LEMON JUST SO SWEET AS GULLS SCALE NEW HEIGHTS

NATIONAL LEAGUE CONNOR

- Jon Couch

Lemonheigh-Evans showed once again why he’s top of everyone’s New Year transfer list for 2021 after settling another Christmas cracker for Torquay United.

The Welsh Under-21 international – seen by many as the hottest talent outside of the Football League – struck the winning goal three minutes before time as the Gulls held off a battling comeback from Southcoast rivals Weymouth to edge a 4-3 thriller and go 11 points clear at the top of the National League.

Goals from Asa Hall and Josh Umerah put Gary Johnson’s men in control in the opening quarter, only for Cody Cooke to halve the deficit before the break.

Aaron Nemane restored Torquay’s two-goal advantage just seconds into the restart before the Terras hit back again – Cameron Murray and a Josh McQuoid penalty bringing them level at 3-3.

But just when it looked as though they had done enough to hold on to a hard-earned point, Lemonheigh-Evans tapped in from close range to seal the victory.

Torquay’s closest challengers now are Hartlepool United, who completed a very happy Christmas with a 1-0 victory at Notts County – their third straight win over the festive period.

Luke Armstrong was the Pools’ goal hero on 19 minutes, slotting home after great work from Rhys Oates.

Notts County’s hopes of a comeback were dented eight minutes from time when Ben Turner was sent off for a high boot on Mason Bloomfield and Pools held on.

FC Halifax Town moved menacingly into the playoff places – replacing visitors Altrincham after recording a 3-2 home victory.

Luke Summerfield’s penalty and a Billy Chadwick effort put the Shaymen in control before Josh Hancock halved the deficit for the Robins just seconds later.