Match Report: Torquay United v Yeovil Town

Yeovil Town's unbeaten run came to an end at Plainmoor this afternoon as three second half goals from the home side meant Yeovil tasted defeat for the first time since the 23rd October where they went down 2-0 at Grimsby. After an even first half Yeovil were looking the better side in the opening exchanges of the second half but Sonny Blu Lo-Everton received a straight red card for an off the ball incident with Tom Lapslie and Torquay scored two goals within six minutes of that incident to take control. Torquay wrapped up the points four minutes from time and Yeovil ended 2021 with defeat.

Darren Sarll made five changes to the side that beat Woking in the FA Trophy last weekend. Max Evans, Reuben Reid, Jaheim Headley and Tom Knowles all dropped to the bench while Alex Bradley was dropped. Grant Smith, Adi Yussuf, Josh Staunton, Charlie Wakefield and Morgan Williams all regained their places in the starting XI.

Yeovil lined up in their usual 4-3-3 formation with Dan Moss, Max Hunt, Luke Wilkinson and Morgan Williams in front of Grant Smith. Dale Gorman, Josh Staunton and Matt Worthington made up the midfield while Sonny Blu Lo-Everton, Adi Yussuf and Charlie Wakefield lead the attack.

On the bench was Max Evans, Jaheim Headley, Jordan Barnett, Tom Knowles and Reuben Reid.

Torquay kicked off towards the away end.

The first half was a fairly even but tame affair and the opening 20 minutes went by with little to report for either side.

Yeovil's best chance of the half came on 27 minutes when Matt Worthington found Adi Yussuf in the penalty area but his header flew narrowly wide.

Torquay won the first corner of the game on 36 minutes on the right hand side but it came to nothing.

Two minutes later they won a corner on the left hand side which Yeovil were able to defend but Torquay won a soft free kick 25 yards from goal but the shot hit the wall.

The rest of the half played out without incident and both sides were level at the break.

Half Time: Torquay United 0-0 Yeovil Town

Yeovil started the second half looking far more dangerous and were pressing hard to take the lead.

Yeovil won their first corner on 53 minutes on the left hand side but the cross was caught by Shaun MacDonald.

Torquay began to play their way back into the game and were causing Yeovil some problems on the hour mark but they didn't really threaten the Yeovil defence.

On 63 minutes the game turned in favour of the home side as Sonny Blu Lo-Everton was shown a straight red card for an off the ball tussle with Tom Lapslie so Yeovil would have to play the remaining 25 minutes or so with 10 men.

It didn't take long for Torquay to take advantage as they took the lead just three minutes after the sending off as Ben Wynter's effort found the back of the net.

Yeovil made their first substitution on 69 minutes as Adi Yussuf was replaced by Tom Knowles.

One minute later Torquay doubled their advantage as Jack Sparks headed home a cross into the box and Yeovil had a mountain to climb in the final 20 minutes if they were to get something from the game.

Yeovil won a couple of corners on 75 minutes but they didn't cause Torquay too many problems and Yeovil made their second substitution shortly afterwards as Dale Gorman was replaced by Jordan Barnett.

Torquay made their first substitution on 81 minutes as Klaidi Lolos was replaced by Chiori Johnson while Yeovil made their final substitution as Morgan Williams was replaced by Reuben Reid.

With just four minutes left to play Torquay made it 3-0 as a cross into the box from Connor Lemonheigh-Evans was headed home by Joe Lewis.

Torquay made their second substitution on 88 minutes as Jack Sparks was replaced by Keelan O'Connell.

Three minutes of time was added on and after Torquay made their final sub by bringing on Ali Omar for Dean Moxey the referee brought the game to an end and Yeovil returned to Somerset empty handed.

After the game was over Grant Smith was also shown a red card.

Full Time: Torquay United 3-0 Yeovil Town

Not the result that Yeovil fans would have wanted today but the team have been on an unbelievable run since the Grimsby game and the run had to come to an end sometime. It will be interesting to see how the team responds when Torquay visit Huish Park next weekend where Yeovil will be hoping to claim their revenge.

Man of the match voting for this defeat at Torquay is now open. You can cast your vote here.

Match Attendance: 3,830 (643 from Yeovil Town)

Torquay United

37 - Shaun MacDonald, 2 - Ben Wynter, 3 - Dan Martin, 4 - Tom Lapslie, 7 - Connor Lemonheigh-Evans, 9 - Danny Wright, 10 - Armani Little, 19 - Klaidi Lolos (replaced by 14 - Chiori Johnson on 81 minutes), 21 - Dean Moxey (replaced by 5 - Ali Omar on 91 minutes), 28 - Jack Sparks (replaced by 16 - Keelan O'Connell on 88 minutes), 31 - Joe Lewis

Substitutes

5 - Ali Omar, 8 - Asa Hall, 14 - Chiori Johnson, 16 - Keelan O'Connell, 30 - Dab Holman

Kit

Black and White Striped Shirts, Black Shorts, Black Socks
Goalkeeper: Blue

Yeovil Town

1 - Grant Smith (dismissed after the final whistle), 22 - Dan Moss, 6 - Luke Wilkinson, 5 - Max Hunt, 13 - Morgan Williams (replaced by 9 - Reuben Reid on 81 minutes), 32 - Josh Staunton, 8 - Dale Gorman (replaced by 3 - Jordan Barnett on 77 minutes), 7 - Matt Worthington, 15 - Sonny Blu Lo-Everton (dismissed on 64 minutes), 23 - Adi Yussuf (replaced by 11 - Tom Knowles on 69 minutes), 19 - Charlie Wakefield

Substitutes

12 - Max Evans, 36 - Jaheim Headley, 3 - Jordan Barnett, 11 - Tom Knowles, 9 - Reuben Reid

Kit

Green Shirts, Green Shorts, Green Socks
Goalkeeper: Orange

Officials

Referee: - Scott Jackson
Assistant: - Steven Annis
Assistant: - Matt Evan
Fourth Official: - Timothy Burley