City end 2025 with hard-fought point against high-flying Gulls

City ended 2025 with a hard-fought goalless draw against Torquay United this evening at Cannon Clarke Stadium @ Twerton Park.

The promotion chasing visitors dominated the opening exchanges. It wasn’t until the 18th minute though that they came close to taking the lead, Jay’s cross-shot just evading Dennis at the back post. Harvey Wiles-Richards then denied Young and Hayfield in quick succession. Having come through this early pressure City began to gain a foothold in the game. On 31 minutes Jordan Alves won a free-kick 25-yards from goal but saw his low shot easily gathered by Hamon. Owen Windsor then fired a 39th minute shot narrowly over after good work from Brad Ash. The last chance of the half fell to the Gulls, Jay shooting wide from six yards.

An even start to the second half saw both sides fashion half-chances without really troubling either keeper. Even the introduction of former City striker Cody Cooke just past the hour-mark failed to lift Torquay, although he shot into the side-netting on 69 minutes. Another former Roman, Dan Hayfield, blazed a good chance over a couple of minutes later but City were looking increasingly secure in dealing with the Devon side’s efforts. A couple of corners briefly caused concern but it was City who came closest to grabbing all three points in the final minute. Alves set up Matt Bowman but he couldn’t keep his shot down from a narrow angle.