1. McGavin's eighth of the season.
When it comes to deciding who scored Torquay United's best goal of the 2023-24 campaign, there's likely to be one competition for Brett McGavin and one for everyone else.
McGavin's eighth goal of the campaign, which he struck from 30 yards after a cross from Ethon Archer fell into his path in the 59th minute, proved to be the difference. And he almost netted towards the end when his free-kick from the edge of the penalty area on 90 minutes was turned around the post by Dover keeper Daniel Jinadu. If that had gone in, he would have been level with Aaron Jarvis and Brad Ash in United's goalscoring charts.
2. Dan Martin makes a promising return at left-back.
Dan Martin's time at Plainmoor has been very much stop, start due to a combination of injuries and illness. However, he returned to the Gulls' starting line-up with an industrious display on the left hand side of United's defence.
The former Cardiff City youngster was solid defensively and looked strong going forward. He even found himself through on goal in the 56th minute, with a shot that he fired straight at Jinadu in the Dover goal.
3. Ollie Tomlinson and Dean Moxey looked strong as a centre back pairing.
Once again, United's centre back pairing of Ollie Tomlinson and Dean Moxey put on a good show in the centre of the Gulls' defence. Admittedly, Dover didn't offer a huge threat in attack, but Tomlinson, not the most physically imposing of centre backs, displayed good positional sense and Moxey once again read the game well and made an important tackle in the 10th minute to deny Dover striker George Nikaj.
4. Returns for Brad Ash and Tom Lapslie.
United's injury list in the 2023-24 campaign has been lengthy, with the Gulls missing as many as nine players at one point.
Two of those who have experienced particularly lengthy absences have been Brad Ash, who hadn't featured for United since their 3-1 win over Weymouth in early December.
Ash started out as a lone striker while Lapslie returned from the bench as a replacement for skipper Asa Hall. United's record with Lapslie in the side prior to their meeting with Dover had read played 15, won 11, drawn once and lost three times. That record has now been extended to played 16, won 12, draw one and lost three.
5. Managing expectations.
Torquay's last spell in National League South saw them dominate teams en route to winning the title. However, after losing ten out their 26 league encounters, United look destined for the play-offs and trail leaders Yeovil Town by 18 points.
A section of the Gulls's support were calling for manager Gary Johnson to be sacked, many still angry about the club's relegation at the end of the 2022-23 campaign.
While some fans would have thought that United could have beaten Dover by a bigger margin, it is worth noting that the Lilywhites have drawn twice with Bath City and beaten Aveley, two teams who are both in contention for a play-off place with the Gulls.
Second place, which would guarantee home advantage for the play-off semi final and the final, should they reach it, is still up for grabs. And with more players set to return from injury, including Aaron Jarvis and Kevin Dawson, there is potential for the Gulls to finish the season with a flourish.
