FOOTBALL: Torquay striker heads 85th-minute winner to deny Exeter. Partridge gives United Devon derby victory"

By NOEL SLINEY AT PLAINMOOR

Torquay United 1 Exeter City 0.

Saturday 22 August 1998.

Referee: R Wiley

Att: 3739

RIVETING, inspiring and a great advert for Westcountry football this game was none of these things.

Derby matches are always cagerly anticipated but rarely entertaining, and those who sac- rificed their Saturday morning lie-in to get to Plainmoor for the noon kick-off could be forgiven for thinking they were trapped in a torturous nightmare. Among the crowd was Torquay owner Mike Bateson, making a rare appearance. I somehow doubt he will feel the urge to come back in a hurry. Yet, despite the poor quality of football, Exeter have reason to feel hard done by after losing to a late goal in a game they con- trolled for long periods. Scott Partridge's winner was undoubtedly the highlight of the match and, coming in the 85th minute, he at least brought a dramatic climax to the 87th league clash between these two rivals. There seemed to be no danger for Exeter when stand-in Gulls' defender Steve Tully lost the ball down the right flank to Geoff Breslan. However, as Breslan dwelled on the ball, Brian McGorry hustled the midfielder out of possession and whipped in a near post cross to Partridge, who rose unchallenged to direct a deft header past Ashley Bayes in the Exeter goal. It was Partridge's third goal in two games, and finally roused the increasingly comatose home supporters into something resembling delirium. The gleeful celebrations were mixed with considerable relief too, as even the most ardent Torquay fan must have recog- nised that Exeter had the greater share of possession.

The Grecians thought they had snatched the lead with the first attack of note midway through the first-half, but Chris Curran's strike was ruled out for handball as he brought the ball under control. Darran Rowbotham, starved of any decent service, did well to get in a shot after Steve Flack's cross had floated over his head, but his toe-poke at full stretch flashed narrowly wide. On the stroke of half-time, Exeter threatened to provide some excitement when full-back Jimmy Gardner burst down the left wing on a 30-yard run, shaking off two challenges before flicking the ball inside the penal- ty area to Steve Flack. The former boxer was unable to deliver a knock-out punch, dragging his shot across goal and past the far post. By the end of the half, Torquay had still failed to muster any threat to Bayes' goal, but had the
consolation from having the two best players summer signings McGorry and Robbie Herrera.

Herrera again showed his class, constantly finding the space his colleagues were unable to do and proving easily the best passer of the ball on either side. As for McGorry, the game's frenetic pace suited his energetic brand of football perfectly. Nick- named 'Bomber' by his team- mates, the midfielder hurtled from one end of the pitch to the other throughout the 90 min- utes, committed in the tackle and astute with his passing. Following another 30 minutes. of both teams floundering against resolute defences, Torquay forced their first chance. Partridge's lay-off set Tony Bedeau off on a bustling run into the penalty area. His shot was a scuffed effort, probably emanat- ing from his surprise at actually having a sight of goal, and Bayes comfortably tipped the ball round the post. From the corner, Partridge was presented with an easier chance than from which he would shortly score. He was unable to keep the ball under control on his weaker left foot. and blazed his effort wide from. the corner of the six-yard box. Torquay now had their rivals on the back foot and Bayes had to parry at his near post from McGorry, Jon Gittens clearing the ball from in front of goal. After Partridge finally broke the deadlock, Billy Clark almost snatched a deserved equaliser in the last minute with a header which Gregg fumbled. Glenn Crowe was unable to convert the rebound, and the final whistle followed to ensure Torquay fans, at least, would not be asking for their money back.

MATCH FACTS

Torquay United 1 Exeter City 0
Partridge 85

Torquay United: M Gregg S Tully, R Herrera, J Robinson, W Thomas, A Watson, G Clayton, B McGorry, T Bedeau, S Partridge, L Hapgood.
Substitutes (not used): A McFarlane, S. Hadley, M Jermyn.

Booking: Thomas 7

Exeter City: A Bayes, S Gale, Gardner, C Curran, Richardson, J Gittens, D Rowbotham (C Fry 82). J Rees (C Holloway 76), S Flack (G Crowe 76), B Clark, G Breslan.

Bookings: Flack 8, Gardner 45, Curran 58.

Referee: A Wiley (Burntwood, Staffs)

Attendance: 3,739.