1. The Seagulls succeeded where others failed.
In beating Torquay United at home, Weston Super Mare succeeded where the likes of Woking and Billericay Town have failed in inflicting a home defeat on the Gulls under Gary Johnson reign as manager. Not since the final home game of Gary Owers' tenure on September 8th, 2019 have United tasted defeat at home in the league.
2. Friends Reunited.
As well as the United line-up featuring Jake Andrews, Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Saikou Janneh - all on loan from Bristol City - the Seagulls also featured three loanees from Ashton Gate as well.
Their centre back pairing of Aaron Parsons and Tom Harrison are both on loan at Weston from Bristol City, along with their left winger George Nurse. Interestingly Harrison was also responsible for the foul on Janneh, which led to the awarding of United's penalty on 70 minutes that was converted by Jamie Reid!
3. Target practice required.
Throughout the 90 minute, the Gulls won seven corners, which they were unable to take full advantage from. United's centre backs Jean Yves Koue Niate and Kyle Cameron could do a lot worse than to learn from United's assistant manager Aaron Downes and first team coach Shaun Taylor on how to attack the ball in the box from a corner. Downes scored 15 goals in 109 appearances in playing career with the Gulls between 2012 and 2015 and Taylor famously scored 13 goals for Swindon Town in the 1992-93 season, when they won promotion to the Premier League, many of which came from getting on the end of corners and other set pieces.
4. Packing in the crowds.
United's crowd of 2,682 was the highest crowd in Vanarama National Leagues North and South, apart from Stockport County versus Spennymoor United which attracted 6,311. The attendance at Plainmoor was also bigger than any crowd in the National League other than Eastleigh versus FC Halifax Town (3,323) and Wrexham versus Chesterfield (7,106).
5. It's a funny old game!
Despite their defeat United remain top of the league, albeit on goal difference, as Woking failed to beat Hungerford Town. Other promotion hopefuls Chelmsford City, Welling United and Bath City all drew with Concord Rangers, St Albans City and Truro City respectively while Billericay Town lost away to East Thurrock United. In fact no side in the top half of National League South managed to record a victory. As former Spurs and England striker Jimmy Greaves would say: "It's a funny old game."
