SCHUEY'S AT THE POTTERS' WHEEL - BUT WHAT DIRECTION WILL ARGYLE TAKE NEXT?

 'Can he do it on a cold Tuesday night in Stoke?' has become a well worn footballing cliche since Stoke City won promotion to the Premier League under Tony Pulis in the 2007-08 season and laid the foundations for a decade long stay in the division. 

Now, after making the same journey from Home Park to the Bet365 Stadium that Pulis made in the summer of 2006, Steven Schumacher has becomes the latest manager to accept the challenge of leading the Potters back into the top flight following their relegation at the end of the 2017-18 campaign. 

With a win ratio of 52.78% and after winning the League One title with a record 101 points in the 2022-23 season, it was perhaps only a matter of time before Schumacher was head hunted in the same manner that other Argyle managers such as Paul Sturrock, Tony Pulis, Ian Holloway and his predecessor and good friend Ryan Lowe were in the last two decades. 

Since the summer of 2018, several managers have tried to revive the Potters' fortunes, including Gary Rowett, Nathan Jones, former Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill and Alex Neil, but failed to. However, if Schumacher can implement the formula that served him so well with the Pilgrims. 

Where does this leave the Pilgrims? One man who will have a say in choosing Schumacher's successor will be Director of Football Neil Dewsnip, who was also responsible for selecting Schumacher as Ryan Lowe's replacement when he left to take charge of Preston North End. 

It is unlikely that new boss will be appointed until the New Year, so Dewsnip and first team coach Kevin Nancekivell will be overseeing the first team in the meantime. 

Names already mentioned include John Eustace, who was sacked by Birmingham City to make way for Wayne Rooney, Notts County manager Luke Williams and former Pilgrims boss Neil Warnock, who managed the club between 1995-1997, have already been linked with the post.  

Whoever the Pilgrims choose to appoint will be inheriting a core of talented young players that include summer signings Bali Mumba and Morgan Whittaker, goalkeeper Michael Cooper once he returns from injury and young central midfielder Adam Randell. 

 

 

TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS HEMEL HEMPSTEAD

1. Dean Moxey scores winner in 'Gary time'

When it needed someone to step up when it mattered most, United skipper Dean Moxey duly delivered as he arrived to turn home Brett McGavin's cross in the 89th minute to seal a 3-2 for Torquay United against Hemel Hempstead Town. 

Moxey arrived at the back post, just when it was looking as though the Gulls might have to settle for a post, and found the back of the net for the first time this season to secure a fifth straight win for United. 

If ever you needed your captain to step up to the plate, then that was it.

2. The resurgence of Ryan Hanson.

After experiencing a challenging 2022-23 campaign, central midfielder Ryan Hanson is now beginning to put a consistent run of form together. 

The former Hull City youngster scored United's first goal as he slotted home after Theo Williams had seen his shot blocked. 

He also had a hand in the Gulls' second goal, as it was his through ball found Theo Williams, who saw his effort parried away by Hemel keeper Craig King before Ethon Archer bundled home United's equaliser. 

3. Ethon Archer is turning out to be a real find. 

A few eyebrows were raised by the Plainmoor faithful when United manager Gary Johnson signed Ethon Archer from Isthmian League side Three Bridges. However, Archer is now showing why Johnson was prepared to take a punt on him.

As well as scoring his first goal for the club when he bundled home the rebound from Theo Williams' saved effort, Archer proved to be a thorn in the side of Hemel Hempstead and was a constant threat for the Gulls. 

Expect him to make many more appearances between now and the end of the campaign. 

4. Theo Williams was a focal point up front.

With Aaron Jarvis and Brad Ash both absent through injury, it was left to Theo Williams to lead United's forward line against Hemel Hempstead. 

The Fleetwood Town loanee, who flanked by EthonArcher and Lewis Collins, proved to be an effective focal point for the Gulls' attack, and played a key role in United's first two goals. 

It was from his blocked shot that Ryan Hanson netted United's first goal and it was he who forced the save from which Archer bundled home United's leveller. 

It will be a role that he will be set to continue in in the coming weeks and months. 

5. United now up to second. 

As results elsewhere went in their favour, the Gulls have now moved up to second in the National League South table. 

United started the day in fourth place, but Maidstone United's 5-1 defeat to Worthing and Hampton and Richmond's goalless draw with league leaders Yeovil Town sees United sitting in second place, which will give them a big advantage in the play-offs should they find themselves occupying it at the end of the season.

Second spot will guarantee the Gulls home advantage in the play-off semi-finals and then in the final itself should they progress. 

TON UP FOR RANDELL

Plymouth Argyle midfielder Adam Randell picked the perfect way to mark his 100th appearance for the Pilgrims, as he struck with a 90th minute winner against Stoke City. 

For a boyhood Argyle fan Randell, who progressed through the club's youth ranks, the script could not have been written any better as he secured a 2-1 win over his hometown club. 

Randell joins a long line of Plymouth-born players who have endeared themselves to the 'Green Army' over the years and established themselves as first team regulars. The list includes the likes of Steve Davey, John Uzzell, Mickey Evans, Paul Wotton, Steve Adams, Joe Mason, not to mention Randell's teammate Michael Cooper. 

After signing his first professional contract in 2018, Randell made a smattering of appearances for the Pilgrims before joining Torquay United on a season-long loan deal in the 2020-21 campaign. He finished the season as the Gulls' young player of the year and also featured in their National League Play-off final defeat to Hartlepool United. 

On his return to Home Park, he soon became a regular in the Argyle line-up as he helped the Pilgrims to win promotion from League One with a record points haul of 101 and the final of the EFL Trophy in the 2022-23 campaign. 

TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS TONBRIDGE ANGELS

1. Dean Moxey's excellent display in the heart of United's defence. 

United defender Dean Moxey was like a Rolls Royce in the centre of the Gulls' defence. Not only did the Gulls' skipper make a number of crucial blocks, tackles and interceptions, his distribution was also outstanding as he seldom wasted a pass. 

