1. The Gulls' loan connection with Bristol City is alive and well.
When Lee Johnson was sacked as Bristol City manager during the summer many feared that it would have a detrimental effect on the relationship that the Gulls had enjoyed with the Robins. However, with the loan signing of Louis Britton from the Ashton Gate, the opposite has proved to be true. Over the last few years the likes of Connor Lemonheigh-Evans, Jake Andrews, Opi Edwards and Saikou Janneh all enjoyed successful loan spells at Plainmoor - and on yesterday's showing Britton looks set to join that list. The dying minutes of the game Britton threatened the Stockport goal three times, as he forced a save from Hatters' keeper Ben Hinchcliffe, had a long range shot deflected onto the bar and an angled effort that Hinchcliffe tipped onto the bar and behind for a corner.
2. Gary Johnson is the tinkerman.
With around ten minutes to go, and with the Gulls still being forced to absorb a large amount of pressure, Gary Johnson decided to shake things up with the introductions of skipper Asa Hall and loanees Adam Randall and Louis Britton in place of Matt Buse, Jake Andrews and Josh Umerah.Whilst none of the substitutes managed to find the back of the net, they did help to swing the balance back inot the Gulls' favour, which gave them the foundation to eventually find a winner through Connor Lemonheigh-Evans. During the duration of the time they were on the pitch, Randell forced a routine save from Ben Hinchcliffe in the Stockport goal, and Britton came agonisingly close to scoring on three occasions. A fine display, especially when you consider that both Randell and Britton, along with defender Sam Sheering, were making their debuts after joining United on loan from Plymouth Argyle, Bristol City and AFC Bournemouth respectively.
3. The defence and goalkeeper produced a strong rear guard display.
The Gulls went into the game with a makeshift back three, which included Ben Wynter - normally a right-back, Kyle Cameron - the stand-in captain owing to regular skipper Asa Hall being on the bench - and Sam Sherring, recently signed from AFC Bournemouth on loan. However, they managed to stand firm in spite of wave after wave of Stockport County attacks - producing a number of crucial blocks, most notably Cameron's goal-line block to deny County's Richie Bennett in the 36th minute. Brazilian goalkeeper Lucas Covolan also made a number important saves in the second half, which proved to be instrumental in keeping the Gulls in the game.
4. Aaron Nemane a hero at both ends.
The dying minutes of the game saw French midfielder Aaron Nemane produce two moments of magic - at both ends of the pitch. Firstly, it was his cross that picked out Connor Lemonheigh-Evans to score United's decisive goal of the game. Then, as play switched up to the other end of the pitch, he produced an important block to deny Stockport a share of the spoils. There is certainly more to come from the Frenchman who lists Manchester City, Glasgow Rangers and Go Ahead Eagles amongst the clubs he has previously appeared for.
5. Lemonheigh-Evans amongst the goals.
After enjoyed four seperate loan spells with the Gulls from Bristol City, Connor Lemonheigh-Evans marked his permanent to Plainmoor with the game's winning goal in injury time. The Former Wales-Under international's strike was his ninth goal for United in 74 appearances in all competitions, and his first since he netted in the Gulls' 2-1 FA Trophy second round defeat at FC Halifax Town on January 11.If Lemonheigh-Evans, who is an adept passer and tackler who is also fairly quick, can add more goals to his game, his abilities may begin to attact attentions from afar.
