Sunday 5 November 2023

TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS BATH CITY

 1. Shaun Donnellan's goal. 

Goals for Shaun Donnellan seem to be like buses, after only finding the back of the net once in the 2022-23 campaign, he has now scored in two successive home games. 

There may have an element of fortune in his goal against Bath City, his shot took a wicked deflection off the head of Romans' skipper Kieran Parselle before flying past keeper Will Buse, but in the context of the Gulls' season it could turn out to be hugely important. 

As well as ending a run of two straight defeats, it also moves United up to fifth in the National League South table. 

2. Ollie Tomlinson stood out at the back. 

Young centre back Ollie Tomlinson was voted as the sponsor's man of the match on the back of a display which saw him keep the National League South's leading scorer Scott Wilson quiet. 

Over the course of the season, Tomlinson has arguably emerged as United's most improved player and manager Gary Johnson will be hoping that he can repeat his performance to silence Yeovil's Rhys Murphy. 

3. First glimpse at Plainmoor of Fleetwood loanees. 

Saturday's match with Bath was the first time that many of the Plainmoor faithful would have caught a glimpse of United's loan signings Callum Dolan and Theo Williams, who both arrived from Fleetwood Town, who are currently managed by Gary Johnson's son, Lee. 

Dolan, who had already made his debut away to Hampton and Richmond Borough, was making his home bow while Williams was appearing for the Gulls for the first time when he replaced Brad Ash on 56 minutes. 

In the first half, Dolan always looked to get on the ball and forced a save from Bath City keeper in the 12th minute a shot from the edge of the area, and showed good energy levels through out. Williams also asked one or two questions of the Romans' defence with his pace, as they both look set to become fine additions to the Gulls' squad. 

4. What difference could Aaron Jarvis have made? 

A recurring question on the mind of many Gulls' fans between now and until Christmas time when he makes his return from a knee injury will be 'what difference would Aaron Jarvis had made?' 

Jarvis is currently United's leading scorer with nine goals and could well have added to his tally against the Romans. However, we will never know for sure, but with a midfield of Callum Dolan, Tom Lapslie and Brett McGavin behind him, he would surely have got plenty of service. 

5. Plainmoor is becoming a fortress. 

United's victory over Bath City was their sixth win in eight league games at Plainmoor, thus earning themselves 18 points, which also sees the Gulls equal the number of home league wins that they recorded in the entirety of the 2022-23 campaign, which saw them relegated from the National League. 

In addition to this, United currently have the third best home record in the National League behind leaders Yeovil Town, who have picked up 23 points at Huish Park, and Farnborough, who have earned themselves 20 points in front of their own fans at Cherrywood Road.