​Torquay United’s penultimate friendly of pre-season ended in a straightforward victory as Paul Buckle’s side cruised to a 3-0 victory at Weston-super-Mare last night.

Chris Zebroski gave the Gulls a 1-0 lead at half-time and in the second half, the npower League Two side overpowered their opponents and added to their tally through Elliot Benyon and Martin Gritton.

It was a strong United side that took to the field, but neither side were able to create anything in a scrappy opening. All too often the ball was in the air rather than on the floor and it was not until the 13th minute that we had the first effort at goal.

That was Kane Ingram’s free kick from the left touchline, which was easily gathered by Scott Bevan.

The Gulls responded with a cross from their left, which was headed wide by Gritton, who then turned provider when he knocked a long ball into the path of Eunan O’Kane, who scuffed his shot wide of the upright.

Zebroski was then denied by Lloyd Irish, in the Weston goal, who made a smart save low down by his right post before the deadlock was broken in the 31st minute. Gritton got to the ball ahead of Irish and nodded the ball goalwards, where Zebroski was on the line to bundle the ball home.

The Gulls were in the ascendancy now and after Gritton had headed over from close range, they dominated without really creating too many chances. Weston threatened with the odd breakaway, but rarely was Bevan tested.

United boss Buckle made four changes at the break and pushed Billy Kee out to the left wing after he had partnered Gritton in attack during the first half. The Northern Irishman had the first chance of the half when he cut in from the touchline and fired a fierce shot goalwards that Irish saved well.

Benyon was one of those that came on at the break and it was he who doubled the lead. Kee delivered a fine cross from the right and Benyon stooped to power a header that went in off the far post from ten yards.

The Gulls were in control now and went close again when Benyon and Gritton combined to tee up Kee, but his shot was saved by Irish at his near post. Mark Ellis headed the resulting corner over the crossbar.

The third goal came soon afterwards after some comical defending in the Weston defence. Saul Halpin did superbly to rob former Plymouth and Torquay defender Matt Villis on the corner of the penalty box and square the ball to Gritton, who showed great feet to round the goalkeeper and slot the ball home.

The plethora of second half changes did little to disrupt Torquay’s rhythm, but significantly weakened Weston, who failed to test Bevan. Last night’s victory maintains

The Gulls’ excellent pre-season record with Championship side Queen’s Park Rangers still the only team to have beaten them this summer.

Weston-super-Mare (4-4-2): Irish; Orchard, Laird, Rand, Villis, Durrant (Mawford 72), Wring (Kendall 72), Trowbridge, Doharty (Diablo 60), Ingram, Pepperell. Substitutes (not used): Kabba, Grubb, Middleton, Gilbert, Laird, Slocombe.

Torquay United (4-4-2): Bevan; Robertson, Ellis, Branston (Charnock h-t), Nicholson (Rowe-Turner h-t); O’Kane, Mansell (Lathrope h-t), Wroe (Halpin 66), (Benyon h-t); Kee (Macklin 72), Gritton. Substitutes (not used): Stevens, Palmer, Yeoman, Potter.

Goals: Zebroski, Benyon, Gritton