Gives Forest Green the Lead
Just when it looked like the players would head to the tunnels level, the visitors took the lead in controversial fashion.
With only seconds remaining in the first half, a ball over the top saw United keeper Esme Bradley dart out to claim the ball ahead of Rovers skipper Hattie Jones. Despite claims from The Gulls that Bradley had claimed possession with both hands, Jones emerged from a brief tussle with the ball, before walking it into an empty net.
Kaptein Rescues a Point for Torquay
Staring a first league defeat of the season in the face, Ryan Perks’ Torquay side took full charge of the territorial stakes. They were unable to seriously trouble the away goalkeeper, thanks to a well-organised and hardworking FGR backline.
Half-chances came and went, but a last-gasp leveller kept the destiny of the title in United’s hands.
A slightly over-hit corner was picked up by Kaptein. With everyone expecting the ball to be recycled, the Gulls midfielder took aim and fired a superb shot into the net to restore parity, and keep Torquay’s unbeaten record intact.
How important that goal could prove to be remains to be seen.
- United: 1. Esme Bradley, 2. Lucy Palmer (c), 3. Roxy Thomas, 6. Matilda Franchi, 8. Kaitlyn Bell, 9. Beth Everson, 10. Connie Pengelly, 15. Georgie Knott, 16. Jess Geach, 20. Tee Kaptein, 29. Mollie Taylor.
- SUBS: 12. Hillier-Nickels, 14. Jasmine Barker, 25. Hope Brinicombe, 26. Ella Pawley