Robbie Threlfall scored six minutes from time to see Morecambe snatch a 1-1 draw from their League Two meeting with managerless Torquay United at Plainmoor this afternoon.

A header from Aaron Downes looked for a long time as if it would earn Geoff Harrop a win as caretaker boss and ensure that Morecambe would make the long trip back to Lancashire pointless for the third time in succession.

However, Threlfall netted with Morecambe's only clear sight of goal to deny the Gulls a victory that would have seen them climb out of the relegation zone.

Downes headed Torquay ahead in the 17th minute with his fourth of the season, and Elliot Benyon came within inches of doubling their advantage later in the first half when he struck the crossbar from Anthony O'Connor's cross.

Full-back O'Connor was an attacking threat all game, but was also on hand to do his defensive duties as he made an important block from Jack Sampson's shot after the Morecambe striker had dribbled past Downes.

Torquay continued to be the better side after the interval, although they struggled to convert long spells on the ball into chances on goal and were punished for their lack of creativity when the the Shrimpers equalised late on.

Threlfall opened his account for the season with an 84th-minute long-range piledriver into the top corner that gave home goalkeeper Michael Poke no chance, as Torquay fell just short in their attempts to win their first game since Alan Knill's sacking.