FAREWELL TO 2021

Well, if anyone predicted that Torquay United would lose a play-off final on penalties after their goalkeeper scored an last gasp equaliser in injury time, then I think Nostradamus would like his glasses back. 

However, that was the exact scenario when the Gulls faced Hartlepool United in the National League play-off final at Ashton Gate - the home of manager Gary Johnson's former club, Bristol City - last June. United's Brazilian goalkeeper Lucas Covolan emulated his fellow compatriot Allison, who did the same for Liverpool, when he headed the Gulls level against the Pools in the 95th minute. While Covolan did help to force the game into extra time, and saved two penalties in the following sudden death shoot out, United fell to a 5-4 loss on penalties - thus ensuring that they remain in the National League. 

If you found the idea of a keeper scoring from open bizarre enough, the same could also be said for Joe Lewis' goal in their 5-0 win over Wealdstone in October. The former Wales Under-21 centre back, who was also one of United's four successful spot-kick takers in Bristol, won the ball inside inside his own half before rushing the full length of the pitch to score with a shot from 25-yards - not a goal which would be typically by a central defender. 

Elsewhere, across the South West there was the sad news of the tragic death of Yeovil Town captain Lee Collins in late March. The inquest into his death returned a verdict of suicid after Collins, who had previously appeared for Port Vale, Northampton Town and Forest Green Rovers amongst others, was found dead in his hotel room by Glovers' assistant manager Terry Skiverton.

Plymouth Argyle now have a new manager after Ryan Lowe left Home Park to take charge of Preston North End. Lowe was replaced by assistant manager Steven Schumacher, who takes on his first job in senior management. 

In 2021, Tiverton Town joint-manager Martyn Rogers announced that he would be standing down from his position from the Southern Premier South side, only to return to his role a few months later. 

All of these events, of course, happened against the continuing back drop of a Covid-19 pandemic - which hopefully we will see the beginning of the end of as we head into 2022. 

As well as the death of Lee Collins, we also said goodbye of a number of other figures who served the game in the far South West with distinction. Collins' namesake Tony Collins, the first black player ever to have appeared for Torquay United, who also led Rochdale to the 1962 League Cup final, died in February. 

Former Plymouth Argyle manager Derek Ufton and one-time Torquay assistant manager Alan Slough passed away in the following March. In April, former Gulls loanee Alan McLoughlin, who scored the goal that took the Republic of Ireland to the 1994 World Cup left us April, as did ex Exeter City manager Colin Appleton. 

In July, former England international Paul Mariner, who played for and managed Plymouth Argyle succumbed to a brain tumour. His death was followed in the same month by another ex-England international who managed in Devon in former Exeter City manager Terry Cooper. 

These are all people who added to the game and helped to bring joy to the teams that they played for and managed, and perhaps that's what we need to remember about football as we head into 2022 - that it's a game to be enjoyed.

600 NOT OUT FOR MOXEY

When a definitive history of professional football in the South West is eventually compiled, it will contain a number of favourable paragraphs devoted to Torquay United defender Dean Moxey. 

After making his debut for his hometown club Exeter City as a teenager, Moxey, who turns 36 next month, went on to appear at Championship level for Derby County, Crystal Palace (who he would also feature for 20 times in the Premier League) and Bolton Wanderers over a number of years. 

He returned to St James Park for a second spell with the Grecians before joining Gary Johnson's Gulls in the summer of 2020, for whom he made his 600th senior appearance for in their recent 2-1 defeat to Eastleigh. 

It is a journey that started for Moxey in the 2003-04 season, when he made his debut on October 18, 2003 against Accrington Stanley. He was one of a number of youngsters who were thrown into the Grecians' first team by then manager Eamonn Dolan due to the financial situation at the club which had arisen following their relegation from the Football League in 2003.

In the following 2004-05 campaign, he started to make a name for himself as he scored with a 45-yard strike against Doncaster Rovers in the second round of the FA Cup, which helped to set up City's memorable tie with Manchester United in round three. The Grecians famously held the Red Devils to a goalless draw at Old Trafford before losing the replay 2-0 at St James Park, and Moxey would feature in both matches. 

Over the next few years, Moxey would remain an integral part of the Grecians under Alex Inglethorpe, and then under his successor Paul Tisdale and was part of the City side who would win back-to-back promotions between the Conference and League One between 2007 and 2009 before joining Derby County in the summer of 2009. 

Several strong seasons with the Rams earned him a move to Crystal Palace, who he helped to win promotion to the Premier League in the 2012-13 campaign under the guidance of Ian Holloway. His solitary season in the top-flight saw him make 20 appearances for the Eagles before he was on the move again, this time to Bolton Wanderers. 

While with the Trotters, he helped them to win promotion from League One in the 2016-17 season before he rejoined the Grecians. On returning to where it all began, he featured in two League Two Play-off finals - against Coventry City in 2018 and Northampton Town in 2020 - before he signed for Torquay United in the summer of 2020. 

In his first season at Plainmoor, he helped the Gulls to reach the 2021 National League Play-off final, where they were beaten on penalties by Hartlepool United. After starting out playing on the left wing or at left back, Moxey is currently appearing at centre back for United - and he is passing on the experiences he has gained throughout his lengthy career onto the Gulls' young pros.

SIX TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS YEOVIL TOWN

1. Joe Lewis was imperious in the heart of United's defence. 

Not for the first time this season, Joe Lewis was imperious in the heart of the United defence. The former Wales Under-21 international stood up to the physical threat posed by Yeovil centre forward Adi Yussuf incredibly well with a highly disciplined display - as had he been booked he would have earned himself a fifth yellow card and a one-match suspension. This is due to the fact that the Gulls are yet to reach the cut-off point of 23 games for players who receive five yellows, which they are due to reach when they face Dagenham & Redbridge on January 8, 2022. 

In addition to this, Lewis capped off a memorable display by heading home Connor Lemonheigh-Evans' cross in the 86th minute to score his fourth goal of the season - which makes him United's second highest scorer of the 2021-22 campaign.

2. Armani Little produced a disciplined display in the centre of midfield. 

Like Lewis, central midfielder Armani Little was also treading the disciplinary tightrope after four bookings, but it was a challenge that Little came through with flying colours. With Asa Hall only deemed to be fit enough to be named on the subs bench, there were more defensive responsibilities being heaped on Little's shoulders as he formed a central midfield pairing alongside Tom Lapslie, in addition to captaining the side on the day. However, it was a test that Little came through with flying colours as he kept possession well and always looked to play the simple pass when it was on. 

3. Lo-Everton's sending off proved to be a turning point

The ultimate turning point in the match came in the 65th minute when Yeovil attacker Sonny Blu Lo-Everton was dismissed for an off-the-ball incident with United midfielder Tom Lapslie. Watford loanee Lo-Everton appeared to kick out at Lapslie in a similar manner to which David Beckham kicked out at Diego Simeone when England played Argentina in the 1998 World Cup in France. Referee Scott Jackson initially hadn't seen the incident but after consulting with linesman Matt Eva then opted to issue a red card. Up until that point, the match had been fairly even, with Yeovil making a strong startto the second half.

