Torquay United 2-1 AFC Fylde
Kalala 8′, Buse 90+3 – Williams 52′
AFC Fylde were dealt a cruel blow at Plainmoor, as Matt Buse’s 93rd minute header gave Torquay a win that looked more likely to go Fylde’s way.
The Coasters made four changes to the starting XI, with Craigen, Yeates and Whitmore all reclaiming their spots, whilst there was a return to action for Luke Burke.
It was The Gulls who would strike first, and doing so in spectacular fashion just eight minutes in.
A free-kick into the box was only cleared as far as Kalala, who caught the ball sweetly on the volley – thundering it into the net from twenty yards, and giving Torquay the lead.
AFC Fylde looked as if this would be quickly put behind them, as Jordan Williams’ long throw into the box caused all sorts of problems, however Dan Bradley couldn’t poke it home.
The Coasters grew in confidence and almost had an equaliser on twenty minutes, as Alex Whitmore saw his measured header bounce off of the post from Mark Yeates’ corner.
As the fluency of Fylde’s play increased, it was soon curtailed through the withdrawal of Scott Duxbury – who was replaced by Kyle Jameson, following complaints of a groin injury.
Whilst Torquay looked dangerous on each flank with Andrews and Kalala, AFC Fylde were on top, with Danny Rowe firing a couple of long-range efforts just wide.
Jordan Williams had the ball in the net following a corner, but the referee had blown his whistle prior to this for a free-kick to Torquay.
Second Half
Fylde started the second half strongly, and after Rowe had a header denied from a corner, it seemed as if Craigen would level the tie.
His forward run was picked out by Mark Yeates with a precise through ball, but Craigen’s effort was straight at the onrushing Cavagnari, who kept it level.
The momentum was with the Coasters though, and they were soon level, thanks to a helping hand from the Torquay full-back Davis.
Davis looked to head the ball back to his keeper – but he hadn’t looked to see that he’d moved, and nodded it inadvertently into the path of Jordan Williams.
Williams kept his cool to take a touch into the box, round the keeper, and slot home into an open goal – and with it giving Fylde hope of a win on the road.
The Coasters were now in the driving seat, and were looking the most likely to win the game – Kyle Jameson’s driving run into the box nearly making it 2-1.
Perhaps the best chance to win the game for Fylde as Neill Byrne’s flick found Danny Rowe in the box, but the striker fired a half volley over the bar when other options looked promising.
Crucially, though, there was no second goal for Fylde, and after four minutes of added time were announced, it was a chance for Torquay to mount one final attack.
Busey was picked out in the Coasters box from the right flank, and was strong enough to win the header, guide it past Lavercombe, and give Torquay United all three points.
It was a cruel ending to a game of real promise for the Coasters – but with a game on Tuesday night against Chesterfield, there’s a quick chance to make amends.
Teams
Torquay United: Cavagnari, Wynter, Davis, Cameron (C), Andrews, Vincent (Little 55′), Buse, Reid, Lumbombo-Kalala (Lewis 93′), Cundy, Whitfield.
Subs: Macdonald, Koue Niate, Lewis, Duku,
Yellows: Wynter
AFC Fylde: Lavercombe, Duxbury (Jameson 32′), Byrne, Whitmore, Burke (Forbes 77′), Craigen, Croasdale, Bradley, Williams, Yeates (Haughton 82′), Rowe.
Yellows: Craigen, Burke, Yeates, Byrne
Subs: Montgomery, Jameson, Forbes, Philliskirk, Haughton.
