1. Is Ruairi Keating the answer to the Gulls' goal scoring conundrum?
One of the leading topics of conversation following United's 1-0 midweek victory over Bath City was 'where were the goals were going to come from' for the Gulls as the season progresses?
However, in the words of former manager Martin Ling 'the answer is in the building', as Ruairi Keating - one of five players still at Plainmoor who started the 2017-18 season still on United's books - struck twice with a goal in each half. Keating capitalised on a misunderstanding in the East Thurrock backline to slot into an empty net two minutes before half-time and completed his brace on 53 minutes when he headed home a cross from Liam Davis and more than justified the faith shown in him by United manager Gary Owers.
2. A hat trick of clean sheets.
Whilst Keating may have completed a brace, the Gulls backline of goalkeeper Shaun MacDonald and centre back trio of Jakob Sokolik, Jean Yves Koue Niate and Kyle Cameron sealed a hat trick as they completed a third game without conceding a goal. MacDonald once again made a number of useful saves to deny East Thurrock's Alfie Egan in the first half and to keep Danilo Orsi-Dadomo and substitute Ashley Miller at bay in the second half. Another player who deserves a mention is midfielder Asa Hall, who filled in for Sokolik when the Czech was substituted through injury in the 70th minute.
3. With back-to-back wins, Plainmoor is becoming a fortress again.
Prior to the start of the current season, the Gulls had won just 21 of their 69 league home games in the previous three National League campaigns - which works at around 30%. However, with back to back home wins under their belts, United have a 100% record in front of their own fans in their 2018-19 National League South campaign thus far.
4. Parallels with the Gulls' first season in the Conference under Paul Buckle.
After a goalless draw on the opening day of the campaign with Chelmsford City, the Gulls have followed up that results with wins over Bath City and East Thurrock - a sequence that bears a resemblance to their opening three games in their first season in the Conference under Paul Buckle.
In the opening three games of the 2007-08 season, the Gulls drew their opening game 0-0 with Grays Athletic before recording wins against Aldershot Town and Northwich Victoria to complete a return of seven points from a possible nine - which is equal to their current points total.
5. Strength in depth.
As well as having to make a decision on whether to recall keeper Alex Bass in place of Shaun MacDonald when the Portsmouth loanee returns from injury, Gulls manager Gary Owers will also have a number of other decisions to make. In defence, George Essuman will also be pushing for a recall when he returns from injury and striker Andre Wright is still yet to feature. When all three players are available for selection, it will give United a greater strength in depth.
