As Torquay United prepare for their Boxing Day trip to Eastleigh, we will now take a look a four major points which will aid the Gulls in their bid for National League survival.
1. It's better to win one game and lose one than to draw two.
One of former Plymouth Argyle manager Paul Sturrock's favourite sayings was that 'draws can kill you - it's better to win one and lose one than to draw two.' The ex Dundee United and Scotland striker's famous phrase is very apt for the situation that the Gulls find themselves in.
A win and loss in two successive games would yield a return of three points for the Gulls, whilst two draws offer a return of two. Also over a period of five matches, a run of two wins, two draws and a defeat brings with it a haul of eight points, in contrast to a sequence of three victories and two losses offers a return of nine. In their current position United need all the points that they can muster.
2. More goals are required from other positions and not just strikers.
United have been crying out for a prolific striker in a season that has seen Ruairi Keating and Jamie Reid top the club's goal scoring charts with four goals each - which is something that manager Gary Owers still looking to address.
However, more goals from defence and midfield will also help aid the Gulls' cause. So far in the current campaign Luke Young has chipped in with three from midfield, and Bristol City loanee George Dowling has also found the target.
Meanwhile skipper Sean McGinty is the only defender to have found the target after netting twice so far this season. The aforementioned individuals will have to add to their tally and others will also need to follow their example to help boost the survival prospects of Owers' side.
3. Results against the teams around them are important.
As well as Xmas double header against Eastleigh, the Gulls also have home matches against Barrow, Guiseley and FC Halifax coming up in the second half of the season, and they also have to travel to Leyton Orient, Solihull Moors and Chester FC. Positive results in these matches could yet prove to be vital for United to help close the gap between themselves and safety - especially in a division where anyone can beat anyone on any given day.
4. Plainmoor needs to be a fortress.
With only two wins and five draws from 13 home matches this season, United's home form is the second worst in the National League. The importance of winning in front of their own fans is something that Gulls boss Gary Owers will need to impress on his players as they enter 2018, and what better late Christmas present could the United squad provide for their fans than three points on New Year's Day against Eastleigh.
