Grays Athletic

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Carlisle: Netted the winning goal

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Grays 1-2 Torquay

Torquay United maintained their play-off aspirations with a narrow victory against relegation-threatened Grays Athletic at the New Recreation Ground on Tuesday evening.

The match took place in trying conditions with strong wind and driving rain making it difficult for both teams to move the ball around freely.

The hosts got off to flying start with winger Barry Cogan forcing Gulls goalkeeper Scott Bevan into a save with a powerful shot struck from 20 yards out.

However, it was the visitors who drew first blood when they were awarded a free kick on the edge of the area in the 12th minute.

Nicky Wroe fed a short pass to Kevin Nicholson, who unleashed a sweetly struck left-footed shot into the bottom-right corner past the outstretched hand of goalkeeper Steve Arnold.

The Blues rallied well and were awarded a free kick of their own on the edge of the area when Chris Robertson was adjudged to have fouled Andy Pugh.

On-loan midfielder Tony Dinning stepped up to take the resulting free-kick and whipped the ball over the wall and into the left-hand corner.

The Gulls controlled the second period but had to be aware at the back with Grays looking to catch them on the break through Pugh and on-loan winger Ishmael Welsh.

Be that as it may, the visitors held firm and reclaimed the lead just minutes before the final whistle.

Wroe sent in an inviting cross from the right wing and Wayne Carlisle nipped in behind the defence to head the ball in at the left-hand post.

Grays bookings: Stuart.

Torquay bookings: Hargreaves.

Ref: D Ford (Leicestershire).

Att: 510.