Torquay United v Southend United, 19 August 2000

Score1-1
CompetitionLeague Division 3
VenuePlainmoor, Torquay
Attendance2,528
Southend took the early initiative in this battle of the seaside towns. The visitors from Essex took route one to take the lead. Keeper Andy Woodman's clearance forced a misjudged header from Gull defender Paul Holmes. Scott Houghton provided the assured finish from ten yards. The Shrimpers should have doubled their advantage on 12 minutes when referee Warren pointed to the spot after Stuart Jones upended Martin Carruthers. The home goalie redeemed himself by palming away Carruthers well struck kick. Torquay's hopes suffered a further blow when new French striker Habib Sissoko failed to re-appear after the interval due to a hamstring injury. Undaunted, the Gulls produced a much better performance in the second half. They gained confidence from their equaliser - Kevin Hill on hand after Tom Stocco's shot was blocked by David Morley. Southend missed further chances so the first draw was recorded between the two teams since December 1984. As well as being disappointed on missing out on two extra points, manager Alan Little also made an official complaint about the state of the Plainmoor pitch.

Goals:

Kevin Hill 49 G

Goals:

Scott Houghton 6 G

Starting lineup:

Goalkeeper Stuart Jones
Defender Jimmy Aggrey
Defender Paul Holmes
Defender/Centre back Alex Watson
Defender/Midfielder Steve Tully
Midfielder Ryan Ashington
Midfielder Mark Ford
Midfielder Kevin Hill
Forward Kevin Parker
Forward Mark Platts
Forward Habib Sissokho

Starting lineup:

Andy Woodman Goalkeeper
Martyn Booty Defender/Right back
Leo Roget Defender/Centre back
David Morley Defender/Midfielder
Damon Searle Defender/Left back
Scott Houghton Midfielder
David Lee Midfielder
Kevin Maher Midfielder
Mark Tinkler Midfielder
Neil Tolson Forward

Substitutions:

Tom Stocco for Habib Sissokho 46
Jules Mendy for Kevin Parker 76

Substitutions:

Scott Forbes for Scott Houghton 61
Phil Whelan for Neil Tolson 61

Cards:

Stuart Jones 12 Y
Mark Ford 73 Y
Jimmy Aggrey 81 Y

Cards:

Martyn Booty 19 Y

On the bench:

Defender/Forward Tom Stocco

On the bench:

Defender/Centre back Phil Whelan
Midfielder Scott Forbes

Comments:

17 year-old Ryan Ashington was making his debut as Torquay were without six senior pros. Having lost at Kidderminster in their opening fixture, the Gulls were in 22nd place.

Comments:

Southend's last away win was at Torquay on 28 December 1999. This draw left them in 7th place.

Goals:

Kevin Hill 49 G

Starting lineup:

Goalkeeper Stuart Jones
Defender Jimmy Aggrey
Defender Paul Holmes
Defender/Centre back Alex Watson
Defender/Midfielder Steve Tully
Midfielder Ryan Ashington
Midfielder Mark Ford
Midfielder Kevin Hill
Forward Kevin Parker
Forward Mark Platts
Forward Habib Sissokho

Substitutions:

Tom Stocco for Habib Sissokho 46
Jules Mendy for Kevin Parker 76

Cards:

Stuart Jones 12 Y
Mark Ford 73 Y
Jimmy Aggrey 81 Y

On the bench:

Defender/Forward Tom Stocco

Comments:

17 year-old Ryan Ashington was making his debut as Torquay were without six senior pros. Having lost at Kidderminster in their opening fixture, the Gulls were in 22nd place.

Goals:

Scott Houghton 6 G

Starting lineup:

Andy Woodman Goalkeeper
Martyn Booty Defender/Right back
Leo Roget Defender/Centre back
David Morley Defender/Midfielder
Damon Searle Defender/Left back
Scott Houghton Midfielder
David Lee Midfielder
Kevin Maher Midfielder
Mark Tinkler Midfielder
Neil Tolson Forward

Substitutions:

Scott Forbes for Scott Houghton 61
Phil Whelan for Neil Tolson 61

Cards:

Martyn Booty 19 Y

On the bench:

Defender/Centre back Phil Whelan
Midfielder Scott Forbes

Comments:

Southend's last away win was at Torquay on 28 December 1999. This draw left them in 7th place.