He also played an important role in keeping Tonbridge Angels' leading scorer Jordan Greenidge quiet. 

2. Brad Ash makes it eight for the campaign. 

By scoring the winning goal for the Gulls, Brad Ash took his tally for the season to eight goals, which puts him one behind United's leading scorer Aaron Jarvis, who currently has nine to his name. 

Jack Stobbs teed up sub Dylan Crowe for a cross which found Ash, who struck to restore the Gulls' lead in the 61st minute - Francis Mampolo had cancelled out Dillon De Silva's tenth minute opener two minutes earlier. 

Ash is now almost half way to equalling his tally of 18 goals from last season with Weymouth, who United face on Tuesday night. 

3. Lewis Collins' cross for Dillon De Silva's opener. 

After making his move from Newport County permanent, following an impressive loan spell in the 2022-23 season, Lewis Collins' form for the Gulls had been indifferent, but he produced arguably his best display for United in 2023-24. 

On ten minutes, he latched onto a ball down the left wing from Jack Stobbs before producing a cross which found Dillon De Silva who scored the Gulls' opening goal.

4. McGavin's industriousness in midfield.

Since Brett McGavin's move to playing as a deep lying playmaker in front of the Gulls' back four, the former Ipswich Town starlet has been given more licence to express his ability. 

However, against Tonbridge Angels, he displayed a different side to his game, producing arguably his best display in terms of work rate. 

In addition to looking get on the ball and find a pass, he also made a number of important tackles and won numerous headers. 

5. The sit-in protest. 

Once the 90 minutes were up, around 150 United fans stayed behind as part of a sit in protest against the lack of communication from the club's board of directors.

In response to the threat of the protest, the club have announced an online fan's forum, whereby supporters can email questions to the club. There is also plans for an Independent Supporters Steering Group. Also, CEO George Edwards has met with Torquay United Supporter's Trust chairman Nick Broderick in the past week. 

In addition to this, United chairman Clarke Osborne also gave an interview to the Torbay Weekly editor Jim Parker. The interview itself was ground breaking, as Osborne rarely gives interviews. He is also rarely seen at United matches, which he indicates is down to his various business and family commitments. Nevertheless, if Osborne was to make an appearance on Boxing Day, when the Gulls' face Truro City, it would be seen as a genuine attempt to build bridges with the fanbase.

TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS YEOVIL TOWN FA TROPHY

 1. The Glovers winning run comes to a halt. 

 All good things come to an end and that proved to be the case for Yeovil Town as their club record 14-match winning run ended with defeat to Torquay United in the FA Trophy second round. 

The Glovers' run included a 3-1 win over the Gulls at Plainmoor on November 7, where they displayed their credentials as potential National League South champions. 

However, against a much changed Yeovil side, United produced what could be described as a 'statement display' - as the Gulls look to close the 13 point gap that exists between them and the Glovers in the National League South table. With the way the play-offs are structured in National Leagues North and South, finishing second in the table as possible provides home advantage for the semi-finals and the final, which should United maintain the performance levels that they showed yesterday will certainly be in their sights. 

2. Callum Dolan's dynamic midfield display. 

It could be argued that the Gulls' league meeting with the Glovers earlier this month was won and lost in the midfield, with Yeovil pair Jordan Young and Sonny-Blu Lo-Everton emerging as stand-out performers. 

However, in their FA Trophy re-match, it was United who dominated in the centre of the park as  Callum Dolan, Brett McGavin and Ryan Hanson, and out of the aforementioned trio Dolan was outstanding performer. 

The Fleetwood Town loanee played a key role in setting up Dillon De Silva for his opening goal and then he doubled the Gulls' lead on 49 minutes with a shot from the edge of the penalty area. He could have helped himself to a brace if his 20-yard effort early in the game hadn't been disallowed for a foul in the build-up.

3. Dillon De Silva's early opener. 

After missing much of the 2023-24 campaign with injury, winger Dillon De Silva marked his first start since the beginning of September with the game's opening goal. 

The Sri Lankan international latched onto a cross field ball from Callum Dolan and then cut inside onto his left foot before slotting past Glovers' keeper Joe Day to give the Gulls a perfect start. 

During his loan spell from QPR in the 2022-23 season, De Silva found the back of the net four times, and if he continues to display the form that he showed against Yeovil then he will surely better that tally.

4. Dylan Crowe excels as a left-back. 

Throughout the history of the game there have been a number of right footed players who have excelled as left backs. Notable names include Pat Van Den Hauwe, Denis Irwin and Philipp Lahm, and Dylan Crowe put in a great shift on the left hand side of the Gulls defence. 

The former Ipswich Town and England youth prospect, who is a right back by trade, looked to get forward at every opportunity and also looked very assured defensively, keeping Jordan Young, who was a key performer in Yeovil's National League South victory over the Gulls, quiet. 

Earlier in the season, Crowe was loaned out to Havant and Waterlooville, but he seems to returned to Plainmoor with a greater sense of purpose based on this showing. He also has some competition for the left-back slot with the loan acquisition of Archie Harris from AFC Bournemouth.

5. 250 not out for Gary Johnson. 

Saturday's tie also marked United manager Gary Johnson's 250th game in charge of the Gulls in all competitions, and it was probably quite apt that it saw him secure a win over his former club. 

With 117 wins, 49 draws and 84 defeats, Johnson has a win ratio of 46.80% and he is only the third United manager to have overseen that number of games. Only Frank Brown (279) and Eric Webber (680) have overseen more.

TORQUAY UNITED AND YEOVIL TOWN: A RECENT HISTORY

Unless you are a fan of one of their traditional rivals, namely Exeter City, Plymouth Argyle or Weymouth, then it is difficult to dislike either Torquay United and Yeovil Town. 

However, since the 2019-20 campaign, the pair have played in the same league as each after only previously crossed swords as divisional opponents in the 2003-04 season, which was Yeovil's maiden campaign as a Football League club.

In their first meeting of the season in September 2003 at Huish Park, Torquay returned to Devon as 2-0 victors with goals from David Graham and Jo Kuffour.