In his post-match interview, Glovers' boss Darren Sarll described Lo-Everton's actions as 'petulant' - and Sarll also saw his side reduced to nine men after the final whistle after goalkeeper Grant Smith received a straight red card. 

4. Jack helps to spark Gulls into life. 

Exeter City loanee Jack Sparkes picked the perfect moment to score his first goal for the Gulls since arriving on loan from St James' Park. Sparkes found the back of the net with a volley from the edge of the area, which took a deflection off Yeovil left-back Morgan Williams that took it past Glovers' keeper Grant Smith. After appearing as a right wing-back for United in their last home match against Stockport County, despite being left-footed, Sparkes featured on the left-hand side of the Gulls' midfield on Boxing Day.

5. Moxey and Wright once again prove that there is no substitute for experience. 

Despite being two oldest players on the pitch at 35 and 37 respectively, Dean Moxey and Danny Wright were two of United's top performers against Yeovil. Moxey formed a solid central defensive partnership with Joe Lewis and proved why he reached the Premier League earlier in his career with Crystal Palace with some of the balls which he played out from the back. Meanwhile Wright used all his positional sense and know how to deal with Yeovil centre back combination of Max Hunt and Luke Wilkinson, winning numerous flick-ons and knock downs for his younger colleagues. He also showed why he was such a big miss during his absences through injury in the 2020-21 campaign.

6. Only five survivors from their 6-1 win a year earlier featured. 

A year ago, United routed the Glovers 6-1 in front of a limited crowd at Plainmoor, however only five players who featured for the Gulls on that occasion lined-up against Yeovil. They were goalkeeper Shaun MacDonald, experienced defender Dean Moxey, midfield duo Armani Little and Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and striker Danny Wright. Right-back Ben Wynter, who scored United's opening goal, missed out on that occasion through injury. 

TORQUAY UNITED AND YEOVIL TOWN: A RECENT HISTORY

For the third Boxing Day in a row, Torquay United will face Yeovil Town in a National League fixture. 

Remarkably, the current 2021-22 campaign is only the fourth season that the Gulls and the Glovers have played in the same division as each other. 

The first time they crossed swords as divisional opponents came in the 2003-04 season, which was Yeovil's maiden campaign as a Football League club. 

In their first meeting of the season in September 2003 at Huish Park, Torquay returned to Devon as 2-0 victors with goals from David Graham and Jo Kuffour. 

When the two sides met again at Plainmoor later on that season in front of a near capacity crowd of 6,156 in April 2004. The Glovers raced into a two-goal lead with Darren Way and Jake Edwards finding the target before United skipper Craig Taylor pulled one back with a free-kick shortly before half-time. The Gulls drew level in the second half through Steve Woods who slotted home after seeing his 59th penalty saved by Steve Collis. 

At the end of the campaign, the Gulls clinched automatic promotion for the first time in 38 years, while Yeovil finished eighth - narowly missing out on a Play-off spot.

The following 2004-05 season saw the pair were drawn together in the first round of the LDV Vans Trophy. On that occasion, only two league places separated the two sides as the Gulls lay 23rd in League One, after winning automatic promotion in the previous 2003-04 campaign, and the Glovers were top of League Two.

A crowd of 1,610 poured into Plainmoor to see Torquay take the lead through Jo Kuffour on 17 minutes before Latvian international Andrejs Stolcers, who had represented his country in Euro 2004 during the close season, levelled for the visitors three minutes before half-time.

Early in the second half, two goals from skipper Craig Taylor and Bayo Akinfenwa, his first for the Gulls, in the 53rd and 59th minutes respectively gave Torquay a 3-1 lead.

However, the Glovers, famed for claiming a number of higher division scalps during their non-league days, weren’t to be undone as strikes from Adrian Caceres and Bartosz Tarachulski saw Yeovil level at 3-3 and sent the tie into extra time.

With four minutes remaining, and the game set to be heading for penalties, Akinfenwa scored a late winner for the Gulls.

Then, as part of his celebration, ran into the Family Stand behind the goal and sat down in an empty seat, a decision which earned him a red card as Torquay played out the final four minutes with ten men, but they still hung on to their slender advantage to win.

Torquay would exit the competition in the next round following a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Northampton Town and at the end of the season.

The two sides would swap divisions at the end of the season as a 2-1 defeat at Colchester on the final day of the campaign saw the Gulls relegated to League Two, whilst the Glovers clinched the League Two title with a 3-0 victory over Lincoln City in their final fixture.

Two years later, both Torquay and Yeovil would experience further contrasting fortunes as the Gulls lost their Football League status for the first time in 80 years whereas the Glovers found themselves one game away from a place in the Championship after reaching the League One Play-Off final where they were beaten by Blackpool.

Their paths would cross again in the first round of the following season’s FA Cup, the most recent encounter between the two sides, which saw Torquay win 4-1 as Chris Todd and Danny Stevens both scored doubles to cancel out Marcus Stewart’s opener for Yeovil.

In the 2012-13 season, by which time the Gulls had re-established themselves as a Football League club, they met again in the rebranded Johnstone's Paint Trophy at Plainmoor. They drew 2-2 with Ryan Jarvis netting a brace for United and James Hayter doing the same for the Glovers before Yeovil won 5-4 on penalties. At the end of the campaign, Gary Johnson, then in his second spell in charge at Huish Park, guided the Glovers to an unlikely promotion to the Championship, as they beat Brentford 2-1 in the League One Play-off final, while Torquay avoided relegation from League Two. 

However, the subsequent 2013-14 season would see the Gulls relegated from the Football League for a second time. Nevertheless, they wouldn't face Yeovil in a competitive fixture until the 2019-20 campaign, which followed their National League South title triumph under Gary Johnson. The Glovers had gone into a sharp decline since their promotion to the Championship and experienced three relegations between 2014 and 2018 - which saw them return to non-league football after 16 years in the Football League. 

At Huish Park on Boxing Day 2019, Yeovil recorded their biggest ever win over the Gulls with a thumping 6-2 win, which was followed by a 2-0 victory at Plainmoor on New Year's Day. The Glovers would finish the 2019-20 campaign in 4th place - which cemented their place in the Play-offs in a National League that was decided by PPG (Points per game) following its suspension due to the Covid-19 pandemic, where they were beaten by Barnet. 

The following 2020-21 campaign saw the Gulls enact a modium of revenge on Yeovil, as hit the Glovers for six on Boxing Day 2020 at Plainmoor - in a game that saw them lead 4-0 at the half-time interval. It was Torquay's biggest ever win over the Glovers, but Yeovil secured a 2-1 win over United in their re-match at Huish Park on January 2, 2021. The Gulls would go on to reach the National League Play-off final, where they were beaten 4-3 on penalties by Hartlepool United after drawing 1-1 in normal time. 

