Torquay United's FA Trophy first round replay win over Chesham United provided the Gulls with a timely boost going into their Christmas and New Year schedule.
Two first half goals from West Bromwich Albion loanee Andre Wright proved to be the difference for United at the Meadow. His first came after he latched on to a backheel from the returning Alex Fisher and he completed his brace after turning home a corner from Kevin Nicholson.
Their reward will be a home tie with Wrexham in mid-January 2016, which will be the seventh time in the last two seasons that Gulls and the Red Dragons have faced each other.
Meanwhile, United return to the bread and butter of Vanarama National League on Saturday with a trip to Chester FC, which comes ahead of home and away clashes with second placed Forest Green Rovers on Boxing Day and New Year's Day respectively. And sandwiched between those two fixtures is a visit to league leaders Cheltenham Town on December 28th.
However, following the turn of the year Torquay's league fixtures do start to become slightly easier, on paper at least, with the months of January, February and March being a key period for the Gulls.
During this time, United are due to face five of their fellow bottom seven sides (Welling United, FC Halifax Town, Altrincham, Kidderminster Harriers and Southport). They are also away to Boreham Wood, who currently occupy 21st position in the table.
For the Gulls, they are all games that the outcome of which will prove crucial in helping to ensure that they beat the drop. The January transfer window will also be a vital one as manager Kevin Nicholson looks to strengthen his squad with players with the necessary quality and experience to help them do just that.
In the other news, the Gulls are also set to share to the Launa Windows Stadium with Truro City next season, and have secured a new training ground at Torquay Academy School in Torquay.
