DAVID Clarkson gave new boss Steve Coppell food for thought with a poacher's goal as Bristol City were beaten at Plainmoor.

Clarkson displayed predatory instincts to give his side a 55th minute lead against Torquay and press his case for inclusion when City open their Championship account at home to Millwall on August 7.

His incisive contribution apart, City's performance against League Two opposition raised more questions than it answered as the Gulls came from behind to claim a notable but deserved scalp, courtesy of well-taken goals from Lee Mansell and Mark Ellis.

During a first half heavy on labour but light on incident, it was League Two Torquay who proved the more cohesive unit and engineered the best chances in front of goal.

Former Irish under-21 international goalkeeper Stephen Henderson did his prospects of facing Millwall next month no harm at all, twice distinguishing himself to keep his side level.

When Ashton Gate Academy product Elliot Benyon threatened to embarrass his erstwhile employers with a neat turn and shot in the opening minute, Henderson displayed startling athleticism to turn the ball behind, and he improved upon that save 25 minutes later, dropping smartly to divert Chris Zebroski's goal-bound effort.

Chris Robertson directed a free header straight at Henderson and Gavin Williams was forced into a last-ditch clearance before City finally awoke from their slumbers.

Williams forced Gulls goalkeeper Danny Potter to gather at the second attempt, while Jamal Campbell-Ryce's drive was wayward.

Coppell responded by withdrawing Cole Skuse at half-time and introducing Marvin Elliott to a four-man midfield, as well as re-deploying Kalifa Cisse in a central defensive role.

But Torquay continued to force the issue and Henderson again excelled, flinging himself to his right to keep out a venomous drive from Danny Stevens.

However, City took a 55th-minute lead when Clarkson received the ball 12 yards from goal, controlled in an instant and directed a low shot beneath Potter.

Torquay were level eight minutes later, Mansell cutting inside City trialist Tom Williams, advancing upon a retreating defence and unleashing a sweetly-struck right-footed drive which nestled in the corner of the net.

Encouraged by that success, the Gulls profited from a set-piece routine to take the lead 17 minutes from time. City failed to deal with a long throw-in, the ball was allowed to run to Ellis and the big man settled the issue with a close-range toe poke.

Torquay United (4-4-2): Potter; Nicholson, Robertson, Charnock (Branston 64), Stevens (O'Kane 71); Mansell (Lathrope 80), Ellis, Zebroski, Wroe; Benyon, Gritton (Kee 66).

Bristol City (4-4-2): Henderson; Orr, Skuse (Elliott 46), Fontaine, McAllister (T Williams 56); G Williams, Cisse, Johnson, Campbell-Ryce; Clarkson, Akinde (Jackson 69).

Referee: Kevin Johnson. Attendance: 1,081