When the two sides met again at Plainmoor later on that season in front of a near capacity crowd of 6,156 in April 2004. The Glovers raced into a two-goal lead with Darren Way and Jake Edwards finding the target before United skipper Craig Taylor pulled one back with a free-kick shortly before half-time. The Gulls drew level in the second half through Steve Woods who slotted home after seeing his 59th penalty saved by Steve Collis.

At the end of the campaign, the Gulls clinched automatic promotion for the first time in 38 years, while Yeovil finished eighth - narowly missing out on a Play-off spot.

The following 2004-05 season saw the pair were drawn together in the first round of the LDV Vans Trophy. On that occasion, only two league places separated the two sides as the Gulls lay 23rd in League One, after winning automatic promotion in the previous 2003-04 campaign, and the Glovers were top of League Two.

A crowd of 1,610 poured into Plainmoor to see Torquay take the lead through Jo Kuffour on 17 minutes before Latvian international Andrejs Stolcers, who had represented his country in Euro 2004 during the close season, levelled for the visitors three minutes before half-time.

Early in the second half, two goals from skipper Craig Taylor and Bayo Akinfenwa, his first for the Gulls, in the 53rd and 59th minutes respectively gave Torquay a 3-1 lead.

However, the Glovers, famed for claiming a number of higher division scalps during their non-league days, weren’t to be undone as strikes from Adrian Caceres and Bartosz Tarachulski saw Yeovil level at 3-3 and sent the tie into extra time.

With four minutes remaining, and the game set to be heading for penalties, Akinfenwa scored a late winner for the Gulls.

Then, as part of his celebration, ran into the Family Stand behind the goal and sat down in an empty seat, a decision which earned him a red card as Torquay played out the final four minutes with ten men, but they still hung on to their slender advantage to win.

Torquay would exit the competition in the next round following a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Northampton Town and at the end of the season.

The two sides would swap divisions at the end of the season as a 2-1 defeat at Colchester on the final day of the campaign saw the Gulls relegated to League Two, whilst the Glovers clinched the League Two title with a 3-0 victory over Lincoln City in their final fixture.

Two years later, both Torquay and Yeovil would experience further contrasting fortunes as the Gulls lost their Football League status for the first time in 80 years whereas the Glovers found themselves one game away from a place in the Championship after reaching the League One Play-Off final where they were beaten by Blackpool.

Their paths would cross again in the first round of the following season’s FA Cup, the most recent encounter between the two sides, which saw Torquay win 4-1 as Chris Todd and Danny Stevens both scored doubles to cancel out Marcus Stewart’s opener for Yeovil.

In the 2012-13 season, by which time the Gulls had re-established themselves as a Football League club, they met again in the rebranded Johnstone's Paint Trophy at Plainmoor. They drew 2-2 with Ryan Jarvis netting a brace for United and James Hayter doing the same for the Glovers before Yeovil won 5-4 on penalties. At the end of the campaign, Gary Johnson, then in his second spell in charge at Huish Park, guided the Glovers to an unlikely promotion to the Championship, as they beat Brentford 2-1 in the League One Play-off final, while Torquay avoided relegation from League Two. 

However, the subsequent 2013-14 season would see the Gulls relegated from the Football League for a second time. Nevertheless, they wouldn't face Yeovil in a competitive fixture until the 2019-20 campaign, which followed their National League South title triumph under Gary Johnson. The Glovers had gone into a sharp decline since their promotion to the Championship and experienced three relegations between 2014 and 2018 - which saw them return to non-league football after 16 years in the Football League.

At Huish Park on Boxing Day 2019, Yeovil recorded their biggest ever win over the Gulls with a thumping 6-2 win, which was followed by a 2-0 victory at Plainmoor on New Year's Day. The Glovers would finish the 2019-20 campaign in 4th place - which cemented their place in the Play-offs in a National League that was decided by PPG (Points per game) following its suspension due to the Covid-19 pandemic, where they were beaten by Barnet.

The following 2020-21 campaign saw the Gulls enact a modium of revenge on Yeovil, as hit the Glovers for six on Boxing Day 2020 at Plainmoor - in a game that saw them lead 4-0 at the half-time interval. It was Torquay's biggest ever win over the Glovers, but Yeovil secured a 2-1 win over United in their re-match at Huish Park on January 2, 2021. The Gulls would go on to reach the National League Play-off final, where they were beaten 4-3 on penalties by Hartlepool United after drawing 1-1 in normal time. 

The two sides once again met on Boxing Day in 2021-22, which saw United win 3-0, with goals from Ben Wynter, Jack Sparkes and Joe Lewis in a game which also saw the Glovers reduced to ten men after Sonny-Blu Lo-Everton was dismissed for an off-the-ball challenge on Tom Lapslie. 

In the return fixture on January 2, 2022, the Gulls came from behind to win 2-1 at Huish Park. A long range strike from Jordan Barnett had given Yeovil the lead before Connor Lemonheigh-Evans scored directly from a corner and substitute Dan Holman slotted home in the 89th minute, as the Gulls completed their first ever double over the Glovers. United would finish the season in 11th place, and the Yeovil one place below in 12th. 

When the two sides met again in the 2022-23 season, both sides were fighting to avoid relegation by the time they met once again on Boxing Day. Mark Ellis headed the Gulls in front in the first half before Malachi Linton came off the bench to equalise in the second half. 

The return fixture on New Year's Day saw Yeovil win 2-0 with late goals from Matty Worthington and Jordan Maguire-Drew. 

At the end of the campaign, the Gulls and the Glovers were relegated to National League South, Torquay finished 21st and Yeovil finished 22nd, and both sides find themselves in contention for promotion back to the National League in 2023-24. 

TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS BATH CITY

 1. Shaun Donnellan's goal. 

Goals for Shaun Donnellan seem to be like buses, after only finding the back of the net once in the 2022-23 campaign, he has now scored in two successive home games. 

