Torquay United scramble to 2-2 draw under guidance of caretaker boss Neil Warnock

Game number 1,627 in the amazing managerial career of Neil Warnock was far from the prettiest he has witnessed but Torquay United found enough to resolve to earn a point for their caretaker boss.

Fresh from a brutal weekend that saw the Gulls lose 5-0 at home to Chelmsford City, a result that ultimately cost manager Paul Wotton and his assistant Mike Edwards their jobs at Plainmoor, United were understandably lacking on confidence.

Warnock only had one training session with the team before the visit of Farnborough and it was difficult to disguise a first half low on rhythm and quality.

James Hamon made a decent early save from a corner but the visitors ultimately punished the Gulls for a sluggish opening, Wes Fonguck prodding past Hamon after a melee in the penalty area.

Forlorn claims for an offside flag were ignored by the officials and United, in truth, never really got going in the first period. Warnock had half-time to work his magic, although the subsequent equaliser was something even he has only seen on a few occasions.

The Gulls won a succession of corners, all comfortably repelled by the Farnborough defence until one curling delivery deceived goalkeeper Tommy Reid and flew happily straight into the back of the net.

Momentum was with United and the Yellow Army responded, but Farnborough were determined to spoil the party, restoring their advantage with a goal from Billy Clifford with just 15 minutes left on the clock.

The visitors opted for full retreat in the closing stages, opening the door for an aerial bombardment and when they failed to clear one more hooked delivery, Kieran Wilson forced a scruffy leveller over the line.

United surged forward in search of a last-gasp winner and it so nearly arrived with a lovely jink from Jordan Young, but his curling effort shaved the outside of the post.

Honours even and whatever happens next, it was special to see Neil Warnock back doing what he does best from the sidelines.