Southend United 1
Torquay United 2
Torquay United claimed their first win at Roots Hall since 2004 as goals from Ryan Hanson and Will Goodwin were enough to get the Gulls their first win in four, despite a late Chris Wreh header.
It didn’t take long for the visitors to take the lead when, after four minutes, a Dean Moxey cross to the back post was headed across goal by Corie Andrews to Hanson who had the simple task of heading home from close range.
Gary Johnson’s men went close to doubling their lead just a minute later when a quickly taken Hanson free kick found Cardiff loanee Kieron Evans, whose low drilled effort flew just wide.
Following a pretty drab first period the second half started lively with Dan Mooney forcing Torquay’s Rhys Lovett into his first noteworthy save. The Welshman curled a left footed attempt towards goal from just outside the penalty area which Lovett was equal to, parrying the ball away.
However just after the hour mark the visitors doubled their lead. Brett McGavin played the ball forward to Stoke loanee Will Goodwin, and the 20-year-old’s deflected long range strike bounced off the post and in – giving the Gulls some much needed breathing space.
Five minutes later Mooney again went close for the Shrimpers. The summer arrival from Altrincham went on a mazy solo run before unleashing a fierce drive that skimmed the crossbar; and three minutes later it was Callum Powell’s turn to go on a solo run, with the Southend striker ending up in space in the area but seeing his shot turned behind by Lovett.
Kevin Maher’s men continued to dominate proceedings but were unable to break down a determined Torquay backline. With 18 minutes left Gus Scott-Morriss delivered a dangerous cross that was met by Louis Lomas. The 21-year-old leapt like a salmon but saw his header somehow saved at point blank range by Lovett.
With four minutes left to play Southend got themselves a lifeline, as a Powell cross from the left was headed home by the unmarked Chris Wreh. This strike being the American’s second in Southend colours.
The Blues nearly snatched a last gasp equaliser in injury time when a quickly taken corner was met by Ollie Kensdale, however the defender’s header was blocked on the line.
Despite arguably being the better side Southend couldn’t muster up an equaliser and as a result their two game unbeaten home run comes to an end. Defeat also brings an end to the Shrimpers’ five game unbeaten home record against Torquay.
Meanwhile for the Gulls, three points sees them rise four places in the table as they make it three games unbeaten against Southend. A victory will be a welcomed relief for Gary Johnson’s men as the Gulls had lost all their last previous four matches.
Both sides return to action next Saturday as Southend travel to Barnet and Torquay entertain Aldershot Town.
ATT: 5,177 (120 away)
MOTM: Rhys Lovett (Torquay)
By Nathan Williams
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