Sunday, 16 May 2021

SIX TALKING POINTS FROM STOCKPORT COUNTY VERSUS TORQUAY UNITED

1. Nothing can be decided until the final day if the Gulls beat Barnet next Saturday. 

United's 2-2 draw with Stockport County leaves them three points behind leaders Sutton United with two games to go. However, if the Gulls win against Barnet next Saturday and Sutton manage to beat Hartlepool United, Sutton cannot be mathematically confirmed as champions until the final day of the campaign. It is also worth mentioning that Hartlepool will still be aiming to finish third and reach the semi-finals of the end of season play-offs. In a season that has had more dramatic twists than the BBC's Line of Duty - there could be yet more drama ahead.

2. Boden at the double for the Gulls. 

While he may have been furloughed by parent club Chesterfield, Scott Boden has proved to be an excellent loan acquistion for Torquay United and Gary Johnson. Boden's brace against Stockport County - the first came from the penalty spot in the 40th minute and his second came on 57 minutes after his initial effort hit the bar - takes his tally for the season to six. He has proved to be a more than adequate replacement for the injured Danny Wright. 

3. Lemonheigh-Evans wins man of the match award with a virtuoso display. 

Gulls' midfielder Connor Lemonheigh-Evans was chosen as man of the match by BT Sport summariser Adam Virgo. Lemonheigh-Evans started the game playing in the 'number 10' role behind lone striker Scott Boden and was unlucky not to open the scoring on 24 minutes with a shot that hit the post. In the 39th minute, it was a challenge on him by Stockport's Ryan Croasdale that resulted in referee Andrew Kitchen awarding a penalty to United - which was converted by Boden. Lemonheigh-Evans would also have a hand in the Gulls' second goal on 57 minutes - as his pass found Jake Andrews on the left, who then set up Boden for his second of the afternoon. 

4. The welcome returns of Ben Whitfield and Kyle Cameron. 

United's clash with Stockport also saw the welcome returns of Kyle Cameron and Ben Whitfield following lengthy absences through injury from the subs bench. Vice-captain Cameron had only made one substitute appearance against Sutton on April 13, after sustaining a hamstring injury against FC Halifax in February and Whitfield hadn't featured for United since March 13 against Boeham Wood. While Whitfield slotted in on left wing on entering the fray, Cameron was deployed as a makeshift centre forward by Johnson - and he even teed up Joe Lewis for a shot that the Gulls' defender blasted over. Their respective returns have provided the Gulls with a timely boost ahead of their two remaining league fixtures and possibly the play-offs. 

5. A great advert for the National League. 

If anyone had ever doubted the quality of football on display in the National League, then the Gulls' clash with the Hatters should be recommended viewing. It was a game that had everything from stunning finishes to fine passing with some excellent saves from United's Lucas Covolan and Stockport's Ben Hinchcliffe thrown in for good measure. Macauley Southam-Hales' curling opener for the Hatters on 34 minutes was a goal that could have graced any occasion.

6. United's fine record at Edgeley Park remains intact. 

Since United beat Stockport 2-0 at Edgeley Park in September 2004, with a brace from Martin Gritton, they have only come away from the subsequent visits to the Hatters with one defeat. The Gulls' record since that autumnal day in Greater Manchester reads: played 7, won 3, drawn 3 and lost 1 (one of those wins came in an FA Cup first round that was switched to Macclesfield's Moss Rose ground due to the state of the Edgeley Park pitch).