Chris Agutter said Worthing deserved better than a narrow defeat at Torquay.

But he is confident performances are improving in Vanarama National League south.

Rebels went down 2-1 at Plainmoor having led at the break.

Jack Spong crashed home a shot from the edge of the box after a move which started near the Rebels’ own corner flag.

Torquay won it with second-half goals from Omar Mussa and Jay Foulston as both teams had chances before a crowd of about 3,000.

Rebels boss Agutter said: “It was probably one of the best performances of the season. I thought we were excellent.

“If we play like that, more often than not we will win.

“If we play that game ten times, we will probably win seven or eight.

“It was a great game of football. Torquay more than played their part, “It was a great game for the neutral.

“Great atmosphere and a great advert for non-league football.

“We are disappointed to have lost the game but I thought we were very good and at least worth a point.

“We created so many chances.

“I can’t be too critical of our attacking players because they have delivered this year.

“More often than not, they have hit the back of the net when we need them to.

“Unfortunately we missed a few unbelievable chances.”

Rebels now prepare to host Slough on Saturday while ticket sales continue for the FA Cup first round tie at home to Morecambe a week later.

Eastbourne Borough also saw a half-time lead disappear as they lost 3-1 at Hampton and Richmond Borough.

Isaac Pitblado fired a ball into the box for George Alexander to put Borough ahead.

But they failed to kill the game off and fell away in the second half.

Boss Adam Murray said: “We are seeing a common theme.

“We have a good performance, then a poor performance.

“We have a good 45 minutes, then a poor 45 minutes. If we are really serious as a group about being successful, we have got to find some consistency.

“The goals we conceded in the second half were embarrassing. Real basics of football.

“There’s a mentality in the group I don’t like and it will change.

“Things will be changing because I will not accept two of the worst 45 minutes of football in the last couple of weeks that I have ever been involved in.

“There’s no one in that dressing room that can say they have not had an opportunity to perform.”