Torquay 0 AFC Telford 1 - Report and pictures

The Bucks had beaten the Gulls 4-3 at the New Bucks Head back in September, and they claimed all three points again today thanks to Gray's opportunist strike on 10 minutes.

The former Chester man pounced from close range on a poor clearance following Glenn Matthews' speedy cross into the box.

Torquay almost drew level within a minute though when John Campbell went one-on-one only for goalkeeper Freddy Hall to superbly tip his effort over the bar.

Aaron Downes then failed to hit the target with a diving header from Luke Young's free-kick, having evaded the attentions of his marker in the box.

But Martin Rice had to show all his agility to deny Sean Clancy on the half hour mark after the midfielder had raced onto a poor touch by the defender.

At the other end Young failed to work Hall with a wayward effort following an uncharacteristically poor clearance by Bucks skipper Ian Sharps.

But Telford substitute Ross Dyer looked unlucky not to earn the visitors a penalty late in the first half after tumbling in the box following a clumsy challenge.

Referee Dean Treleaven blew his whistle, leading most in the ground to believe he had indeed awarded a spot kick.

But after a brief discussion with his linesman he awarded a Torquay free-kick, ruling that Dyer, who replaced the injury Sam Smith part way through the half, had shoved his marker.

Telford did get the chance to double their lead from the spot though 17 minutes into the second half when Clancy went down following a challenge by Aaron Dawson.

But Gray's 12 yard strike, which was placed down the middle, was well saved by Martin Rice.

It could have been a big turning point, and Aaron Downes went close with a header over from Luke Young's corner-kick soon afterwards.

Hall then did tremendously well to deny Young's free-kick to the near post and then leap across goal to catch the rebound at the far post.

He also had to use all his agility again to turn Louis Briscoe's rasping effort over late on, but the Bucks kept their composure to claim the points.

Other results - namely a win for Alfreton and a draw for Southport - mean the Bucks have failed to close the gap between themselves and safety.

But they have halted a five match losing streak and at least give themselves a platform to build on at Macclesfield on Tuesday.