If when looking back on the 2019-20 season the Gulls faithful find one result that proved to be a turning point for Torquay United and manager Gary Johnson then AFC Fylde away is a very strong candidate.
Despite falling behind to an effort from Tom Walker, who had previously tormented United during their 5-1 home defeat to Stockport County last November- for whom he was on loan from Salford City, the Gulls rallied as skipper Asa Hall equalised with his fourth goal of the campaign two minutes later.
In the 29th minute Jamie Reid fired home his 20th goal of the season in all competitions - which also proved to be his first in 2020 - to give the Gulls a lead which they held until the half-time interval.
In the second half, United further extended their advantage on the hour mark after Reid's shot was palmed away by former Gulls keeper Dan Lavercombe and fell invitingly to Ben Whitfield, who slotted home his seventh goal of the campaign - which makes the Gulls' second top scorer outright.
However, leading scorer Jordan Williams pulled one back 12 minutes from time for the Coasters to ensure a nervy finish - but ultimately it wasn't enough to signal a comeback for Jim Bentley's men, as United completed their first double of the season.
The win lifts the Gulls up to 13th place in the Vanarama National League table, which leaves them five points off the play-off spots and eight clear of the relegation zone. Had they lost then the opposite would be true. Meanwhile the Coasters, under the command of Bentley, who took charge at Mill Farm after over eight years at Morecambe, now find themselves three points adrift from safety with a game in hand.
