1. A game of two goalkeepers.
Although the encounter was ultimately decided by Jamal Fyfield's early strike, both goalkeepers Mark Halstead (Torquay) and Nathan Ashmore (Boreham Wood) played their part too. The Gulls had Halstead to thank for making a number of important stops in the first half, most notably an effort from Lee Ndlovu which he saved with his feet. In the second half, Ashmore made a string of saves to deny Brett McGavin, Corie Andrews, Ryan Hanson and skipper Asa Hall - in what was an end to end affair.
2. Would Aaron Jarvis had made a difference for the Gulls?
With Boreham Wood opposition managers often know what they are going to get from them; solid, organised; physical. So you have to wonder how United might have fared against them if they been able to call upon Aaron Jarvis. The presence of Jarvis against a back three of Femi Ilsanmi, Will Evans and Jamal Fyfield might have given them a little more to think about than Will Goodwin and Corie Andrews, who both tried hard but to no avail.
3. Referees in the spotlight again.
In his post-match interview, Gulls boss Gary Johnson had plenty to say about the performance of referee Matthew Russell. In the first half, Boreham Wood defender Will Evans escaped without caution following 'off the ball' incident with Corie Andrews, which saw Andrews fall to the ground. Then in the second half, it could argued that Torquay could have had a penalty when Will Goodwin appeared to be impeded shortly before Ryan Hanson and Tom Lapslie were denied early in the second half.
There has been plenty of debate about the standard of refereeing up and down the country in the National League in the last few years, but in the opinion of yours truly the standard of player in the National League has become closer to League Two in the past few years and the standard of officiating needs to follow suit.
4. Only two conceded, but only one scored.
Whilst United currently have one of the strongest defences in the National League, they also have one of the least potent attacks. Only FC Halifax Town, who are yet to score, have scored fewer goals than United. However, with Corie Andrews having returned from an injury lay-off, things might change soon in that regard. Stoke City loanee Will Goodwin has stepped up to the plate following Aaron Jarvis' absence through injury, and he has come close to hitting the target - hitting the bar against Oldham and Bromley, and he also had an effort chalked off for offside against Bromley.
5. Dean Moxey continues to be a talismanic figure.
United defender Dean Moxey produced a display which belies his 36 years of age, as he picked up the sponsors man of the match award. As is often mentioned in this column, Moxey's move from left back to centre back has given him a new lease of life.
