Torquay United midfielder Damon Lathrope is frustrated to have been knocked out of the Gulls’ promotion push, but is relieved that his injury is not as bad as the one which nearly ruined his last season.

Lathrope, 22, missed the 2-1 home defeat to Bradford City, which ended United’s hopes of a record-equalling eighth successive win, last Saturday – he had damaged ligaments in his right ankle in the first half of the 1-0 win at promotion rivals Cheltenham Town four days beforehand.

“I don’t think I’m going to be ready for Gillingham away this Saturday, but I’m hoping to be back for Crawley [away] the following weekend,” the former Norwich City player said. “The good thing is that it’s not as bad as the one I got last season.”

Only a few minutes into his League debut, at home to Aldershot Town in September 2010, Lathrope ruptured ankle ligaments and was out for nearly three months.

“I remember how my ankle felt when that happened, and I never want that again,” he said. “I knew straight away at Cheltenham that this wasn’t as bad. All I want to do now is get fit again as soon as I can.”

Holders Buckland Athletic unceremoniously knocked a Torquay United reserve side out of the Westinsure Devon St Luke’s Cup with a 3-0 quarter-final win at Homers Heath last night.

A young Gulls’ side had defender Lathaniel Rowe-Turner sent off in the 59th minute for unsporting conduct, which will keep him out of the squad for Saturday’s League Two trip to Gillingham.

By the time of Rowe-Turner’s dismissal, United were already two down.

The Carlsberg South West Peninsula League title chasers, better throughout, took the lead in the 34th minute when lively midfielder Liam Moseley chested down Cameron Kelly’s long ball from the back and played Gavin Hammon through for a strong finishing shot.

Danny Glaze crossed in the 47th minute for the Bucks’ player-manager, Antony Lynch, to head home, and former Torquay trainee Dean Stevens made it 3-0 with a rasping 18-yard cross-shot from the left two minutes before Rowe-Turner’s red card.

Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson looks set to bring in two players from Middlesbrough to compensate for the loss of borrowed Tottenham midfielder Dean Parrett.

Winger Jonathan Franks and left-back Jonathan Grounds are training at Huish Park with a view to joining on loan later this week. Parrett has returned to Tottenham for treatment on an ankle injury, which is expected to keep him out for about two weeks.