Torquay United secured a 1-0 away victory over Tonbridge Angels in the Emirates FA Cup third qualifying round on Saturday, October 3, 2026.
Captain Matt Worthington scored the only goal early in the second half, ending a four-year drought since the Gulls last reached this stage.
Worthington's Early Second-Half Strike Decides Tight Contest
Worthington found the top corner from a Callum Morton cross 10 minutes after halftime.
Manager Jimmy Ball made five changes to his starting lineup following a 3-0 league defeat at Billericay Town the previous week.
The adjustments produced a physical defensive display that limited the home side.
"The day required us to come here and be grittier, tougher, more aggressive, more committed, and that's what happened," Ball told BBC Radio Devon.
Torquay withstood heavy pressure in the final stages at Longmead to protect their narrow lead and advance to the fourth qualifying round draw.
"We knew it was always going to be a very tight game and possibly one goal and we were hoping and praying it was, and it was," Ball added.
The win earned Torquay United $7,390 (£5,625) in prize money, while Tonbridge Angels received $2,460 (£1,875) after their elimination.
"So it's wonderful we are in the hat and we take it and move on," Ball said.
