Despite experiencing back-to-back defeats against AFC Telford and Forest Green Rovers, Torquay United remain in the Vanarama Conference Play-Off zone, as well as having three players and their manager dismissed.
As well as picking up no points, the Gulls also saw three players sent off- Aaron Downes and Toby Ajala against Telford and Courtney Richards against Forest Green- and manager Chris Hargreaves also received his marching during their trip to the New Lawn at half-time, following a disagreement with match referee Rob Whitton for reasons unknown to the Gulls' boss.
Downes received a straight red- and three match ban, which he will complete a week on Saturday against Alfreton Town- whilst Ajala and Richards received two yellow cards.
Striker Duane Ofori-Acheampong also picked up his fifth yellow card of the campaign- thus ensuring that he sits out their next fixture against fellow Play-Off chasers Wrexham, as well as Richards.
Although the bans have come as a blow to Hargreaves, it also presents others within the Gulls' squad with an opportunity to stake their claim.
Last year's Player of the Year Krystian Pearce slotted straight in for Aussie defender Downes on Tuesday night and will do so again against the Red Dragons.
Similarly Ajala's two yellows saw a recall for the fit again Louis Briscoe in the right wing berth.
On Saturday, the absence of Ofori-Acheampong and Richards presents opportunities for Josh Wakefield and Ashley Yeoman to stake a claim for a first team spot.
Wakefield, currently on loan from AFC Bournemouth, opened his account for the Gulls in their 4-3 defeat at Telford and is currently odds on favourite to partner Luke Young in the centre of the park; Ben Harding, who is now fit again, could also feature.
Yeoman, who enjoyed a sustained run in the Gulls' first team at the end of last season as United fell short of retaining their Football League status, now has the chance to establish himself as a recognised strike partner alongside current joint leading scorer Ryan Bowman.
A prolific scorer during loan spells with Bideford and Dorchester Town, Yeoman now has the opportunity to go on a lengthy scoring streak with the Gulls.
