Torquay United 'didn't show up' in 3-2 Weston-super-Mare loss - Aaron Downes

Torquay are seven points off leaders Yeovil Town in National League South

Torquay United assistant manager Aaron Downes says his side were "poor" in their 3-2 loss at Weston-super-Mare.

Aaron Jarvis' goal after an hour cancelled out Reuben Reid's first-half strike, but Reid hit a 73rd-minute penalty before Kieran Thomas made it 3-1 to the hosts after 90 minutes.

Lloyd Humphries' own goal soon after in stoppage time made the score closer.

The loss, in front of a strong travelling support, came days after a 5-1 win over Welling United.

It leaves the Gulls fifth in National League South, having lost for the third time in their past four league matches.

"It's not the performance that we were expecting, not the performance that we wanted, but it's a poor night for us on the pitch," Downes told BBC Radio Devon.

"Off the pitch was a fantastic following, really good support.

"We knew they were coming in big numbers and we all knew that in the changing room, what a big game it was going to be, and for one reason or another we didn't show up on the pitch, especially first half.

"After such a good performance on Saturday we were coming into the game confident, so to put out a performance like that collectively as a group was very disappointing, it was poor, so it needs to be looked at."

The game also saw Jarvis - who scored a third goal in two games - and experienced defender Dean Moxey come off with injuries.

"It's very early, Jarvs took quite a nasty clash into the barrier so we're going to have to assess him, it looks like it's around the knee area," Downes said.

"Mox copped one on the nose, it's quite a nasty cut so it doesn't look broken at the minute, but it was a foot into the face.

"He's a tough bloke so I'm sure he'll be able to handle that."