Aaron Downes: Torquay United boss apologises after 4-1 Tonbridge Angels defeat

Torquay United have won one of their last 12 matches

Torquay United interim manager Aaron Downes has apologised to the club's fans after their 4-1 loss at Tonbridge Angels in National League South.

The financially-stricken Gulls had 10 points deducted this week after owner Clarke Osborne announced plans to appoint administrators last month.

The Gulls dropped to 18th in the table after the loss and are three points off the relegation places.

"It was poor," Downes told BBC Radio Devon after the game.

"I do apologise to the supporters - the away form this season has been nowhere near good enough and the amount of money and time and effort that people spend to support us, and it's not been good enough from us on the pitch.

"What I do know is I have to take responsibility for the players because I put them out there, I gave the players the opportunity and I've given the plan, so it's on me, and I'll make sure that I look on myself, reflect and get the boys going."

Tariq Hinds put Tonbridge ahead midway through the first half before Nathan Odokonyero and Sean Shields scored in quick succession with 20 minutes to go.

Odokonyero made it 4-0 soon after before Will Jenkins-Davies pulled a goal back 11 minutes from full time.

"At this moment in time we're in a sticky situation, that's for sure, but I do know that we need to make sure that we fight and we show passion and commitment," Downes added.

"I'll make sure I instil that in the players moving forward because that's so important.

"We had it in parts today, but not enough and the goals were avoidable to say the least, and there's clear issues in our goals against column that should have been addressed a long time ago.

"There's a lot of fight and leadership that I need to show the players.

"We've got a situation on our hands that we really need some people to stand up and be counted, and I'll make sure I'm one of them."