What will their 2021-22 encounters bring?

 

SIX TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS STOCKPORT COUNTY

 1. Back-to-back wins for the first time this season. 

By following up their away victory over Weymouth with a home win over Stockport County, Torquay United recorded back to back wins for the first time in the 2021-22 campaign. It was also the first time that the Gulls have put a successive run of wins together since they beat Aldershot Town (2-1), Eastleigh (3-1) and Chesterfield (2-0) between late April and May 2021. 

2. Asa Hall is back. 

He may have lacked a bit of sharpness when he returned to the starting line-up against FC Halifax a fortnight ago, but United skipper Asa Hall was back to his best yesterday against Stockport. Hall was a commanding presence in the centre of midfield and scored the Gulls' decisive second goal from the penalty spot. In addition that he nearly netted a second deep in second half injury time with a volleyed effort which he fired straight at Stockport keeper Ben Hinchcliffe. 

3. Shaun MacDonald was imperious between the sticks. 

United goalkeeper Shaun MacDonald produced arguably his best performance since he returned to Plainmoor last September as he pulled a string of fine saves to help keep Stockport at bay. His reflexes denied the Hatters' former Plymouth Argyle and Bolton Wanderers midfielder Antoni Sarcevic and in the second half he was twice called upon to deny Stockport skipper Paddy Madden in the second half in the 47th and 79th minute - of all which proved to be crucial in keeping the Hatters at bay. 

4. Joe Lewis superbly marshalled the defence. 

With Ben Wynter to the right of him and Dean Moxey to the left, Joe Lewis also played a crucial role in restricting Stockport to just the one goal. The former Wales Under-21 defender made a number of important blocks, interceptions and clearances as the United back line nullified an attack consisting of Paddy Madden, a player with considerable Football League, and Ollie Crankshaw, the Hatters' current leading scorer. 

5. Dan Martin looked at home at left wing-back. 

After a slow start, the signs are that Dan Martin is slowly establishing himself at Plainmoor. The young left-back, who joined the Gulls in the summer from Cardiff City, produced a fine display in October against Wealdstone but suffered the ignomnity of being sent off in the Gulls' FA Cup fourth qualifying round against Havant and Waterlooville. However, he followed up a promising display against Weymouth to produce arguably his finest performance to date against Stockport as he consistently pressed the Hatters throughout the 90 minutes. 

The Gulls have been blessed with a number of fine left backs and left wing-backs over the years; it's a list includes the likes of John Uzzell, Tom Kelly, Paul Gibbs, Robbie Herrera, Brian McGlinchey, Kevin Nicholson, Liam Davis and Dean Moxey. If Martin continues in the same vein as yesterday, then he could yet add his name to that list. 

6. The first managerial clash between Gary Johnson and Dave Challinor since that Play-off final. 

Saturday's encounter was also the first managerial head to head between Gary Johnson and Dave Challinor since last season's National League Play-off final between the Gulls and Hartlepool United. On that occasion, United keeper Lucas Covolan memorably scored an equalising goal in 'Gary time' to take the game at Ashton Gate into extra time and then penalties. However, on there was no need for 'Gary time' on Saturday.

SCHUMACHER STEPS OUT OF THE SHADOWS

It is often said that a week is a long time in football, and seven days ago Steven Schumacher was Plymouth Argyle assistant manager and preparing for the Pilgrims' second round FA Cup tie with Rochdale. 

However, following manager Ryan Lowe's sudden departure to take charge of Championship side Preston North End Schumacher was quickly installed as his successor - after he opted to stay at Home Park instead of making the pilgrimage to Deepdale. 

In his first game in charge against fellow promotion challengers Milton Keynes Dons, the Pilgrims came away from Stadium:mk with a 1-1 draw - as a 66th minute strike from Conor Grant cancelled out Tennai Watson's first half opener.

A graduate of the Everton youth academy, where he was coached by current Pilgrims' Director of Football Neil Dewsnip, Schumacher didn't quite make the final step required to break into the Toffees' first team. However, he did manage to carve out a successful career in the lower leagues with the likes of Bradford City, Crewe Alexandra, Bury and Fleetwood Town amongst others. 

It was with Everton's academy that he started his coaching career and he has also had a spell as interim manager with Southport in National League North before he first linked up with Lowe at Bury in 2018.

Lowe and Schumacher were very much a partnership in the mould of Brian Clough and Peter Taylor, who achieved great success with Derby County and Nottingham Forest, but now he has the opportunity to play Bob Paisley to Lowe's Bill Shankly, who won three European Cups with Liverpool after the legendary Scotsman retired as Liverpool manager.

 

 

FA CUP SECOND ROUND PREVIEW 2021-22

Cambridge United versus Exeter City

After overcoming Bradford City in their re-arranged first round replay, Exeter City travel to Cambridge United in the second round of the 2021-22 FA Cup. 

Both sides have faced the domestic game's elite in the last few seasons, the U's faced Manchester United in the 2014-15 season while the Grecians famously took Liverpool to a replay in the 2016-17 campaign. 

In the current season, City are aiming to emulate Cambridge by winning promotion from League Two, the U's finished third in League Two in the 2020-21 campaign and the Grecians are currently in contention for automatic promotion from the fourth tier at the time of writing. 

Their meeting will probably also rekindle memories of their 2008 Blue Square Premier Play-off encounter, which saw City book their return to the Football League with a 1-0 win. 

Yeovil Town versus Stevenage 

The BBC cameras will be heading to Huish Park on late Saturday afternoon as Yeovil Town manager Darren Sarll prepares to do battle with his former club Stevenage. After going unbeaten in the National League during November the Glovers will be looking to add the Boro to their list of FA Cup scalps for the 2021-22 season which includes Weymouth and Yate Town. 

Meanwhile Boro manager Paul Tisdale will want to see an improvement on his first game in charge, which saw Stevenage lose on penalties to Sutton United in the EFL Trophy.

Rochdale versus Plymouth Argyle

Plymouth Argyle will once again be featuring on ITV as they travel to Rochdale in the second round. The Pilgrims needed a replay to see off fellow League One side Sheffield Wednesday. 

Both Dale and Argyle are set to receive £60,000 each in broadcast fees and also a further £34,000 in prize money should they progress to the third round, where a lucrative tie against a Premier League awaits the winner.

SIX TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS FC HALIFAX TOWN

 1. 'Gary time' - but not as we know it. 

Throughout Gary Johnson's reign as Torquay United manager, the Gulls have become famed for scoring winning goals and equalising goals in what has become known as 'Gary time'. 

