1. Jackson Longridge has answered the left-back conundrum.
Since Liam Davis suffered a fractured ankle against Maidstone United in the FA Cup first round Gary Johnson has tried several different options at left-back. Ramarni Medford-Smith joined on loan from Reading and came and went and centre backs Joe Lewis and Kyle Cameron - normally centre backs by trade - both played there with mixed results and so did Jake Andrews. However, Jackson Longridge, a Scottish loanee who joins United from Bradford City, looks a far better bet following his debut FC Halifax in the FA Trophy. Longridge, 24, who has also appeared for Livingston and Dunfermline Athletic, looked assured going forward as well as being strong defensively, and was one of United's stand out performers.
2. Gary Warren appears to be the experienced centre back the Gulls have been crying out for?
An experienced centre back in the mould of Alex Watson, Craig Taylor or Guy Branston has been on the wish list of several United fans over the past few months and their wishes appeared to have been answered with the arrival of Gary Warren on loan from Exeter City. Warren, 35, who lives in Taunton, has also played for Newport County, Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Yeovil Town in his career. He started the game as part of the back three with Robbie Cundy and Kyle Cameron and was denied a debut goal for the Gulls on the hour mark after his overhead kick cleared off the line.
3. An eighth home defeat.
If anyone had said that by the middle of January 2020 that the Gulls would have lost eight home games in all competitions few would have believed them, but that has now come to pass following yesterday's result. The past few months has seen United knocked out of their stride by a massive casualty list, which appears to be easing, but if they are to make a late run for the play-offs then they can't afford to lose anyone matches at Plainmoor. Yesterday's result also emphasised that they did to score when they are on top, as United couldn't turn their first half dominance into goals.
4. Lemonheigh-Evans' first goal since last August.
Connor Lemonheigh-Evans' 72nd minute consolation goal was his first goal since United's 3-3 draw with Bromley last August. It was also the 24th goal that the Gulls had scored from midfield this season in all competitions. The full list includes: Jake Andrews and Ben Whitfield (6), Asa Hall, Kalvin Kalala and Armani Little (3) and Lemonheigh-Evans, Matt Buse and Opi Edwards (2).
5. A free date.
Owing to Notts County's victory over Dagenham & Redbridge United will now have a free weekend on 8th February, which was when they were due to face the Magpies in the National League. The fixture will now have to be re-arranged for a midweek date.
