As yesterday's game between Torquay United and Macclesfield Town marked Paul Cox's first game and win in charge of the Gulls, we will now look back at a number of other firsts that have occurred in meetings between United and the Silkmen.
Saturday August 9th 1997 Macclesfield 2 Torquay United 1
After winning the Conference title in the 1996-97 season, Macclesfield Town won promotion to the Football League - two years after being denied entry to the league due to their Moss Rose was deemed not up to league standards. Their first league meeting was at home to the Gulls - a match which they won 2-1 with goals from Efe Sodje and Richard Landon after Andy Gurney replied for United.
The Gulls' side included a whole host of debutants, including Gurney, Paul Gibbs and Jamie Robinson, as well as a young midfielder plucked from Western League side Torrington Town by the name of Kevin Hill. It was to be the first of a club record 474 appearances that would make for Torquay over a period of 11 years.
Saturday December 1st 2001 Torquay 1 Macclesfield 2
A double from future England striker Rickie Lambert was instrumental in securing this win for the Silkmen, whilst Kevin Hill replied for the Gulls. This game also saw a notable individual make their debut for the Gulls in midfielder Jason Fowler. After starting his career with Bristol City and then moving onto Cardiff City - where he won promotion in the 1998-99 season - Fowler would play an instrumental role in helping United win automatic promotion from Division Three in the 2003-04 season under Leroy Rosenior.
Monday April 17th 2006 Macclesfield 0 Torquay 2
Following a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Cheltenham Town on Easter Saturday 2006, Torquay United were staring relegation to the Conference in the face. However, under manager Ian Atkins, who had been working as a consultant with previous manager John Cornforth, the Gulls completed what could be best described as 'the greatest comeback since Lazarus' , as they four of their remaining five league fixtures. The first of those victories came on Easter Monday as United defeated the Silkmen 2-0 at Moss Rose thanks to a brace from Jo Kuffour; this then set the Gulls up nicely for subsequent wins over Wrexham, Stockport County and Carlisle United before they made their safety mathematically certain with a final day draw against Boston United.
Footnote: It shouldn't be forgotten that nine of yesterday's starting line-up were making their debuts for the Gulls, as well as two second half substitutes.