However, on Saturday against FC Halifax United almost overturned a three goal deficit in the dying minutes of the game, as Klaidi Lolos proved to be a 'super sub' to pull a goal back before Armani Little struck with a long range effort to leave the Plainmoor faithful dreaming of a late comeback. Sadly, it wasn't be as they ran out of time to complete what had previously seemed liked the least likiest of comebacks.Nevertheless, United's two late goals shouldn't paper over the cracks - as their display in the build up to those two goals meant that they were unable to take advantage of them when they arrived.

2. Billy Waters returns to haunt the Gulls. 

By scoring Halifax's third and, ultimately, decisive goal, Billy Waters joined a list of former players to have scored against the Gulls on their return to Plainmoor. Jo Kuffour netted a brace for Gillingham in the 2011-12 season, Ryan Jarvis was on target for York City in the 2013-14 campaign and current assistant manager Aaron Downes was on the score sheet for a Cheltenham Town side managed by Gary Johnson in the 2015-16 season. 

Waters' effort against the Gulls was his 13th of the season for the Shaymen, which is more than the eight he managed in all competitions for United in 2020-21. It is also more than the player that he was signed to replace Jake Hyde has managed for Wrexham.

3. Armani approaching double figures. 

By netting United's second goal of the afternoon against the Shaymen, Armani Little has now taken his goal scoring tally for the 2021-22 campaign to nine. Little is not only one goal short of reaching double figures, he is also five goals short of the 14 goals that last season's top scorer Asa Hall managed over the course of the 2020-21 season. 

4. Klaidi Lolos gives Gary Johnson something to think about. 

In his post-match interview, Gary Johnson admiited that he had a lot to think about, and one of those could be whether to give Klaidi Lolos more game time or not. Lolos' introduction certainly livened up the Gulls' display and he always looked as though he could make something happen once he came on. His goal was just rewards for his efforts and it will be interesting to see if it results in him getting more game time from Johnson. Lolos' strike also takes his goal tally to three, making him United's joint second top scorer with Connor Lemonheigh-Evans. 

5. The elephant in the room. 

Yesterday's result now leaves the Gulls' four points off the relegation zone (United are in 17th place on 18 points, with Southend United occupying the final relegation spot in 21st place on 14 points). 

With an away game against Weymouth coming up next weekend and then the visit of Stockport County to Plainmoor before their festive double header against Yeovil Town, which either side of a trip to Eastleigh, United need to return to winning wins and quickly. 

6. A fine refereeing display. 

Referees in the National League often don't get a good press, so when one of the men in black produces a good display they deserve some credit. Yesterday referee Ryan Atkin proved himself to be one of the better refereeing performances witnessed at Plainmoor in recent years. Unlike many referees, Atkin was neither 'card happy' or 'whistle happy' and let the game flow, and made the right calls for the majority of the time.

EUNAN'S BEAUTY TEN YEARS ON

Ten years ago, Torquay United recorded their first league win over Plymouth Argyle since 1972, with a display inspired by two stunning long range strikes by Irish midfielder Eunan O'Kane. 

Going into their first meeting of the 2011–12 season, it was fair to say that the Gulls and the Pilgrims were experiencing contrasting fortunes – both on and off the pitch. 

United had narrowly missed out on promotion to League One after losing 1-0 to Stevenage in the League Two Play-off final at Old Trafford at the end of the previous season. This was swiftly followed by the departure of manager Paul Buckle to Bristol Rovers, and former Leyton Orient and Cambridge United manager Martin Ling was appointed as his successor. 

By contrast the Pilgrims had been relegated from the Championship to League Two in successive seasons, thus ensuring that they would be facing a spell in the basement division of the Football League for the third time in their history. Their second relegation (in 2010-11) was in no small part down to a ten-point penalty that they received for entering Administration in February 2011. 

In October 2011, a takeover was finalised by local businessman James Brent, which brought them out of Administration. Whilst they were in Administration, the club’s staff had been forced to defer their wages in full for a period of seven months. 

Like United, Argyle also had a new manager in charge as Carl Fletcher was appointed as player-manager in September 2011 by their then Chairman Peter Ridsdale, after the dismissal of Peter Reid. Following their relegation, the Pilgrims’ struggles had continued as they slipped to the foot of the table and found themselves ten points adrift of safety at the time of Reid’s departure.

Plymouth went into the match with a much depleted side as player-manager Fletcher, Conor Hourihane and Robbie Williams were all missing through suspension, whereas Ling had the luxury of a fully fit Gulls’ squad to choose from. 

The first half – in keeping with the traditions of many local derby matches – proved to be a war of attrition. The only chance of note fell to Pilgrims’ wide man Luke Daley on 30 minutes, which was comfortably turned away by Torquay keeper Bobby Olejnik. 

The second half proved to be a completely different affair. Within two minutes of the restart, the Gulls’ Irish midfield talisman O’Kane fired home a stunning opening strike from distance after Argyle defender Curtis Nelson headed a cross from Rene Howe straight into his path. 

If his first goal was merely a good goal, then O’Kane’s second – two minutes later – was a fusion of beauty and intelligence as he looked up, spotted Argyle keeper Romain Larrieu off his line and struck from 40-yards to double the Gulls’ lead with one of the finest goals ever seen at Plainmoor. In an instant, Torquay were firmly in the driving seat and a first league win in nearly four decades over the Pilgrims appeared to be within their grasp. 

Danny Stevens later added a third for the Gulls before Will Atkinson pulled a goal back for Argyle as Torquay eventually ran out as 3-1 winners. In addition to being the Gulls’ first league victory over the Pilgrims in nearly 40 years, it was also their biggest ever win against them as well. 

When the two sides met again at Home Park on 2nd January 2012, Torquay completed their first double over the Pilgrims since the 1971–72 season. United won 2-1 thanks to goals from Lee Mansell and Billy Bodin, whilst future Gulls’ midfielder Luke Young replied for Argyle with his first goal in senior professional football. 

United then went on to reach the Play-offs where they were beaten by Cheltenham Town over two legs. Meanwhile, Argyle were forced to wait until their penultimate home game of the season with Oxford United to secure their League Two status, which they did with a 1-1 draw. 

Torquay: (4-3-3) Olejnik; Oastler, Ellis, Saah (Robertson 26), Nicholson; Lathrope, Mansell, O’Kane; Stevens, Bodin (Morris 75), Howe 

Plymouth: (4-4-2) Larrieu; Bignot, Nelson, Gibson, Bhasera; Daley (Vassell 76), Young, Walton, Atkinson; Sutherland, Feeney (Lecointe 53) 

Attendance: 3,983 

SIX TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS DOVER ATHLETIC

 1. Armani Little at the double. 

By netting a brace against Dover Athletic, Torquay United stand-in skipper Armani Little has now increased his tally for the season to seven goals. Little opened his account for United in the 34th minute when he fired home a low drive from 25-yards and clinched United's 'Gary-time' winner (more on that later) on 90 minutes after Dover failed to clear a cross from sub Jake Andrews. 

