Stevenage Borough

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Stevenage Borough 0-0 Torquay Utd

Ten-man Torquay United produced a battling performance against Stevenage Borough at Broadhall Way on Saturday to keep themselves in the hunt for the play-offs.

Lee Mansell was dismissed on the hour-mark but Stevenage were unable to capitalise on their numerical advantage and break the deadlock.

Both sides would have been targeting all three points in a bid to strengthen their respective play-off charges but in the end both managers were forced to settle for a point apiece.

The hosts got off to a flying start with Lawrie Wilson and Gary Mills both coming close to finding the back of the net.

The Gulls clawed their way back into contention after the early pressure from the hosts and Blair Sturrock forced a fine save from goalkeeper Chris Day in the 7th minute.

It was a very open game and Torquay were soon on the front foot again but Tim Sills failed to find the target after meeting Kevin Nicholson's free kick with a towering header.

Stevenage's best chance of the game fell to Steve Morison in the 10th minute but the striker somehow managed to send the ball horribly wide from inside the six-yard area.

The first half ended goalless despite the wealth of chances being created by both sides and it was much the same story in the second period.

Sills went close for the Gulls after the half-time break and Gary Mills was denied for the hosts from distance with his pile driver producing a good stop from Torquay goalkeeper Scott Bevan.

Torquay suffered a damaging blow in the 63rd minute when defender Mansell was shown a second yellow card in the space of minutes for a foul on Mitchell Cole.

However, the visitors kept their opponents at bay and almost stole victory at the death but Sills' goalbound header was hacked off the line by Mark Roberts.

Stevenage bookings: Laird.

Torquay bookings: Wroe, Mansell.

Sent Off: Mansell (64).

Ref: A Hendley (West Midlands)

Att: 2,819.