Stevenage beat Torquay to seal promotion to League One

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Stevenage have secured promotion to League One with a 1-0 victory over Torquay United in a play-off final at Old Trafford.

A John Mousinho strike in the first half was enough for Graham Westley’s side, who held onto their lead despite heavy pressure from the Gulls throughout the second half.

The victory marks Stevenage’s second successive promotion, after they were crowned Blue Square Premier champions at the end of the 2009-10 season.

Mousinho opened the scoring towards the end of a nervy first half, collecting a pass from Darius Charles before firing into the bottom corner from 20 yards with a fine strike.

Torquay started the second half the brighter and put Stevenage under immense pressure, though Charles had a chance to double the lead for Graham Westley’s side but shot straight at goalkeeper Scott Bevan.

With less than 25 minutes to go, Chris Zebroski was presented with a glorious chance to level as he pounced on a mistake from the otherwise solid Mark Roberts, but the Gulls forward could only lash into the side netting.

Torquay had further chances through Zebroski and Jake Robinson, whose thunderous strike rattled the crossbar, while second half substitute Darren Murphy missed the target with a free header for Stevenage.

Paul Buckle introduced Joe Oastler, Lathaniel Rowe-Turner and Danny Stevens in an attempt to pull Torquay level, but Stevenage held on to mark a fantastic achievement for the Hertfordshire town.

The promotion is a landmark for Stevenage, who have now reached the highest position in the ladder of English football in the club’s history.