Although the announcement of Little as man of the match earned a mixed reception, he is now United's top scorer by some distance. Little's fellow midfield schemer Connor Lemonheigh-Evans is next highest on the Gulls' leading scorer's list with three - and being a club's leading scorer is quite an achievement for a midfielder. Last season, Asa Hall topped United's goal scoring charts with 14, and Little is now half way towards emulating that feat. 

In addition to this, Little is also United's top assist makers so far this season with six. 

2. 'Gary-time' strikes again. 

In the 2020-21 campaign, United made a habit of snatching late goals in what became known as 'Gary-time'. Little's late winner against Dover was the second time that the Gulls have clinched victory in the 90th minute, the other occasion came last month against Southend United when Connor Lemonheigh-Evans, who missed the match for personal reasons, slotted home to secure a 1-0 win for United. 

3. Fourth straight win at home. 

After losing their opening three home league encounters (Altrincham, Woking and Grimsby Town), United have now secured a fourth successive league victory at Plainmoor. Their win over Dover follows a run of home wins which includes wins over Southend United, Wealdstone, King's Lynn Town. It was also witnessed by a season high attendance of 2,892 - which included a number of NHS staff who received free tickets as part of one of the club's community days. Hopefully more of them will decide to come back again later in the season. 

4. Keelan O'Connell impressed on the wing. 

One of United's stand-out performers, particularly in the first half, was winger Keelan O'Connell. In the opening 45 minutes, O'Connell often switched flanks to good effect with Byron Moore, who was making his first start for the Gulls, and at times he was arguably United's greatest attacking threat in the opening period. Four minutes before half-time, he teed up Klaidi Lolos for a close range effort that forcd a smart save from Dover keeper Adam Parkes. 

5. A substitute replacing a substitute. 

On 59 minutes, United manager Gary Johnson replaced Byron Moore with Chiori Johnson, but three minutes later the Gulls' was forced to bring Chiori Johnson off as he pulled up with an achilles tendon injury. Jake Andrews ended up becoming the replacement for a replacement and if anyone knows the last time that occurred, please send in their answers!

6. Sinclair Armstrong featured for Republic of Ireland Under-19's. 

While his teammates were securing an important three points in the National League, United's QPR loanee Sinclair Armstrong was featuring for the Republic of Ireland Under-19 side against their Bosnia-Herzegovina counterparts. The Irish drew 1-1 with right attacking midfielder Johnny Kenny scoring his second goal in as many games, in a match that Armstrong played the full 90 minutes as a lone striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

LOWE HOPING GOOD THINGS COME IN THREES FOR THE PILGRIMS

Plymouth Argyle manager Ryan Lowe will be hoping good things can come in threes for the Pilgrims as they head to Accrington Stanley this weekend. 

Lowe, 43, will be taking charge of his 100th EFL match as Pilgrims boss when Argyle face Stanley at the Wham Stadium, and it will also be his first game in charge since he won the League One manager of the month award for October 2021. 

Over the course of the month, Lowe oversaw a run of four wins and two draws - as he beat off competition from Oxford United manager Karl Robinson and Rotherham United boss Paul Warne. 

It is the second time that he has won during his reign in charge of the Pilgrims since he arrived from Bury in the summer of 2019, Lowe had previously won the League Two award in February 2020 - shortly before the season was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

Under his guidance, Argyle's EFL record reads won 43, drawn 21 and lost 31 - and Lowe will be looking to add a 44th victory against Accrington. 

FA CUP FIRST ROUND PREVIEW 2021-22

Bradford City versus Exeter City

Exeter City will cross swords with former Plymouth Argyle manager Derek Adams when they travel to Bradford City in the first round of the FA Cup. 

Both sides have some recent pedigree in the competition, the Bantams famously knocked Chelsea out the cup in the 2013-14 season and the Grecians took Liverpool to a replay in the 2016-17 campaign. 

Matt Taylor's side head into the tie having lost only once in 15 games and are also eight league places higher than Bradford (Exeter are 4th in League Two, the Bantams are 12th) and confidence will be high amongst the Grecians' camp.

Sheffield Wednesday versus Plymouth Argyle

For the second time this season Plymouth Argyle manager Ryan Lowe will face one of his former clubs as the Pilgrims travel to South Yorkshire to face Sheffield Wednesday - for a fixture that will be broadcast live on ITV1 on Sunday.  

Lowe spent the 2011-12 season at Hillsborough and helped Wednesday to win promotion from League One under his fellow Scouser Dave Jones. 

The two sides faced each other last September at Home Park, and Argyle came away as 3-0 victors. However, the Owls, who are managed by former Torquay United defender Darren Moore, will be going into the tie in confident mood following a 3-0 win over Sunderland in midweek.

Yate Town versus Yeovil Town

After beating local rivals Weymouth in the fourth qualifying round, Yeovil Town will be looking avoid becoming the latest cup scalp to be claimed by Southern Premier League South side Yate Town. 

The Bluebells will be competing at the first round stage for the first time since 2012 and have already defeated National League opposition in the form of Dover Athletic in the cup this season.  

Nevertheless, the Glovers, who faced Manchester United in the competition in the 2014-15 and 2017-18 seasons respectively, will be doing everything they can to avoid falling to an upset.

GULLS' RESULT MARRED BY CROWD TROUBLE

Both Torquay United and Wrexham are working with police following crowd trouble which marred the recent National League encounter between the two sides. 

The match itself ended in a 1-1 draw after a late header from former Wales Under-21 midfielder Connor Lemonheigh-Evans secured a point for the Gulls after the Red Dragons had taken an early lead through Harry Lennon.

It was after Lemonheigh-Evans had equalised for the Gulls that the incidents in question occurred and the Torquay United Supporter's Trust received reports of 'coins, plastic and glass bottles and cigarettes being thrown at Torquay fans'. 

Wrexham have confirmed that there were reports of 'unacceptable incidents and behaviour' and Torquay United have made an official complaint to the National League and informed the FA. 

In addition to this, the Red Dragons also released the following statement:

"Wrexham AFC regrets to say we are aware of reports of unacceptable incidents and behaviour at our match against Torquay United, directed towards opposition supporters, by a very small minority of attendees at the game,

"We would like to reassure the supporters of both teams that we are reviewing footage and working with North Wales Police to identify those responsible.

"Such behaviour will not be tolerated at the Racecourse Ground and those identified will face the strictest punishments available to the club. You are not welcome at our football club. The safety of all people attending games at the Racecourse Ground is of paramount importance.

"We would like to thank the 242 Torquay supporters who made the long return trip from Devon to north Wales for the game, and our true fans who supported us in great numbers once again."

The fixture also marked the first home game attended by Wrexham's Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny since their takeover of the club in February 2021.

BOX OFFICE VERSUS ARTHOUSE

If Wrexham's approach to the 2021-22 National League campaign can be described as box office then Torquay United's methods under Gary Johnson are surely arthouse. 

