CHERRIES loanee Sam Sherring played a full part as Torquay United were beaten in a dramatic National League play-off final by Hartlepool United.

The 21-year-old defender played 120 minutes at Bristol City's Ashton Gate, a game which went to extra time thanks to a late header scored by Gulls goalkeeper Lucas Covolan.

Hartlepool had looked set to book their place in League Two within the regulation 90 minutes.

The only goal of the contest arrived in the first half when Luke Armstrong fired home.

That was until deep into second-half stoppage time.

With six minutes added, Torquay threw everybody forwards, including goalkeeper Covolan, who, incredibly, rose highest to head home and force an extra half an hour.

No goals followed, meaning a penalty shoot-out was required as the game ended 1-1.

And there Hartlepool triumphed, winning 5-4 on spot-kicks.

Sherring's loan at the Gulls ends having played 45 matches, scoring twice.