There may have an element of fortune in his goal against Bath City, his shot took a wicked deflection off the head of Romans' skipper Kieran Parselle before flying past keeper Will Buse, but in the context of the Gulls' season it could turn out to be hugely important. 

As well as ending a run of two straight defeats, it also moves United up to fifth in the National League South table. 

2. Ollie Tomlinson stood out at the back. 

Young centre back Ollie Tomlinson was voted as the sponsor's man of the match on the back of a display which saw him keep the National League South's leading scorer Scott Wilson quiet. 

Over the course of the season, Tomlinson has arguably emerged as United's most improved player and manager Gary Johnson will be hoping that he can repeat his performance to silence Yeovil's Rhys Murphy. 

3. First glimpse at Plainmoor of Fleetwood loanees. 

Saturday's match with Bath was the first time that many of the Plainmoor faithful would have caught a glimpse of United's loan signings Callum Dolan and Theo Williams, who both arrived from Fleetwood Town, who are currently managed by Gary Johnson's son, Lee. 

Dolan, who had already made his debut away to Hampton and Richmond Borough, was making his home bow while Williams was appearing for the Gulls for the first time when he replaced Brad Ash on 56 minutes. 

In the first half, Dolan always looked to get on the ball and forced a save from Bath City keeper in the 12th minute a shot from the edge of the area, and showed good energy levels through out. Williams also asked one or two questions of the Romans' defence with his pace, as they both look set to become fine additions to the Gulls' squad. 

4. What difference could Aaron Jarvis have made? 

A recurring question on the mind of many Gulls' fans between now and until Christmas time when he makes his return from a knee injury will be 'what difference would Aaron Jarvis had made?' 

Jarvis is currently United's leading scorer with nine goals and could well have added to his tally against the Romans. However, we will never know for sure, but with a midfield of Callum Dolan, Tom Lapslie and Brett McGavin behind him, he would surely have got plenty of service. 

5. Plainmoor is becoming a fortress. 

United's victory over Bath City was their sixth win in eight league games at Plainmoor, thus earning themselves 18 points, which also sees the Gulls equal the number of home league wins that they recorded in the entirety of the 2022-23 campaign, which saw them relegated from the National League. 

In addition to this, United currently have the third best home record in the National League behind leaders Yeovil Town, who have picked up 23 points at Huish Park, and Farnborough, who have earned themselves 20 points in front of their own fans at Cherrywood Road.

TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS WELLING UNITED

 1. Aaron Jarvis takes his tally to eight for the season. 

A brace of penalties took Aaron Jarvis' goalscoring tally for the 2023-24 campaign to eight. Jarvis stepped up to convert in the 34th minute after he was felled by Welling goalkeeper James Holden. He then completed his brace on 64 minutes when he struck from the spot after referee Tom Ellsmore spotted that he had been pushed by Wings' right-back Crossley Lema. 

Remarkably, Jarvis' haul of goals includes six successfully taken penalties. However, they all count and the former Luton Town and Scunthorpe United striker is now one goal short of reaching 50% of his 2022-23 campaign of 18 after only 12 games. 

2. Brett McGavin's long range strike. 

Brett McGavin's third goal of the campaign in the 40th minute was also his third from long range. McGavin, who has excelled in his new role as a deep lying midfield playmaker, found the back of the net four times in the 2022-23 season, but is currently one goal away from equalling it. 

3. Donnellan on target. 

After only finding the back of the net against Hampton and Richmond in the FA Cup last season, Shaun Donnellan scored his first league goal for the Gulls against Welling. 

Donnellan connected with a diagonal free-kick from left to right from Jack Stobbs before lobbing Wings' keeper James Holden, who later saw red for a second yellow card. 

4. United's second five goal haul of the season so far. 

The Gulls' five-goal haul against Welling was the second time that they have found the back of the net five times in 2023-24, after also putting five past Hungerford Town in the third qualifying round of the FA Cup. 

It was a display reminiscent of United's previous season in the National League South in the 2018-19 season, when they defeated Oxford City 7-2, Dulwich Hamlet 5-2 and St Albans City and Slough Town 4-0. Hopefully there will be more similar results to come across the remainder of the current campaign. 

5. Coming from behind to win. 

United's win over Welling was also the third time that the Gulls have won this season after falling behind. In August, United came from behind to beat Slough Town and Braintree Town 2-1 on both occasions. However, neither of them were as emphatic as the Gulls' victory over Welling.

6. The Gulls now up to fourth. 

The result sees United move up three places after Aveley and Maidstone United drew with Truro City and Farnborough respectively and Worthing were beaten by leaders Yeovil Town. 

If the Gulls were to miss out on clinching top spot in National League South at the end of the campaign, finishing second would give them home advantage not only in the semi-finals of the NLS play-offs, but also in the final itself should they reach it. 

However, everything is still to play for as far as winning the league is concerned.

TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS MAIDSTONE UNITED FA CUP

 1. Maidstone's first goal. 

If VAR was in use for the FA Cup fourth qualifying round, then it would have been called into action to review Maidstone's opening goal. 

Torquay keeper Mark Halstead appeared to have gathered the ball with both hands when Levi Amantchi pounced to score the Stones' opening goal. However, should Maidstone's opener have been disallowed. 

The laws of the game state that a goalkeeper is deemed to be in control of the ball if the ball is between the hand or any surface (e.g ground, own body) or by touching it with any part of the hands or arms, except if the ball rebounds from the goalkeeper or the goalkeeper has made a save; when holding the ball in an outstretched open hand or bouncing it on the ground or throwing it in the air. A goalkeeper cannot be challenged by an opponent when in control of the ball. 

A similar incident occured during a Premier League fixture between Aston Villa and Leicester City in the 2021-22 season, which Villa won 2-1 - but saw Jacob Ramsey seeing a goal disallowed because of Foxes keeper Kasper Schmeichel had a hand on the ball. 

The reaction of Maidstone fans, who were seated in the far end of Bristow's Bench nearest to the away end - and would therefore had a clear view of the goal, to the scoring of the goal was decidely low key. However without VAR we will never know whether the goal would have been disallowed or not.

