1. 1. Danny Wright’s contribution.
Had Danny Wright started every game for Torquay United in their 2020-21 Vanarama National League campaign, then there is every reason to believe that they could have gone up as champions. Wright, who was previously a key player in Gary Johnson’s Cheltenham Town side who won the National League in the 2015-16 season, opened the scoring after 35 seconds when he headed home Joe Lewis’ cross. He then restored the Gulls’ lead two minutes into the second half when he turned home a cross from Adam Randell to restore United’s lead. It was only Wright’s second appearance since he limped off with a hamstring injury on Boxing Day against Yeovil Town. His only other appearance came on Good Friday against Woking, when he came off the bench to score the decisive goal in a 1-0 win for the Gulls. In the 20 appearances that he made for United in the 2020-21 season - their records reads: played 20, won 16, drawn 2 and lost 2.
2. 2. Decided by extra time and a penalty.
In an interview with the Herald Express/Devon Live Torquay United podcast, former Gulls’ manager and one-time Notts County player Don O’Riordan predicted that the meeting between his two former sides could be decided by extra time and penalties. Indeed, the match was decided in extra time via a penalty, as Dean Moxey converted from the spot after Connor Lemonheigh-Evans had been felled by former United defender Mark Ellis to make it 4-2 to the Gulls. United skipper Asa Hall had earlier headed home a corner from Jake Andrews for United's third to make it 3-2. So O’Riordan was largely on the money with his prediction of the outcome. It was a shame that more fans couldn’t have witnessed it.
3. 3. United’s journey under Gary Johnson continues.
When Gary Johnson was first appointed as
Torquay United manager in September 2018, the Gulls were 14th in the
National League South and had just lost 1-0 to Chippenham Town. However, United’s
second place finish in the 2020-21 National League campaign represents an
improvement of 37 league places and with the National League Play-off final
still to come - against either Stockport County or Hartlepool United – the prize
of a return to the Football League after seven years away remains within their
sights. However, regardless of the outcome at Ashton Gate, Johnson appears set to take charge of the Gulls in the 2021-22 season after he signed a new contract shortly before United's semi-final clash.
Due to Wembley being out of action due to the delayed Euro 2020 being hosted there, the National League Play-off will be taking place at Ashton Gate – the home of one of Gary Johnson’s former clubs Bristol City. Ashton Gate holds many fond memories for Johnson, as the Robins clinched promotion to the Championship there on the final day of the 2006-07 season with a 3-1 win over Rotherham United; former Gull Alex Russell scored City’s third goal which effectively ended the game as a contest. Also, Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Jake Andrews – both former Bristol City players – will be going back to the home of their former club.
5. 5. Home advantage counts yet again.
Torquay United proved that once again the team with home advantage prevails in the 2020-21 National League Play-offs. In the first stage eliminator, Notts County beat Chesterfield at Meadow Lane while Hartlepool United beat Bromley at Victoria Park. Can Stockport County beat Hartlepool to complete the set?
6. 6. A good footballing day for South Devon – as Kieffer Moore scores for Wales.
As well as the Gulls taking a step closer to a return to the Football League, Paignton-born former United loanee Kieffer Moore was on target to secure a draw for Wales in their opening Euro 2020 fixture against Switzerland. Moore famously scored five goals in four appearances while on loan at Plainmoor from Forest Green Rovers in the 2016-17 season - and also played for Yeovil Town under Gary Johnson between 2013 and 2015.
