1. Joe Lewis and Ali Omar stand out performers again for United.
For over 40 minutes Torquay United succeeded in keeping Plymouth Argyle at bay - thanks in no small part to a fine defensive display from centre back duo Joe Lewis and Ali Omar. It was Omar's departure through injury that weakened United's defence, and it was shortly after his departure from the field of play on 39 minutes that the Pilgrims struck twice before the half time break through Niall Ennis and Panutche Camara. Lewis, who was a key performer for the Gulls in their 3-0 win over Truro City on Tuesday night, played a key role in keeping the Pilgrims at bay. Highlights of his display included narrowly missing the target in the opening minutes, when he headed an Armani Little corner wide and he deflected a shot from his former Wales Under-21 teammate Luke Jephcott behind for a corner in the 22nd minute.
2. Randall's display a great advert for the benefits of a loan move to Plainmoor.
As a virtual ever present for the Gulls while on loan from Plymouth Argyle last season, Adam Randell won Torquay United's young player of the year award in the 2020-21 campaign. Randell was also the only Pilgrims' player to appear for the full 90 minutes - and he was amongst Argyle's star performers. He was also responsible for taking nearly all of the Pilgrims' set pieces and he did his chances of earning a starting berth when Argyle play Rotherham United at the New Yorks Stadium next Saturday no harm at all. In addition to this, any manager of a club in the Championship or League One would no doubt be made aware of the potential benefits of sending young prospects on loan to the Gulls.
3. Argyle's extra sharpness told in the end.
In some ways the outcome of United's meeting with the Pilgrims was no surprise as it was the only the Gulls' third pre-season friendly outing, whereas Argyle were taking part in their warm up match. Their preparations have included three matches against Bristol City, Swansea City and Middlesbrough and their superior sharpness and intent eventually told. Two late second half goals from Niall Ennis and Panutche Camara gave them a comfortable lead heading into half time break, but, to United's credit, it wasn't until the 82nd minute that the Pilgrims finally added their third through sub Ryan Hardie.
4. More trialists on display for the Gulls.
Torquay manager Gary Johnson included three more trialists in his side - namely Trialist A, who started in the centre of midfield before moving to right-back, and Trialist B, a striker, and Trialist C, who replaced Trialist A, who played as a centre back. With three more pre-season friendlies to come against Tiverton Town, Chippenham Town and AFC Bournemouth Under-23 side in the next ten days they could yet feature again, as they seek to earn a contract with the Gulls.
5.First glimpse of Mark Halstead.
United's clash with Argyle also offered many of the Plainmoor faithful the chance to catch a glimpse of goalkeeper Mark Halstead in action for the first time. A 30-year old shot stopper, who joined the Gulls from Morecambe, produced a steady display on his first home start and couldn't have done anything about any of the Pilgrims' three goals. He was also called into action to deny Argyle sub Danny Mayor in the last minute of normal time.
6. Friends Reunited.
As well as the returning former Gulls loanees Adam Randell and Ryan Law there was another member of the Plymouth Argyle squad who would have been instantly recognisable to Gary Johnson. The Pilgrims' right wing-back Joe Edwards was the first signing of Johnson's second spell in charge of Yeovil Town between 2012 and 2015 when he joined the Glovers on loan from Bristol City in January 2012. It was a move that Johnson later made permanent and Edwards went on to appear in the Yeovil side that won promotion to the Championship in the 2012-13 season.
Torquay United (4-3-3): Halstead; Wynter, Lewis (Moyse 74), Omar (Andrews 39), Moxey; Trialist A (Trialist C 46), Little (Piper 85), O'Connell; Lemonheigh-Evans, Wright (Koszela 74), Lolos (Trialist B 46)
Subs not used: Brzozowski
Plymouth Argyle (3-5-2): Burton (Cooper 59); Tomlinson (Mitchell 82), Scarr, Gillesphy (Pursall 82); Edwards (Craske 74), Camara (Houghton 66), Randell, Broom (Mayor 59), Law (Galloway 66); Jephcott (Shirley 80), Ennis (Hardie 58)