2. If the Gulls had taken the lead could the outcome had been different? 

For long periods of the first half, Torquay were on top and could, and possibly should, have been in front before Maidstone took the lead. Tom Lapslie had looked well placed to score in the 17th minute and Aaron Jarvis had a hooked shot blocked on the line following a Jack Stobbs corner were amongst the better chances that Torquay created in the first half.

When the Gulls have taken the lead this season they have gone on to win on four occasions and draw once. However when they have conceded first, they have won twice and slipped to defeat four times. 

3. Free to concentrate on the league. 

Now that United have exited the FA Cup, they are now free to concentrate on their National League     South, aside from when they enter the FA Trophy, where promotion remains their ultimate aim. 

Instead of lining up in the FA Cup on November 4, the Gulls will be entertaining fellow promotion hopefuls Bath City, who themselves were eliminated from the cup by fellow National League South side Worthing.  

Just as in the 2018-19 campaign when Torquay clinched the National League South, they had to win promotion and the same is just as true now. 

4. Reinforcements needed. 

In the FA Cup, clubs are allowed to name seven subs on the bench, two more than they are allowed in the league, but United were only able to name five. Amongst them were the returning captain Asa Hall, second choice goalkeeper Rhys Lovett, Ryan Hanson, Dan Martin and rookie pro Callum Thomas. 

With loan duo Will Jenkins-Davies and Luke Pearce have returned to their parent clubs, Plymouth Argyle and Southampton respectively,

TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS MAIDSTONE UNITED

 1. Ross Marshall's sending off. 

Ross Marshall's 30th minute dismissal for a shirt tug on Maidstone's Sol Wanjau-Smith meant that the Gulls were playing more an hour - including injury time - with ten men. 

Marshall had already been left in trouble by a poor throw in from Shaun Donnellan, which allowed Wanjau-Smith to get in front him and referee Jack Bloxham deemed that Marshall had denied a clear goal scoring opportunity, and promptly pointed to the penalty spot.

Gulls boss Gary Johnson also admitted in his post-match interview that it was probably a red card and Marshall is now set to face a three-match ban.

2. Mark Halstead's penalty save. 

Once the penalty was awarded, Maidstone's leading scorer Levi Amantchi stepped up to take the spot-kick and Gulls' keeper Mark Halstead guessed its direction and palmed it away to safety. 

It was Halstead's third penalty save during his time at Plainmoor; last season he saved a penalty in United's 2-2 draw with Hampton and Richmond, before the Beavers scored from the rebound, and he famously denied Paul Mullin from the spot in the Gulls' 1-1 draw with Wrexham on the final day of the 2022-23 campaign.

3.Ollie Tomlinson came to the fore in defence. 

One of the few plus points from the Gulls' display against Maidstone was the performance of Ollie Tomlinson in the centre of defence. 

Whilst United were still playing with eleven men, he made an important block to deny Stones' midfielder Michael Petrasso. Once the Gulls were down to ten men, Tomlinson found himself playing in a back three with Shaun Donnellan and Dean Moxey and he duly stepped up to the plate. 

4. United still had chances. 

Despite going down to ten men, United still managed to carve out chances to win the game. In the 45th minute, Aaron Jarvis had an angled effort tipped away by the returning former Gulls keeper Lucas Covolan and early in the second half he connected with a cross from Brett McGavin, but missed the target. His striker partner Brad Ash later looked well placed to score as he found himself in a one-on-one situation with Covolan, but he lifted his shot over the bar. 

On another day, one or more of those chances might have gone in.

5. The return of Asa Hall.

Saturday's match also marked the return from injury of United club captain Asa Hall, as he came off the bench to replace Brett McGavin in the 77th minute. 

It was Hall's first appearance since he went off injured against Chippenham Town in United's third game of the campaign, and it will probably get a few games for him to be '90 minute fit'.

6. A chance to put things right. 

With the two sides due to meet again in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round, the Gulls have a chanc to put things right, and an opportunity to avenge their defeat.

GULLS GEAR UP FOR MAIDSTONE DOUBLE HEADER

For the second time in two seasons, Torquay United will be hosting the same opposition in the space in two weeks  - as Gary Johnson's side prepare themselves for a 'double header' against Maidstone United at Plainmoor. 

Last February, the Gulls faced Barnet in the FA Trophy and the National League in the space of a fortnight - losing 1-2 in the trophy before winning 2-1 in the league - and they will now be facing the Stones in National League South before they re-acquaint themselves with one another in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round. 

United were relegated with the Stones from the National League last season; Maidstone quite literally dropped like a stone - pardon the pun - before finishing rock bottom of the division whereas the Gulls kept the fight going until the final day of the campaign when relegation was finally confirmed with a 1-1 draw with champions Wrexham. 

The most recent meeting between the two sides occurred on January 28, 2023, which saw the Gulls win 1-0 with Aaron Jarvis' 79th minute strike ultimately proving to be difference, in what was their first win over the Stones since 1989. 

However, it will be a much changed Stones team that will be facing United this time round, which included former Gulls' keeper Lucas Covolan, who famously headed home a dramatic equaliser for United in the 2021 National League play-off final against Hartlepool United at Ashton Gate. 

TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS HUNGERFORD TOWN

1. Aaron Jarvis and Brad Ash back on the score sheet. 

After three games without finding the target, Aaron Jarvis and Brad Ash were both on target against Hungerford Town for the Gulls in the FA Cup third qualifying round. 

Jarvis netted twice from the penalty spot - in the 35th and 45th minutes - and Ash connected with a through ball from Brett McGavin on 41 minutes. 

With United returning to league action next week against Maidstone United, both Jarvis and Ash will no doubt be going into the game full of confidence having ended their mini-drought.

2. Bringing back memories of Gary Johnson's first season in  charge. 

One of the things that United fans found most enjoyable during Gary Johnson's first season in charge (2018-19), which, of course, ended with the Gulls clinching the National League South title was the number of big wins that United secured. 