The Red Dragons have made plenty of headlines since Deadpool actor Ryan Reynolds and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia star Rob McElenney took over the club. As well as appointing Phil Parkinson, a former EFL Cup finalist with Bradford City in 2013, as manager, the duo have also splashed out big fees and wages on the likes of Paul Mullin, League Two Player of the Year for 2020-21 with Cambridge United, and Ben Tozer, who reportedly arrived from Cheltenham Town - who won the League Two title in 2020-21 - for £200,000. 

Meanwhile Johnson - whose previous body of work includes promotions with Yeovil Town, Bristol City and Cheltenham Town, not to mention his National League South triumph with the Gulls in the 2018-19 season - has been looking to create a sequel to a story that ended in penalty shoot-out heartache at Ashton Gate.

The Gulls kicked off their current campaign against Altrincham only 62 days had passed since they were beaten on penalties by Hartlepool United in the 2020-21 National League Play-off final. During that time Johnson has looked to rebuild his squad after Lucas Covolan (Port Vale), Kyle Cameron and Aaron Nemane (Notts County) and Ben Whitfield (Stockport County) headed for pastures new. 

However, despite their departures, Johnson, who has a knack of unearthing unpolished diamonds, currently has a potential A-lister on his hands in the form of Sinclair Armstrong. A Republic of Ireland youth international, who arrived at Plainmoor on loan from Queens Park Rangers, rumoured to be on the radars of the likes of Manchester City, Celtic and Hoffenheim, Armstrong marked his debut with a goal against King's Lynn and is definitely a player to watch for United. 

 

SIX TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS KING'S LYNN TOWN

1. Remember the name...Sinclair Armstrong. 

Queens Park Rangers loanee Sinclair Armstrong showed exactly why a whole host of clubs, including Manchester City, Celtic and German side Hoffenheim, have been keeping tabs on him on his debut for Torquay United. Armstrong, a Republic of Ireland youth international, had a chance to open the scoring in the third minute - but was denied by King's Lynn keeper Paul Jones. 

However, Armstrong did eventually find the goal that his display merited on 41 minutes after the Linnets' defence failed to deal with a long throw from Dean Moxey - and Joe Lewis nodded the ball down to Armstrong, who duly fired home.A powerful, pacey centre forward, he potentially has a big future in the game and he definitely ranks alongside other successful loanee strikers the Gulls have signed in recent seasons, a list which includes the likes of John Marquis, Shaquille Coulthirst, Kieffer Moore and Saikou Janneh. 

2. Harry Perritt is settling in well. 

Sinclair Armstrong wasn't the only loan signing who excelled for the Gulls against King's Lynn Town. Centre back Harry Perritt, who joined on loan from Accrington Stanley, produced a solid display alongside Joe Lewis in the heart of the United defence and was instrumental in helping the Gulls keep a clean sheet. 

3. Joe Lewis on target - again.

Having not scored during his initial loan spell from Swansea City in the 2019-20 season or in the subsequent 2020-21 campaign, after joining the Gulls permanently, Joe Lewis has now netted his second goal for United. While it wasn't as spectacular as his solo effort against Wealdstone, as he turned the ball home after Linnets' keeper Paul Jones failed to gather the ball following a goalmouth scramble, it was no less important. His effort puts him level on two goals for the 2021-22 campaign with Dan Holman, Tom Lapslie, Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Klaidi Lolos. 

4. Community Day a big success. 

The Gulls' performance on the pitch wasn't the only success for Torquay United football club on the day. As part of the club's Community Day 1,000 were made available to various youth groups, sport clubs and individual across Torbay to help attract new supporters to the club. All those who witnessed the match would have gone home happy with the win as well as forming a positive impression of the club.

5. Three home league wins out of three. 

After losing their opening three home league games of the 2020-21 campaign, Torquay United have now reversed that trend, as their victory over King's Lynn Town was their third home league win in succession. This sequence also includes a 1-0 win over Southend United and a 5-0 win over Wealdstone.

6. Unbeaten record remains intact. 

Saturday's meeting with King's Lynn Town was only their third encounter with the Gulls - and they are yet to taste victory against them. Last season's clashes saw a goalless draw at the Walks, which was the first ever fixture between the two sides, and a 1-0 win for United at Plainmoor - courtesy of a 46th minute effort from Chesterfield loanee Scott Boden. 

 

FOUR TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS HAVANT & WATERLOOVILLE

 1. Both sides have to do it all again. 

Torquay United and Havant & Waterlooville will meet again on Wednesday at the Hawks' Westleigh Park home to decide who progresses to the first round proper. The prize for reaching the first round of the competition will be a trip to former Premier League side Charlton Athletic, who are currently 22nd in League One. 

In truth neither Gary Johnson or Paul Doswell, the Havant & Waterlooville boss, would have wanted a replay - especially as due to the fact that it's taking place on Wednesday means their preparation for their respective fixtures next weekend. The Gulls host King's Lynn Town while Havant face Slough Town at Westleigh Park.

2. Jake's back. 

Jake Andrews marked his first appearance in a Torquay United shirt since the Gulls' National League Play-off final defeat to Hartlepool United with United's second goal, which looked to be enough to seal the Gulls' place in the first round. However, Havant had other ideas as Tommy Wright smashed home a last gasp equaliser. Andrews' goal scoring returns from the last three seasons reads: 12 (2018-19); six (2019-20) and five (2020-21). He was also the Gulls' third top scorer in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 campaigns and if Andrews can repeat those returns in the 2021-22 season he can help get United's campaign back up and running. 

3. Lolos' impact from the bench. 

One of the bright spots from United's clash with Havant and Waterlooville was the introduction of Klaidi Lolos at half-time in place of the injured Tom Lapslie. The former Greek Under-19 international, who joined United in the summer from Plymouth Argyle, always looked a threat for the Gulls throughout the second half and it was his good work that enabled Andrews to put United 2-1 with five minutes to go. There is definitely more to come from the player who Argyle manager Ryan Lowe said had the potential to be 'the best player in the National League'.

4. Joe Lewis continues to impress in defence. 

After finding the back of the net against Wealdstone with a goal not normally associated with central defenders, Joe Lewis produced another impressive display in the heart of the Gulls defence. The former Swansea City starlet carried the ball out of United's back three to good effect, but following the departures of Gary Warren and Kyle Cameron in the summer Lewis is now the most experienced of United's centre backs despite only just having turned 22 last month. 

FA CUP FOURTH QUALIFYING ROUND PREVIEW 2021-22

Torquay United versus Havant & Waterlooville

Since Gary Johnson was appointed as Torquay United manager in September 2018, the Gulls have won five out of the eight FA Cup ties that they have contested. It's a record that United will be looking to maintain when they host National League South side Havant and Waterlooville. 

