While manager Martin Ling concentrates on a two-day “spying” mission, Torquay United field a reserve side against Newton Abbot neighbours Buckland Athletic in the Westinsure Devon St Luke’s Cup quarter-finals at Homers Heath tonight (7.45pm).

Ling has decided to watch the Gulls’ next two opponents, Gillingham and Crawley Town, this week.

Gillingham, where United play away on Saturday, meet Rotherham United at Priestfield tonight, while Crawley will be taking on Morecambe at Broadfield Stadium tomorrow evening.

Ling said: “It’s too good a chance to miss. Both Gillingham and Crawley have made changes since we played them earlier in the season, and I want to have a look at them.”

The npower League Two promotion race may undergo a bit of a shake-up this midweek. While they sit out, all United’s closest rivals are in action.

The big game tonight is Swindon Town (third) versus Shrewsbury Town (fourth). Leaders Southend United travel to Aldershot Town and Cheltenham Town (second) entertain AFC Wimbledon.

Torquay’s senior players resume training today, after their first defeat in ten matches, 1-2 at home to Bradford City on Saturday.

Assistant manager Shaun Taylor, who takes the team to Buckland tonight, said: “Expectations have been so high, because of the run we’ve had, that it felt like a real shock to the system.

“We didn’t play quite as well as we have done recently, but Bradford’s squad is far stronger than their league position would suggest. We know we’ve got to get going again.”

Carlsberg South West Peninsula League Premier Division title-chasers Buckland upset United in this competition last season, and the Gulls are sure to be tested to the limit, at least, this evening.

They have striker Ray Spear cup-tied, while loanee centre-half Angus MacDonald has returned briefly to his parent club Reading to play in a friendly match.

So former Newcastle United starlet Danny Leadbitter, who has played at right-back for most of the season so far, will line up in central defence alongside Ed Palmer.

The Gulls’ midfield will feature recent non-contract signing Nathan Craig, the former Everton Academy player, and Lloyd Macklin.

Ashley Yeoman, who made his League debut as a second-half substitute against Bradford City, will lead an attack which also includes second-year trainee Niall Thompson and Saul Halpin.

Torquay United reserves (4-3-3): Rice; Nardiello, Leadbitter, Palmer, Rowe-Turner; Macklin, Kewell, Craig; Thompson, Yeoman, Halpin.