Results such as 7-2 against Oxford City, 5-2 against Dulwich Hamlet and 7-0 against Lymington in the FA Cup were a regular occurence. After leading 5-0 at half-time against Hungerford, it looked as though United might emulate their result against Lymington. 

However, it wasn't due to a lack of effort as Aaron Jarvis was denied a hat trick as he headed a cross from Jack Stobbs against the post in the 54th minute. Brad Ash was also denied a brace by Hungerford keeper Ryan Clarke, who appeared for the Gulls in the 2017-18 season.

3. Jack Stobbs and Tom Lapslie have now scored in every round of the competition so far. 

In United's 3-0 win over Tim Sills' Wimborne Town side in the second qualifying round, Jack Stobbs and Tom Lapslie were amongst the scorers for the Gulls and they were on target again. 

Stobbs produced arguably his best display in a United shirt and gave the Gulls the lead in the 20th minute, and he played a key role in Lapslie's effort as he teed up Lewis Collins for a shot that Ryan Clarke parried away before the former Colchester United midfielder tapped home. 

The question can they make it three out of three in the fourth qualifying round. 

4. A quiet afternoon for Mark Halstead. 

On a number of occasions this season United keeper Mark Halstead has produced a string of saves that have played a key role in helping the Gulls secure a result. 

However, on this occasion, Halstead didn't have a serious save to make until the 56th minute, by which time United were already five goals to the good.

5. The biggest win of the round. 

The Gulls' 5-0 win over Hungerford was the biggest win of the FA Cup third qualifying round, and it also earned United another £5,625 worth of prize money.

 

EXETER REWARDED WITH BORO TIE AFTER KNOCKING OUT HATTERS

 Exeter City will host Michael Carrick's Middlesbrough in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup after producing arguably the shock of the round to defeat Premier League side Luton Town. 

Demetri Mitchell's 83rd minute proved to be difference between the two sides, and Mitchell later went from being a hero to a zero when he was dismissed after receiving a second yellow card on 88 minutes.

It was the first time that the Grecians had defeated top-flight opposition since they beat Leicester City 3-1 in a fourth round FA Cup during the 1980-81 season en route to reaching the quarter finals of the competition. 

City will now face Middlesbrough of the Championship in the last 16 of the cup, and the possibility of them drawing another exists should they manage to cause another upset.

NO OLD PALS ACT FOR LOWE

 There was no old pals act for Preston North End manager Ryan Lowe as his Lilywhites' side defeated his former club Plymouth Argyle, now managed by his former assistant Steven Schumacher. 

Duane Holmes got Preston off to a dream start when he turned home Liam Millar's cross to give the hosts the lead on 45 seconds. 

Millar then doubled Preston's lead in the 25th minute with a shot that found the bottom corner. 

The Pilgrims pulled one on 61 minutes through Scottish striker Ryan Hardie, following good work from Wolves loanee Luke Cundle. 

However, despite Argyle enjoying plenty of possession, the Lilywhites held onto win to ensure that they remain top of the Championship table.

UNITED GO HEAD TO HEAD WITH SILLS

 As a player, Tim Sills never returned to Plainmoor to face Torquay United after he left the club in January 2010. 

However, he will be going head to head with United as a manager as Gary Johnson's men travel to Dorset to face his Wimborne Town side in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup. 

During his two-and-a-half year stay on the English Riviera, Sills etched his name into United folklore when he headed home Wayne Carlisle's 74th minute to score the Gulls' second goal in their 2-0 win over Cambridge United in the 2009 Blue Square Premier play-off final - thus securing United's return to the Football League. 

In addition to this, Sills was also present in some of the Gulls' biggest FA Cup results. In the 2007-2008 season, he was part of the United side who beat Yeovil Town 4-1 in the first round of the competition live on the BBC. Then in the 2008-09 campaign, he was part of the Gulls' side who beat Blackpool 1-0 in the third round, which was United's first FA Cup win over a second tier team since they beat West Ham United 1-0 in 1989-90. 

Back to the present day, many of Johnson's Gulls of 2023-24 have already had a taste of the rewards that a cup run can bring from both of their ties against Derby County in the first round - at Plainmoor and in the replay at Pride Park, both of which were televised. 

GARY JOHNSON'S FIVE YEARS IN CHARGE OF TORQUAY UNITED

 When Gary Johnson was appointed as Torquay United manager in September 2018, few would have believed at the time that he would end up becoming the Gulls' third longest serving manager

A 1-0 defeat at home to Chippenham Town on September 8, 2018 saw his predecessor Gary Owers relieved of his duties – and many of the Plainmoor faithful were expecting an appointment along the lines of Lee Hodges or Steve Tully. 

However, it would be the former Yeovil, Bristol City and Cheltenham boss Johnson who United chairman Clarke Osborne and CEO George Edwards turned to when selecting a successor to Owers.

The Gulls' journey under Johnson began with a 2-0 away win over Hungerford United on September 15, 2018, which was followed by a 7-0 rout of Wessex League side Lymington Town in the FA Cup second qualifying round a week later.

Then came the first real challenge of Johnson’s then brief reign – the visit of league leaders Woking to Plainmoor for a game he described as a ‘six-pointer’. Despite trailing 2-0 at half-time, United rallied to draw 2-2 - with Jamie Reid netting a brace for the Gulls.

Under Johnson, Reid was a player transformed as he finished the 2018-19 campaign with 32 goals to his name. He then went on to score a further 21 in the 2019-20 National League season.

Johnson also made good use of his connections with Bristol City, where his son Lee was manager. United had already loaned Jake Andrews and Opi Edwards from the Ashton Gate club, and they would be joined at Plainmoor by Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Saikou Janneh. He was also joined at Plainmoor by his brother Pete, who became his head of recruitment, and former Gulls defender Aaron Downes, who was appointed as his assistant.

