1. 'Gary time' - but not as we know it.
Throughout Gary Johnson's reign as Torquay United manager, the Gulls have become famed for scoring winning goals and equalising goals in what has become known as 'Gary time'.
However, on Saturday against FC Halifax United almost overturned a three goal deficit in the dying minutes of the game, as Klaidi Lolos proved to be a 'super sub' to pull a goal back before Armani Little struck with a long range effort to leave the Plainmoor faithful dreaming of a late comeback. Sadly, it wasn't be as they ran out of time to complete what had previously seemed liked the least likiest of comebacks.Nevertheless, United's two late goals shouldn't paper over the cracks - as their display in the build up to those two goals meant that they were unable to take advantage of them when they arrived.
2. Billy Waters returns to haunt the Gulls.
By scoring Halifax's third and, ultimately, decisive goal, Billy Waters joined a list of former players to have scored against the Gulls on their return to Plainmoor. Jo Kuffour netted a brace for Gillingham in the 2011-12 season, Ryan Jarvis was on target for York City in the 2013-14 campaign and current assistant manager Aaron Downes was on the score sheet for a Cheltenham Town side managed by Gary Johnson in the 2015-16 season.
Waters' effort against the Gulls was his 13th of the season for the Shaymen, which is more than the eight he managed in all competitions for United in 2020-21. It is also more than the player that he was signed to replace Jake Hyde has managed for Wrexham.
3. Armani approaching double figures.
By netting United's second goal of the afternoon against the Shaymen, Armani Little has now taken his goal scoring tally for the 2021-22 campaign to nine. Little is not only one goal short of reaching double figures, he is also five goals short of the 14 goals that last season's top scorer Asa Hall managed over the course of the 2020-21 season.
4. Klaidi Lolos gives Gary Johnson something to think about.
In his post-match interview, Gary Johnson admiited that he had a lot to think about, and one of those could be whether to give Klaidi Lolos more game time or not. Lolos' introduction certainly livened up the Gulls' display and he always looked as though he could make something happen once he came on. His goal was just rewards for his efforts and it will be interesting to see if it results in him getting more game time from Johnson. Lolos' strike also takes his goal tally to three, making him United's joint second top scorer with Connor Lemonheigh-Evans.
5. The elephant in the room.
Yesterday's result now leaves the Gulls' four points off the relegation zone (United are in 17th place on 18 points, with Southend United occupying the final relegation spot in 21st place on 14 points).
With an away game against Weymouth coming up next weekend and then the visit of Stockport County to Plainmoor before their festive double header against Yeovil Town, which either side of a trip to Eastleigh, United need to return to winning wins and quickly.
6. A fine refereeing display.
Referees in the National League often don't get a good press, so when one of the men in black produces a good display they deserve some credit. Yesterday referee Ryan Atkin proved himself to be one of the better refereeing performances witnessed at Plainmoor in recent years. Unlike many referees, Atkin was neither 'card happy' or 'whistle happy' and let the game flow, and made the right calls for the majority of the time.
