ON THIS DAY

Steve Harris

@steveharris84

SWANSEA CITY (A) 2004

After heading into 2004 in a mid-table, Torquay United needed a good run to keep their ambitions of winning promotion under Leroy Rosenior.

The Gulls began the year with a 1-0 defeat away to Rochdale, but three successive wins against Northampton Town (H), Lincoln City (A) and Macclesfield Town (H) saw them head into their trip to Swansea City on February 7, 2004 in fine form.

This would also be the Gulls’ last ever visit to the Swans’ Vetch Field home, as they would move to the Liberty Stadium in 2005.

United drew first blood in the 18th minute when Michael Howard headed the ball weakly back to Swans defender Kristian O’Leary and David Graham was onto it in a flash. He then checked back onto his right foot past O’Leary’s defensive collegue Shaun Byrne and fired past Swansea keeper Roger Freestone from ten yards to score his 14th goal of the season.

On the stroke of half-time, United almost added a second when Jason Fowler teed up Matt Hockley for an angled effort which flew across the face of goal.

In the second half, Swansea had their chances to equalise with arguably the pick of their chances coming on 64 minutes when Kevin Dearden tipped a volley from James Thomas over the bar.

They did eventually manage to level matters on 81 minutes through former Plymouth Argyle striker Kevin Nugent.

However, far from settling for a point, the Gulls almost regained their lead moments later when skipper Craig Taylor headed over from a corner.

With five minutes to go, second half sub Kuffour found the back of the net with an unstoppable finish which sealed all three points for United, who made it four wins out four on their march towards automatic promotion.

Torquay (4-4-2): Kevin Dearden; Lee Canoville, Steve Woods, Craig Taylor, Brian McGlinchey; Jason Fowler (Tony Bedeau 64), Matt Hockley, Alex Russell, Kevin Hill; David Graham (Reuben Hazell 88), Martin Gritton (Jo Kuffour 51)

Subs not used: Arjan Van Heusden, David Woozley

OTHER MEMORIES

2007 – Lee takes charge

Colin Lee is appointed as Director of Football. Lee played for United during the 1970s and on his return immediately appointed Keith Curle as head coach, before continuing his role alongside Paul Buckle during a successful period for the Gulls.

BIRTHDAYS

Lucas Ness (22). TUFC 2022 – Appearances 8, Goals 0

Scott Smith (23), TUFC 2022 – Appearances 8, Goals 0

LAST TIME: TUFC 1-0 UNITED OF MANCHESTER (2015)

United of Manchester bring a big away following to Plainmoor for an FA Trophy 4th Round tie. Ryan Bowman scores in the second half as the Gulls scrape through 1-0.