It wasn’t until January 19, 2019, that United tasted defeat for the first time in the league when they were beaten 3-2 by Bath City at Twerton Park. By this time, the Gulls had set a new record for unbeaten league games of 16. However, Oxford City would find themselves on the receiving end of the backlash of that loss, as United won 7-2 – after leading 5-0 at half-time. It was also a game that saw Jake Andrews score a hat trick from midfield, while Reid and Janneh netted a brace apiece.

The second half of the season also saw United produce a ‘fly on the wall’ documentary which – amongst other things - captured the scenes in the dressing room before and after each game. This included a scene when Johnson tore into his charges, giving them the full ‘hairdryer’ treatment when they trailed 1-0 away to East Thurrock on a Tuesday night in February 2019. However, Johnson’s message had the desired effect as United turned things around to win 2-1, with Ruairi Keating scoring a late winner.

At the end of March 2019, the Gulls beat Chelmsford City 3-1 at Plainmoor which left them with one hand on the title. A 3-3 draw with second-placed Woking a week later at the Kingfield Stadium – which was secured with a Ben Wynter volley in stoppage time - effectively ended the Cards’ challenge for top spot. This meant that when United beat Eastbourne Borough 2-0 at Plainmoor in front of a crowd of more than 4,500, with goals from Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Jake Andrews, which saw them confirmed as National League South champions for 2018-19.

Defeats against Chippenham Town and Hungerford followed – the latter saw the Gulls receive the trophy in front of a National League South record crowd of 5,351 - before United said goodbye to the National League South with a 4-0 win away to St Albans City. It was a game that saw another record fall as Kalvin Kalala – who Johnson brought to Plainmoor from Cheltenham - opened the scoring with the fastest goal in the club’s history after 10 seconds.

Back in the National League, United started the 2019-20 campaign with a 2-1 win over Boreham Wood.  It would be a season that would throw up several inconsistencies for the Gulls – partly due to injuries – as United recorded 4-2 wins against eventual champions Barrow and play-off winners Harrogate Town. Nevertheless, they would also lose 5-1 to Stockport County at Plainmoor in November 2019 and were thrashed 6-2 to Yeovil Town on Boxing Day 2018. Bizarrely the heavy defeat to Stockport occurred around a month after the Gulls had beaten the Hatters 4-0 at Edgeley Park – making the aggregate score from both fixtures 5-5.

The Covid-19 enforced suspension of the National League saw United end the campaign after 36 matches. The outcome of the season was decided using PPG (points per game) to calculate the league’s final placings, which saw the Gulls finish in 14th place.

In the extended close season before the start of the delayed 2020-21 campaign, Johnson was busy in the transfer market, as Danny Wright, top scorer in his National League title winning side with Cheltenham, joined as a replacement for the Mansfield Town bound Reid. Other notable new arrivals included Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Gary Warren, who joined the Gulls permanently following successful loan spells from Bristol City and Exeter City respectively, and experienced left-back Dean Moxey also arrived from Exeter. On the eve of the season, Johnson also made three loan signings in the form of Adam Randell (Plymouth Argyle), Sam Sherring (AFC Bournemouth) and Louis Britton (Bristol City).

United started the campaign with a 1-0 home win over pre-season favourites Stockport, with Lemonheigh-Evans netting a last-minute winner, in a match played behind closed doors – due to coronavirus restrictions. They followed this up with a number of other impressive results, including a 5-0 win away to Hartlepool United on October 31, 2019 (which was broadcast live on BT Sport), as the Gulls established themselves amongst the league's front-runners. 

Other memorable results included a 6-5 FA Cup first round exit to Crawley Town, a 6-1 drubbing of Yeovil Town on Boxing Day and a 4-0 away victory over Boreham Wood in the FA Trophy fourth round – which marked Johnson’s 100th game in charge. 

Over the course of the campaign, United would score a number of late goals in what became as known as 'Gary time'. 

The remainder of the season saw the Gulls remain neck and neck with Sutton United, with both sides sharing the lead at various stages. The title race itself was decided in their penultimate game of the season, as United drew 2-2 with Barnet and Sutton beat Hartlepool United (more on them later) 3-0 to claim top spot. 

Nevertheless, United could at least console themselves with their highest ever finish in the National League of second place - the Gulls' finished third and fourth in the division under Paul Buckle between 2007 and 2009 - as they prepared to face Notts County in the play-offs. The Magpies were promptly dispatched 4-2 after extra time to set up a final with Hartlepool United. 

The final was played at Ashton Gate to avoid clashing with matches from the delayed Euro 2020 matches being staged at Wembley. The Gulls appeared to have taken the lead on eight minutes through Kyle Cameron, however referee Simon Mather deemed Cameron to have impeded Hartlepool goalkeeper Brad James - even though the replay of the incident showed that contact appeared to be minimal.

On 36 minutes, the Pools were in front when Luke Armstrong found the target when he capitalised on a rebound, after strike partner Rhys Oates had been denied, with a shot that went in off the cross bar. 

In the second half, Cameron had another effort disallowed for a foul on James, but just when it seemed as though Hartlepool would hold onto win, goalkeeper Lucas Covolan went up for a corner and headed home an equaliser for United to force extra time. 

There were no further goals in extra time, as the final went to penalties. Despite Covolan saving two Hartlepool penalties, misses from Billy Waters and Danny Wright meant the Gulls remained level at 4-4 after Asa Hall, Joe Lewis, Armani Little and Connor Lemonheigh-Evans all converted.

Ryan Donaldson then made it 5-4 to Hartlepool before Matt Buse had his spot-kick saved by James, as the Pools secured their return to the Football League at the expense of the Gulls. 

The close season saw a number of players leave Plainmoor as Ashton Gate hero Lucas Covolan earned himself a move to the EFL with Port Vale. Kyle Cameron and Aaron Nemane both moved to Notts County and Ben Whitfield joined Stockport County.

New arrivals included goalkeeper Mark Halstead from Morecambe, central midfielder Tom Lapslie from Colchester United and a number of young prospects, who included Dan Martin (Cardiff City), Ali Omar (Barnsley), Keelan O’Connell (AFC Bournemouth) and Klaidi Lolos (Plymouth Argyle).

