Torquay United kept alive their hopes of avoiding relegation from the Football League after a hard-fought victory over fellow strugglers Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Stadium.

Rovers looked threatening as he twice went close to scoring with close-range headers, the second of which was only narrowly wide of the post.

Torquay's best chance of a tense first half fell to Elliot Benyon moments before the break, but his right-footed strike was blocked by keeper Steve Mildenhall.

However, the game opened up after half-time as first Shamir Goodwin brought another save out of Mildenhall and then Beardsley again squandered a good chance to score as he blazed his shot over.

Rovers were made to pay for their missed opportunities when Shaquile Coulthirst headed home Courtney Cameron's cross to the delight of the travelling Gulls support.

With 15 minutes remaining, Torquay doubled their advantage as Coulthirst turned provider for Lee Mansell and the forward rifled his shot into the top corner.

Dan Woodards pulled a goal back in stoppage time, but it wasn't enough the prevent the Gulls from taking victory and, although they are still seven points off safety, they are at least still in with a shout of survival.