1. George Dowling's goal scoring potential from midfield
It proved to be a debut to remember for George Dowling after he joined the Gulls on loan from Bristol City, as he marked his first senior appearance in professional with United's opening goal - in what could be described as a 'game of loans', which one loanee (Dowling) and three non-contract players (Vincent Dorel, Chinua Cole and Andy Haworth) in the starting line-up.
Dowling's strike is only the third goal scored by a Gulls' central midfielder this season, following on from Luke Young's free-kick against Aldershot Town and James Gray's stunning long range effort against Woking, whilst he was acting as a stand-in midfielder.
2. Vincent Dorel was a calming influence in goal.
With Ryan Clarke currently out injured and on loan keeper Dan Lavercombe sustaining a broken fibula in training last week, United caretaker manager Robbie Herrera turned former Plymouth Argyle keeper Vincent Dorel on non-contract forms. The Frenchman, who was formerly the understudy to Luke McCormick at Home Park, produced an assured display and was unlucky not to keep a clean sheet as Ross Hannah scored a late equaliser for the visiting Blues.
3. Andy Haworth's promise on first start.
After making his Torquay United debut on Easter Monday against Woking from subs bench, Andy Haworth made an extremely promising first start for the Gulls against Chester. He was a constant thorn in the side of the Blues defence, especially in the first half, and played a key role in the move which led to George Dowling scoring United's opening goal.
4. Ryan Higgins' long throw-ins remain a useful weapon.
Just as Rory Delap's long throw-ins were a 'not so' secret weapon for Stoke City, as they first established themselves in the Premier League in 2008 under Tony Pulis - Ryan Higgins' long throws are proving to be an equally important weapon for Torquay United. In some cases they proved to be almost as effective as a corner and often asked questions of the Chester defence, including the eighth minute when Myles Anderson flicked one into the path of James Gray who was then denied by the reflexes of Chester keeper Alex Lynch.