Before then the Gulls had a pretty clean period in the competition - having failed to record a single win after beating Chesterfield in the first round in the 2011-12 campaign until they smashed Wessex League side Lymington FC 7-0 in a second qualifying round clash, which was streamed live on the BBC's Red Button service, in one of Johnson's early games in charge.

United might not necessarily be considered 'giants' - but Hawks manager Paul Doswell knows a thing or two about giant-killing. He famously lead Sutton United to the fifth round in the 2016-17 campaign, beating AFC Wimbledon and Leeds United enroute. His Havant squad includes a number of players with experience of the EFL and the National League - including three former Gulls in the shape of Scott Rendell, Joe Oastler and Paul Rooney. 

If United were to get through there would be the possibility of facing Sunderland, managed by Johnson's son Lee, or Sheffield Wednesday, who former Gulls' defender Darren Moore is currently in charge of. 

Yeovil Town versus Weymouth

The fourth qualifying round has had the tendency to throw up a number of all National League clashes in recent years, and arguably no such tie could be considered more mouthwatering than Yeovil Town versus Weymouth. 

It will be the first FA Cup meeting in 34 years between the two sides - and the Terras will also be aiming to secure their first win at Huish Park in 33 years. In recent times, a gap of five divisions has existed between the two teams.

However, the Glovers will feel confident going into the tie after completing the league double over Weymouth in the 2020-21 campaign. Unfortunately no fans were allowed inside either Huish Park or the Bob Lucas Stadium to witness either encounter, thus making Saturday's meeting the first one in front of fans in over 22 years. 

 

 

 

 

 

SIX TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS WEALDSTONE

 1. Joe Lewis's goal. 

Over the years many memorable Torquay United goals have been witnessed at Plainmoor. Steve McCall's long range strike against Scarborough in 1998, various goals scored by David Graham between 2001 and 2004, Kevin Hill's overhead kick against Macclesfield in 2004, Eunan O'Kane's 40 yard strike versus Plymouth Argyle in 2011 and Luke Young's volley against Wrexham in 2014 all spring to mind when the subject is discussed. However, Joe Lewis's 25-yards effort against Wealdstone must surely rank alongside them all. The former Wales Under-21 international, who was also voted as man of the match, international received the ball inside his own half and raced towards goal before blasting into the top corner from 25-yards to make it 4-0 to the Gulls. It looked like a move straight off the training ground, and there is no doubt that Lewis, 22, knew exactly what he was doing; it was the perfect way to score his first goal for the club. 

2. Dan Holman's brace. 

After he scored 16 times in 18 goals for Cheltenham Town during their 2015-16 National League title winning campaign, Torquay United manager Gary Johnson was fully aware of Dan Holman's capabilities as a striker. However, since he arrived at Plainmoor, Holman, who was looking to resurrect his career, had experienced a slow start but he showed the qualities that saw him score all those goals with his brace against Wealdstone. Holman didn't just show those qualities in terms of his finishing, but also in terms of his movement and he played a key role in the move that led to United scoring their opening goal through Tom Lapslie. 

3. Another goal for Armani Little. 

Central midfielder Armani Little is now starting to show his true potential with another goal, which takes his tally for the season to five, and an assist. It was his cross that provided the assist for Tom Lapslie's opener and he scored United's third when he headed home a deflected cross from Dean Moxey on the half hour mark. However, it could have scored a brace if he hadn't blasted his 38th minute penalty over the bar. 

4. Two in two for Tom Lapslie. 

During his time with Colchester United between 2015 and 2021, Tom Lapslie only managed to find the target four times in 170 appearances, but he is now halfway to emulating that figure with the Gulls. Lapslie was accredited with United's equaliser in their televised 2-2 draw with Chesterfield, and he followed this up by heading home the Gulls' opener against Wealdstone. Throughout the match he showed incredible energy levels and on another day he could have been man of the match. 

5. Gulls now unbeaten in three.  

By winning against Wealdstone, Torquay United have now extended their unbeaten run to three matches, a run which includes a 1-0 win over Southend United and a 2-2 draw with high flying Chesterfield. Prior to this, the Gulls had only won one of their opening six games, drawn one and lost the remaining four. One of the hallmarks of their upturn in fortunes has been a resolute defence; as well as securing two wins out of their last three games, they have also kept two clean sheets out of three in the process - since switching to a back three of Ben Wynter, Joe Lewis and Dean Moxey. This run has also coincided with the return of Shaun MacDonald in goal.

6. Biggest win since Boxing Day 2020. 

Saturday's win was the Gulls' biggest win since they beat Yeovil Town 6-1 on Boxing Day 2020, and it was also their first 5-0 win at Plainmoor since they beat Shrewsbury Town by that margin in March 2011.

WHEN JIMMY GREAVES CAME TO PLAINMOOR

Following the recent passing of former Chelsea, AC Milan, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham and England striker Jimmy Greaves at the age of 81, we will now look back at when he appeared at Plainmoor for Spurs against Torquay United.

Throughout their history, Torquay United have never quite managed to defeat a top-flight side in the FA Cup.

One of the few occasions they came close to doing so came in the third round in 1965 when they famously drew 3-3 with Tottenham Hotspur at Plainmoor.

After knocking out Canterbury and Colchester United in the first and second rounds respectively, United were rewarded with a plumb tie at home to Spurs. Only four years earlier, the North London Giants who had become the first team to the League and FA Cup ‘double’ in the 20^th century four years earlier.

Managed by the legendary Bill Nicholson, Spurs featured a number of household names in their line-up, including England internationals Jimmy Greaves, Alan Mullery and Maurice Norman. They could also call upon Welsh winger Cliff Jones, who – as well as featuring in their 1961 double winning side -had also been part of the Wales side that reached the Quarter Finals of the 1958 World Cup, and future United manager Cyril Knowles. 

A few years earlier, Nicholson had paid AC Milan £99,999 to bring Greaves back to England for what was then a British record transfer fee. 

Cup fever gripped South Devon and the tie also attracted attention from further afield, as Fleet Street journalists Desmond Hackett – of the Daily Express - and Danny Blanchflower, captain of the Spurs double winning side four years previous, were amongst the press pack dispatched to Plainmoor to cover the tie. 

A crowd of over 20,000 poured into Plainmoor to watch the encounter, which saw the Torquay side, which had cost £40,000 to assemble, face a Spurs team that had cost £400,000.

Some fans were so desperate to get a view of the game, they even climbed the floodlight pylon to get a glimpse of the action.

As with many top-flight versus lower league cup meetings, the competition proved to be a great leveller and it looked likely at one stage as though a giant-killing act might be on the cards. United were awarded a penalty on 43 minutes, when Robins Stubbs was felled by Knowles. Bill Atkinson stepped to take the resultant spot-kick, which he drilled past Spurs’ keeper Billy Brown to give United the lead.

