GILLINGHAM were cursing their luck today when they were drawn away to Torquay in the Worthington Cup first round for the second time in three years. The team and their fans face the long trek to south Devon on Tuesday, August 20, with the tie kicking off at Plainmoor at 7.45pm.

“It goes without saying that we would have preferred a home draw,” said player-manager Andy Hessenthaler. His men have the psychological boost of having seen off Torquay when the two clubs last met at the start of the 2000-01 season.

Gillingham won the first leg 2-0 at Priestfield but lost the second 3-2 at Plainmoor to win 4-3 on aggregate and clinch a second round draw against Manchester City. The second leg in Torquay was watched by 1,351. All Worthington Cup ties are now played on a single leg basis.

Awaiting Gillingham at Plainmoor will be new Torquay boss Leroy Rosenior. The former West Ham, Fulham, Queens Park Rangers and Bristol City striker has been given the title of Head Coach since succeeding the sacked Roy McFarland in May.

Rosenior previously managed Dr Martens League Merthyr Tydfil. At 38, he is among the youngest managers in the Nationwide League. Torquay lost 4-1 to Portsmouth in a pre-season friendly on Saturday and face further tough friendlies against West Bromwich Albion this Saturday and Charlton on Monday.