After Torquay United's exit from the FA Trophy to Woking, the Gulls' attentions are now solely focused on the National League as they head into a make or break month regarding the outcome of their league campaign.
When the Gulls, who are still top of the National League, entertain third placed Hartlepool United on Saturday - March 6 - it will be the first of six matches in the space of 21 days.
Then United will face a trip to Hertfordshire to face Boreham Wood four days later - March 13 - that is being televised on BT Sport. Three days later United are on their travels again as they head to Maidenhead United on March 16 before returning to Plainmoor for a first ever visit of King's Lynn Town on Saturday March 20 before hosting Solihull Moors on March 23 and then rounding things off with a trip to Dagenham and Redbridge on Saturday March 27.
It would have been seven matches, but United's home fixture against Aldershot Town - previously pencilled in for Tuesday March 9 - has fallen victim to a Covid-19 postponement, following a positive coronavirus test in the Shots' squad.
With this in mind squad rotation will be key for United manager Gary Johnson, and he will be hoping that as many of the Gulls' injured players return to full fitness as possible.
Johnson's present injury list includes goalkeeper Lucas Covolan, defenders Dean Moxey, Liam Davis and Kyle Cameron, midfielders Aaron Nemane and Armani Little and strikers Danny Wright and Andrew Nelson. Defender Joe Lewis also missed the Gulls' FA Trophy defeat to Woking due to a concussion protocol.
In addition to this, Johnson was also without goalkeeper Shaun MacDonald through suspension following his sending off against Solihull Moors and loanees James Hamon (Truro City) and Scott Boden (Chesterfield) were both cup-tied, along with youngsters Louis Slough and Olaf Koszela. This resulted in Johnson signing Polish starlet Marcin Brozozski on loan from Queens Park Rangers to play in goal at Woking. However, Johnson will be able to call on several of them on Saturday against Hartlepool.
Despite the injury problems that Johnson has faced this season, he has still been able to call upon a core of players throughout the campaign. Ben Whitfield has been the only ever present so far for the Gulls in the 2020-21 season, with 30 appearances in all competitions. Central defender Kyle Cameron had also featured in every game until he succummed to a hamstring injury against FC Halifax Town. Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Plymouth Argyle loanee Adam Randell have both made 29 appearances - therefore missing all bar one of United's fixtures - and Sam Sherring, on loan from AFC Bournemouth, has appeared 28 times for Johnson's men.
While the aforementioned individuals have all been important players for United in the 2020-21 campaign, now could be the time when a number of United less-heralded players step up and make their mark - as they head into what could yet turn out to be a crucial spell of the season.
March 6, 2021 vs Hartlepool United (home)
March 13, 2021 vs Boreham Wood (away)
March 16, 2021 vs Maidenhead United (away)
March 20, 2021 vs King's Lynn Town (home)
March 23, 2021 vs Solihull Moors (home)
March 27, 2021 vs Dagenham & Redbridge (away)
