Torquay return to the football league after beating Cambridge

There was another good result at Wembley today as local rivals Cambridge United were beaten 2-0 by Torquay United, who returned to the football league after a two year absence. The Amber Army were the dominant force in the first half, but were not clinical enough in front of goal and were punished 10 minutes before half-time when a Chris Hargreaves long range effort found the net. It was a sweet finish from the former Oxford man who is out of contract this summer. Cambridge had a few chances in the second half to equalise, but Torquay wrapped it up with 15 minutes remaining when Tim Sills connected superbly to a Danny Stevens cross.

In my opinion, the game could of gone either way. Cambridge seemed to have the more possession for the 90 minutes, but couldn’t score, while Torquay made their chances count when they came and won the game. The first goal was always going to be an important one and once Torquay scored I couldn’t see Cambridge coming back to win the game. Chris Hargreaves controlled the game from midfield and popped up with the vital first goal just before half-time. It was a typical professional performance from the 37 year old. Another key position where Torquay won the game today was at the back and Chris Todd and Chris Robertson were superb. Danny Stevens was always a threat from wide positions and it was from his cross that Tim Sills, who could of easily been sent off in the first half, scored the second goal.

“The lads have given me everything since day one. We’ve got some good young players and there’s a lot to build on.” Brabin on Cambridge missing out on promotion

I have the feeling them ‘young’ players may have to be used a lot next season as they’re reportedly big budget cuts on the way at the Abbey Stadium. Cambridge are supposed to have spent ‘big’ this season in order to win promotion and missing out could cost the club big time. The loan signing of Scott Rendell, who didn’t turn up at Wembley today, is said to have cost Cambridge a lot in wages and a loan fee, while players like Lee Phillips, Courtney Pitt and Wayne Hatswell won’t be on small wages. There could be tough times ahead next season, although to be fair the same was said last season when the U’s got beat by Exeter in the final.

Best of luck to Torquay, back in the football league.

Some other lines from around the Conference and Oxford have continued to ‘strenghten’ for next season by bringing in two former Stevenage players in Jack Midson and apparently Dannie Bulman. Midson made 13 appearances for Stevenage scoring just the 1 goal, but moves to the Kassam Stadium after an impressive season with Histon. Bulman’s move hasn’t been confirmed by either Oxford or Crawley yet, but is said to be imminent.