1. Is the Gulls' injury list starting to take its toll?
With the continued absence of skipper Asa Hall, Armani Little and Bristol City loanees Opi Edwards and Connor Lemonheigh-Evans amongst others, Torquay United's injury list is starting to have an adverse effect on their National League form. The Gulls have now only one game in their last seven - which came at home to Harrogate Town. For any team losing their captain is a serious blow and any team in the National League would miss a midfielder with Lemonheigh-Evans' ability.
However, it is worth mentioning that United are also three points off the play-offs and five points above the relegation zone.
2. The search for a win over Eastleigh goes on.
Not since United completed the double over Eastleigh in the 2014-15 season have they tasted victory against the Spitfires. A 1-1 draw on Boxing Day 2017 - which was secured by a Jamie Reid penalty - remains the only time positive result that the Gulls have earned against the Hampshire side since.
3. Danny returns to haunt the Gulls.
It is just over 13 years ago since Danny Hollands was drafted in on loan from Chelsea by then United manager John Cornforth in a bid to save the Gulls from what would have then been a first relegation from the Football League. Hollands appeared ten times for Unitedunder Cornforth and his successor Ian Atkins, who oversaw a great escape in which Hollands played a key role in securing. He also found the back of the net once in a thumping 4-0 win at home against Stockport County, which was followed by a memorable 2-1 away win over champions elect Carlisle United - which all but sealed United's survival. Hollands then went on to enjoy a fruitful career with Bournemouth, Charlton Athletic, Portsmouth and Crewe Alexandra amongst others before signing for the Spitfires in 2017.
4. The Gulls' midfield continues to chip in with goals.
One hallmark of United's National League South promotion triumph wasn't just the goal scoring prowess of Jamie Reid, who found the back of the net 32 times as he lifted the National League player of the year award, and Saikou Janneh, but the goals which United's midfielders chipped in with. Jake Andrews hit the target 12 times, Kalvin Kalala ten, Asa Hall seven and Connor Lemonheigh-Evans five, as United's free scoring style helped them to win the National League South title at a canter.
So far this season in the National League, United's midfield has already provided a reasonable haul of goals: Ben Whitfield's 25-yard curler for the Gulls' opener was his second of the campaign, while Andrews' headed effort which briefly restored United's lead was his third of the season - which makes him the Gulls' second top scorer behind Jamie Reid who has found the back of the net seven times.
5. Stacey follows in the footsteps of some well-known names.
Assistant referee Stacey Pearson became the latest in an ever growing list of female officials to be involved in a match at Plainmoor. Pearson, who also played for Yeovil Town Ladies in the Women's Super League in 2014 and 2015, joins Wendy Toms, who became the Football League's first ever female linesman when she ran the line in the Gulls' home league fixture with Carlisle United in the 1994-95 campaign, and Sian Massey-Ellis, who officiated at Plainmoor when United hosted Southend United in the 2010-11 season.