The visitors then hit back immediately when Scotland international Alan Gilzean headed home a cross from skipper Ron Henry to equalise.

Spurs before they edged ahead through an effort from Maurice Norman before Gilzean then struck again to complete a brace, which gave the visitors a commanding 3-1 lead.

However, with five minutes remaining, Stubbs netted twice to bring United level in the most dramatic of circumstances. His first effort was a deflected effort and his second went in off his leg as he looked to block a clearance. 

His leveller proved to be the catalyst for a spontaneous pitch invasion and, after play resumed, Torquay came agonisingly close to scoring a winner as Stubbs’ strike partner, Tommy Northcott, rattled a header against the bar just before the final whistle was blown.

In the replay, there was to be no fairy tale ending for United as Spurs resoundingly won 5-1 - with Greaves scoring a hat-trick – in front of over 55,000 spectators.

United’s cup exploits ultimately proved to be the last hurrah of the long reign of United manager Eric Webber who replaced at the end of the campaign, after 14 years in charge.

His replacement, Frank O’Farrell, led United to promotion in his first full season in charge – the 1965-66 campaign – with many of the players who had held Spurs to that famous draw being part of the side who achieved it.

United: Adlington; Smith, Allen, Benson, Bettany, Wolstenholme, Atkinson, Cox, Stubbs, Northcott, Somers

Spurs: Brown, Knowles, Henry, Mullery, Norman, Marchi, Robertson, Greaves, Gilzean, Jones, Dyson

A full account of this game and many others can be found in Torquay United: A History in 50 Matches, which is available from https://torquayunitedahistoryin50.bigcartel.com/product/torquay-united-a-history-in-50-matches

 

 

SIX TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS SOUTHEND UNITED

1. 'Gary time' makes a comeback. 

In the 2020-21 season, Torquay United made a habit of scoring late goals in what became known as 'Gary time' by the Plainmoor faithful. The first United player to score a winning goal in 'Gary time' was Connor Lemonheigh-Evans in their opening game of the season at home to Stockport County, so it was quite apt that a goal from Lemonheigh-Evans secured the Gulls' first home win of the season against Southend United. 

2. Return of the Mac. 

United's win over Southend also marked Shaun MacDonald's second debut for the Gulls, after he returned to Plainmoor following an injury to Mark Halstead against Solihull Moors in midweek, which later turned out to be concussion. MacDonald, who was a free agent after leaving United in the summer, kept a clean sheet on his return and looks set to continue for the immediate future. 

3. Formation switch. 

After starting the season with 4-4-2, Gary Johnson switched United's formation to 3-5-2, which saw Ben Wynter, Joe Lewis and Dean Moxey form a central defensive trio with Chiori Johnson and Keelan O'Connell deployed as wing-backs. The changes paid off as it gave the Gulls a more solid structure and, perhaps more importantly, it helped them to complete their first clean sheet of the season.

4. Dean Moxey's cross. 

The quality of the delivery from Dean Moxey for the cross which led to Connor Lemonheigh-Evans netting United's winner undoutably showed the qualities that saw him appear in the Championship for the likes of Derby County, Crystal Palace and Bolton Wanderers earlier in his career. As one of the senior pros in the Gulls' squad, Moxey's experience will no doubt prove to be vital in helping to guide many of United's younger players in the coming months.

5. Managerial re-match of the 2008 Championship Play-off final. 

In the 2021 Championship Play-off final, Brentford defeated Swansea City to win promotion to the top-flight for the first time in 74 years, and whether Bees manager Thomas Frank ends up facing former Swans boss Steve Cooper in a National League fixture in 13 years time remained to be seen. However,  Gary Johnson and Phil Brown locked managerial horns in the 2008 Championship Play-off final as managers of Bristol City and Hull City respectively and crossed each others paths again with Torquay and Southend. A wonder strike from Dean Windass won the day for the Tigers that day, but in their two meetings since then Johnson's sides have come out on top on both occasions; in the 2013-14 Capital One Cup first round in 2013-14, which Yeovil won 1-0, and Saturday's encounter which saw the Gulls come out on top. 

6. Gabby Rogers' family connections with the Shrimpers. 

Young Gulls' midfielder Gabby Rogers was celebrating his first win as a Torquay United player against the club where his father, Andy Rogers, ended his career. Rogers senior, who famously scored the goal that secured Plymouth Argyle's place in the 1984 FA Cup semi-final against Derby County, spent the final two years of his career with Southend United between 1986 and 1988. 

A DIFFERENT PRIZE

The settings may not be as glamourous, but the will to win for those involved will be very much the same. 

In the 2007-08 season, the Championship Play-off final was contested by Bristol City and Hull City, who were managed by Gary Johnson and Phil Brown respectively. 

Fast forward 13 years and the two managers will be going head to head in the National League as Johnson's Torquay United prepare to face Brown's Southend United. 

A Dean Windass strike famously decided the contest, which is regarded as the 'most expensive gamein English football', as the Tigers reached the top-flight for their first time in their history. 

Brown then went on to consolidate Hull's place in the Premier League before leaving the club in the summer of 2010. He then went on to manage Preston North End before he took charge of Southend United in March 2013 and he led the Shrimpers to promotion from League Two in the 2014-15 campaign. A spell in charge of Swindon and a stint in India followed before he returned to Roots Hall in April 2021, but he was unable to stop them from being relegated from the Football League for the first time in their history. 

Johnson left his post as Bristol City in March 2010 and went on to manage Peterborough United and Northampton Town before returning to Yeovil Town in January 2012. He then guided the Glovers to the Championship against the odds in the 2012-13 season, following a Play-off final victory over Brentford. 

Yeovil's stay in the Championship proved to be a brief one and would leave Huish Park in February 2015, following his dismissal. 

In the following month Johnson returned to management with Cheltenham Town, then in League Two. He was unable to keep them in the Football League; however, he led them to an immediate return to the Football League in the 2015-16 season as the Robins clinched the title with a brand new squad built from scratch. 

Four games into the 2018-19 campaign, Johnson was dismissed by Cheltenham but was appointed as manager of Torquay side, who had recently been relegated to National League South, in September 2018. 

At the time of his appointment, the Gulls were 14th in the National League South - but he soon galvanised the club as they went on a club record 16-match unbeaten run in the league before clinching the club's first title in 91 years. 

Two years later, Johnson led United to the brink of promotion from the National League, as they narrowly missed out on the league title before losing in the Play-off final on penalties to Hartlepool United. 

Both managers will be looking for a reaction following their side's disappointing start to the campaign, United gained four points from their opening six league fixtures and the Shrimpers picked up five, but memories of that day in 2008 at Wembley won't be far away. 

Footnote: Saturday's clash will be the second time that Brown and Johnson have locked managerial horns since the 2008 Championship Play-off final. Brown's Southend lost 1-0 to Johnson's Yeovil in the first round of the Capital One Cup in August 2013.