A solitary goal from veteran player-manager Andy Hessenthaler eased Gillingham into the second round of the Worthington Cup despite a defiant display from Third Division opponents Torquay.

Hessenthaler broke the deadlock with 20 minutes to spare, driving home a loose ball from 15 yards after home keeper Kevin Dearden had blocked a shot by Guy Ipoua.

The goal was a just reward after a whole-hearted performance by the 37-year-old and secured victory in a match which often looked to be going the way of a lively Torquay side.

Gulls striker David Graham missed one great chance in the very first minute and it was Torquay who looked more likely to score in the first hour.

Ipoua missed a great chance for the visitors when he headed wide from six yards just after the break.

Gills keeper Jason Brown did well to gather a Martin Gritton header under his bar and Paul Shaw just missed for Gillingham as the teams traded chances.

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Torquay: Dearden, Hankin, Woozley, Hazell, Canoville, Bedeau, Russell, Fowler, Hill, Graham, Gritton. Subs: Attwell, Richardson, Hockley, Prince, Holmes.

Gillingham: Brown, Patterson, Ashby, Hope, Edge, Smith, Hessenthaler, Shaw, Saunders, James, Ipoua. Subs: Bartram, Rose, Pennock, Perpetuini, Awuah.

Referee: Fraser Stretton (Notts)