Omar red makes Gulls battle

GARY JOHNSON hailed a draw ‘that was as good as a win’ as his stubborn, well-organized side refused to buckle after losing defender Ali Omar to a red card in the 25th minute at Meadow Lane.

- John Brindley

NOTTS COUNTY 1

Wootton 68

TORQUAY UTD 1

Wright 37

The Torquay manager saw his side deservedly go in front when striker Danny Wright outjumped Sam Slocombe to a long high ball in the 37th minute before defending for their lives after the break.

Notts had only Kyle Wootton’s excellent 69th-minute equalizer to show for almost total control of the ball after head coach Ian Burchnall made two attack-minded substitutions.

Johnson’s joy was tempered with disappointment over referee Martin Woods’ decision to dismiss Omar after he tackled Wootton just outside the area.

“My defender won the ball, he shouldn’t have been sent off,” he said.