Torquay United among three clubs who book FA Trophy quarter-final places

TORQUAY UNITED player-manager Kevin Nicholson praised his side’s “classic away performance” as they booked an FA Trophy quarter-final slot.

Nathan Smith’s goal proved to be the winner at Macclesfield Town on Tuesday night and the Gulls will now travel to Ryman Premier side Bognor Regis Town next weekend in the last eight.

Nicholson said: “We stuck to our game plan with everyone involved working hard to follow it through. I thought that we were very strong defensively and restricted our hosts to only a few opportunities.

“We stayed strong and nicked a goal from a set-piece, something that we haven’t done enough. It was a classic away team performance with everyone making a contribution.

“A massive thank you must also go out to the fans who made the trip. They certainly played their part and I am glad we gave them something to cheer about.”

Elsewhere on Tuesday, Dover Athletic picked up a 3-0 victory at National League rivals Guiseley thanks to a Stefan Payne brace and Nicky Deverdics strike.

The Whites will travel to Evo-Stik NPL Premier side Nantwich Town in the quarters after the Dabbers saw off Stourbridge 1-0 thanks to a late Steve Jones header.