Derby Drama

To say I'm gutted about yesterday's result would be an almighty understatement. We were in control of that game and looked more than capable of scoring every time we ventured forward, so to come away from Plainmoor with nothing more than a point is disappointing, especially as we were 2 goals up.

As expected Gasheads were out in force and the streets surrounding the stadium were full of Bristolians donning the quarters. Not only did they illuminate the English Riviera in blue and white, but they created a superb atmosphere to go with it, particularly in the pubs nearby. The pub I went in to (its name escapes me) was packed out and a good rendition of 'Goodnight Irene' to accompany my pint certainly got me in the mood - not that I needed much encouragement. In the ground and things were pretty much the same, but 10 times louder. I've got to admit, the stadium itself is clearly poor, but the acoustics in the away end were top  notch and generated more noise than many of the newer grounds. The players made their way out of the tunnel at 2.55pm to glorious seaside sunshine and could certainly sense the excitement built up by both sets of supporters. It was a big game and neither side would have wanted to lose.

Neither did, as it turned out. That's not to say it was a dull draw because it certainly wasn't, it's just very frustrating having seen events unfold the way they did. My prediction for there to be very few goals was obliterated and the 3900 crowd were treated to a feast of net-bulging action.

Both sides showed their intent from the start, without any real efforts testing Gas keeper Scott Bevan or Gulls goalie Bobby Olejnik. Rene Howe, an ex-Gas loanee, rounded Bevan half way through the first half but by that point he'd been forced too far wide and too close to the byline to force it in. Rovers grew in to their attacking stride and Mustapha Carayol struck a left footed effort narrowly wide after good build up play down the right. This provoked further chanting from the blue army at the opposite end and produced one of the game's funny moments.

Craig Stanley pressurising Torquay full-back Kevin Nicholson

'We hate Buckle more than you' was the cry from Gasheads, and in response, the few Torquay fans who sung in the stand adjacent to us bellowed 'Hands up if you hate Buckle'. Good natured banter centred around a mutual dislike of an egotistical former manager. It sparked a competition though between both sets of fans and we comprehensively defeated the Yellows with 'Sit down if you hate Buckle', to which half the away end actually sat down. Although they wouldn't admit it, we could see a few of them laughing.

As stoppage time progressed at the end of the first half, both sides seemed happy to go in level at the break. That was until Matt Harrold got the ball on the half-way line though. The returning marksman came away with the ball and ran forwards, before unleashing a powerful strike that looped over Olejnik courtesy of a deflection from 25 yards. The celebrations were superb and it was the perfect way to end the half.

It boosted everybody's confidence and the Rovers players came out in the second half looking bright. Torquay began attacking but the Gas rearguard held firm and the distribution from them ensured we could pounce straight on to the counter attack with ease. The perfect example of this came and provided our second goal of the afternoon. Former Gulls favourite Chris Zebroski received the ball mid-way inside his own half and began striding forward. He saw off the challenge of Mark Ellis on the half-way line before making his way in to the box and firing a low strike in to the bottom corner. A stunning goal from Zebs and after the celebrations had subsided a little, his unique song was roared out for the whole of Torquay to hear.

But things turned bad from here on in. The home side pulled a goal back within minutes when captain Lee Mansell managed to bundle home following a parry from Scott Bevan. We'd shot ourselves in the foot and gifted them with plenty of time to get back in to the game. Joe Anyinsah was substituted on for the tiring Harrold but it was to be a brief appearance for the winger-cum-striker who looks like he no longer has much of a future with the Gas. He lacked effort, desire and determination and when Zebroski ran fully 50 yards to close a ball down that Anyinsah was stood 5 feet away from, Mark McGhee hauled the player off. A lack of effort is not something that can be forgiven or accepted by management or fans and the former Bristol City youngster was booed as he sat back down on the bench. This could have disrupted the side as they would know that their team mate couldn't be bothered to contribute to the task in hand.

They pumped ball after ball in to our box and finally, in the last minute, they netted an equaliser. Howe claimed it but it looked as though it came off Mansell before flying in to the goal. Our performance merited so much more, but if you can't see the game out you're going to concede goals. McGhee wouldn't have been happy with the way we surrendered our 2 goal advantage to one of the best sides in this league and you can be sure he'll work on our defence in the coming week. The final whistle sounded seconds later and what would have been a deserved 3 points became just the one. Still, the travelling army heartily applauded the players off the pitch and began leaving the stadium. The players looked gutted and that's encouraging, it meant as much to them as it did to us. Hopefully they can put things right and we can get back to winning ways against AFC Wimbledon next week.

The fact we're gutted about taking a point from one of the in-form sides in this division shows just how far we've come in the past couple of months. If we can continue to progress and end the season on a high, the sky is the limit next season.

Proud of all Gasheads yesterday (all 1046 official attendees), we did our bit and more besides. Certainly the 12th man.

Up the Gas!