1.A first glimpse of Gary Johnson's summer signings.
Those Torquay United fans who made the trip to Dorset to witness the Gulls' first pre-season friendly would have seen all seven of Gary Johnson's summer signings in action. Goalkeeper Mark Halstead, centre back Ali Omar, central midfield Tom Lapslie, Keelan O'Connell started on the left wing and Klaidi Lolos appeared up front. The second half saw goalkeeper Marcin Brozozowski and left-back Dan Martin enter the fray - along with first year pros Alex Moyse and Scott Piper - in a game that United won 2-0.
2. Olaf on target.
Since he first appeared for United during their 2018-19 National League South title winning campaign as a 16 year-old, Torquay United fans have taken a keen interest in the progress of Olaf Koszela. Therefore they would have pleased to see Koszela find the target with the Gulls' first goal against Poole, after he came on as a sub at half time for Danny Wright. With a further five friendlies to come for the Gulls there will be more opportunities for Koszela to impress Gary Johnson between now and United's opening league game against Altrincham on August 21.
3. Klaidi Lolos showed glimpses of promise.
When Plymouth Argyle manager Ryan Lowe released Klaidi Lolos he said that he had 'the potential to be the best player in the National League if he really wants to' - and he showed glimpses of that promise in his first outing for the Gulls. Lolos provided the assist for Olaf Koszela's opener in the 79th minute and then found the back of the net himself. The fitter and sharper he becomes the more deadlier in front of goal he may turn out to be.
4. Keelan O'Connell appears to be a carbon copy of Ben Whitfield.
The departure of wide man Ben Whitfield to United's National League rivals Stockport County was a major talking point over the summer. However, in Keelan O'Connell the Gulls might just have found a carbon copy of Whitfield. Former Bournemouth starlet O'Connell started on the left wing for United and swapped flanks to good effect with Triallist B in the first half. He also delivered a number of dangerous looking crosses and was responsible for all of United's set pieces deliveries in the first half - until the introduction of Armani Little at half time. O'Connell continued to pose a threat to the Dolphins in the second half - as one of five players who completed the full 90 minutes, along with Ben Wynter, Louie Slough, Ali Omar and Klaidi Lolos.
5. Solid at the back.
Another hallmark of United's display was the performance of centre back pairing Louie Slough and Ali Omar. Slough is yet to feature for the Gulls in a competitive fixture and Omar arrived at Plainmoor following his release by Barnsley. With Kyle Cameron's departure for Notts County and Sam Sherring returning to Bournemouth following his season-long loan spell, there is a vacancy for a regular start at centre back for United, who currently only have three specialist centre backs under contract. Joe Lewis, who established himself as a regular centre back following his permanent return from Swansea City in the second half of the 2020-21 season, was on the bench against Poole, but as a right footer it is likely that he (Lewis) will feature alongside either one of Slough or Omar, who are both left footers.
6. Triallists
Gary Johnson also included two triallists in his starting eleven, who appeared under aliases of Triallist A and B. Triallist A played in the centre of midfield, while Triallist B appeared out wide. Both may get further chances to impress in United's next two friendlies against Truro City (July 27) and Plymouth Argyle (July 31).
United (4-4-2): Halstead (Brozozowski 46); Wynter (c), Slough, Omar, Moxey (Martin 46), Triallist B, Triallist A (Piper 68), Lapslie (Moyse 68), O'Connell; Wright (Koszela 46), Lolos
Sub not used: Lewis
