Source: Team_Talk
Warnock backs Ambrose to shine
Ambrose, who once cost Newcastle £1million but was released by relegated Charlton this summer, scored twice in the second half of the Carling Cup clash with a header and a penalty either side of Tim Sills' leveller.
"Darren was not at his best tonight but his contribution has won us the game," said Palace boss Warnock.
"You can see the quality he has got, and I think these will be the first headlines of many for him."
Sadly, not many were present to see Ambrose's first goals in Palace colours with the Eagles faithful staying away in their droves and two stands of Selhurst Park not even open.
But Warnock enthused: "That's probably the best performance of any of my teams in the first round of the Carling Cup in 20-odd years.
"I'm very pleased, because these games are ever so hard. It's all about getting through."
The Gulls, back in League Two after two years away, barely got out of their own half in the first 45 minutes during which Neil Danns twice rattled the woodwork.
Palace's opener finally arrived in the 65th minute, with Danns crossing from the right and Ambrose rising unmarked to head home.
Sills dragged Torquay level in the 74th minute when he met Kevin Nicholson's free-kick with a superb header.
But they were on terms for just four minutes before Chris Todd wrestled Alassane N'Diaye to the ground in the area and Ambrose dispatched the spot-kick to send the hosts through.
Gulls boss Paul Buckle felt the penalty decision which sunk his team was a soft one, however.
"I thought we played exceptionally well and showed character to come back from 1-0 down," said Buckle.
"But it was a great game of football and we played our part. The scoreline suggests it was close and a dubious penalty has decided the tie.
"It was a physical game with lots of backing in. It's a shame because it was a proper game of football - I've seen them given and not given."