Johnson also brought in a number of players following pre-season trials, including Dan Holman, who served under him at Cheltenham Town, and winger Gabby Rogers, a former United youth team player who had been released by Yeovil. 

United made a slow start to the 2022-23 campaign, losing their opening three home games of the campaign against Altrincham (1-3), Woking (0-4) and Grimsby Town (1-3). However, a 1-0 victory over Southend United in September courtesy of a late winner from Connor Lemonheigh-Evans got the Gulls up and running at Plainmoor. The Southend win also marked goalkeeper Shaun MacDonald’s return to the club, after turning down a new contract in the summer.

For the remainder of the season, they would only lose two more home league fixtures (against FC Halifax Town and Solihull Moors).

Johnson also used the loan market to good effect, bringing in Sinclair Armstrong and Stephen Duke-McKenna from Queens Park Rangers and Stephen Wearne from Sunderland.

Memorable results from the campaign included completing a first ever league ‘double’ over Yeovil Town (3-0 on Boxing Day at Plainmoor and 2-1 in the return at Huish Park on January 2, 2022) and a 5-1 win over Notts County which saw Lemonheigh-Evans bag his first career hat-trick.

In the end, United finished 11^th – only falling out of contention for a play-off spot with three games to go. 

The summer of 2022 saw a number of departures as Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Joe Lewis both signed for League Two side Stockport County and Armani Little and Shaun MacDonald also headed to the EFL to sign for Forest Green Rovers and Cheltenham Town. Amongst others leaving for pastures new were the long serving Ben Wynter and the experienced Danny Wright.

New arrivals included Kieron Evans on a season-long loan from Cardiff City, strikers Aaron Jarvis (Scunthorpe United) and Corie Andrews (AFC Wimbledon), midfielders Brett McGavin (Ipswich Town), Ryan Hanson (Dover Athletic) and Shaun Donellan (Maidenhead United), centre backs Ross Marshall (Stevenage) and Ollie Tomlinson (Plymouth Argyle) and right-back Dylan Crowe (Ipswich Town).

However, the first half of the season saw the Gulls get off to a slow start. They didn’t win their first home game in the league at Plainmoor until the eighth attempt, when United beat Aldershot Town in emphatic style, winning 6-1 with Aaron Jarvis becoming the sixth Gulls’ player to score a hat-trick under Johnson’s reign. The Gulls also experienced a number of heavy defeats, losing 4-1 at home to Solihull Moors, 6-0 away to Wrexham, 4-0 away to Notts County and 5-1 at home to Chesterfield.

A combination of injuries and poor form saw Johnson dip into the loan market, as Mark Ellis and Stephen Wearne returned to the club for second spells, Dillon De Silva followed in the footsteps of Sinclair Armstrong and Stephen Duke-McKenna in joining on loan from QPR and central defender Lucas Ness came in from Charlton Athletic.

The FA Cup offered them some respite, as they reached the first round where they memorably drew 2-2 with Derby County at Plainmoor before losing the replay at Pride Park 5-0.

Nevertheless, United remained in trouble and Johnson once again looked again to the loan market to strengthen his side. Experienced midfielder Kevin Dawson, who served under Johnson at both Yeovil and Cheltenham, arrived from Gloucester City, Jack Stobbs and Lewis Collins joined from Oldham Athletic joined from Oldham Athletic and Newport County in provide the squad with more width and young centre back Nico Lawrence signed from Southampton. They were also joined by experienced Frank Nouble, who counted the likes of West Ham United and Wolves amongst his former clubs.

A run of five straight wins in late March and April (Boreham Wood a 1-0, Scunthorpe United a 1-0, Eastleigh h 2-0, Maidenhead United a 3-1 and York City h 3-2) lifted the Gulls into contention for survival. However, a 5-1 defeat away to Chesterfield and draws in their last two games – 2-2 away to Altrincham and 1-1 at home to Wrexham – saw United’s relegation to National League South confirmed on the final day of the campaign.

During the summer of 2023, Johnson secured the signatures of Kevin Dawson, Jack Stobbs and Lewis Collins on a permanent basis as the Gulls aimed to build a squad capable of winning promotion from the National League South at the first attempt.

They were joined by Brad Ash, who signed from Weymouth, young defender Finley Craske signed from Plymouth Argyle and Torbay-born Will Jenkins-Davies arrived on loan from the Pilgrims. Dillon De Silva also returned to Plainmoor on a permanent basis after he was released by QPR.

A draw at Dover Athletic and a defeat against Worthing at Plainmoor left the Gulls with one point from their opening two National League South fixtures. Nevertheless, a run of six wins from seven points have lifted United firmly into promotion contention.

 

TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS CHELMSFORD CITY

 1. Brett McGavin's goal of the season contender. 

After producing arguably his best display in a Torquay United shirt against Farnborough, Brett McGavin scored a goal that was worthy of joining the list of most memorable ones scored at Plainmoor. 

A ball from Will Jenkins-Davies, following a short corner routine, was headed clear only as far as McGavin, and the former Ipswich Town starlet volleyed home from 25 yards. 

Aside from the goal, McGavin looked comfortable in possession throughout and also produced a number of important blocks and clearances. Following an indifferent start to the campaign, he now looks to have cemented himself as a first team regular.

2. Mark Halstead's contribution shouldn't be overlooked. 

United goalkeeper Mark Halstead picked up the sponsor's man of the match, even though he wasn't as busy as he has been in previous games. 

However, Halstead made a number of important saves in the first half to deny Chelmsford's Callum Jones in the second and 20th minutes, which shouldn't be forgotten. 

3. Will Jenkins-Davies continues to grow as a player. 

Plymouth Argyle loanee Will Jenkins-Davies continued to build on his promising display in the Gulls' midweek win over Farnborough with an impressive display against Chelmsford. 

Wales youth international Jenkins-Davies had a hand in both goals, as his ball into the box was cleared into McGavin's path for his goal, and it was his free-kick that the Clarets' Samir Carruthers inadvertantly turned into his own net for United's winner. 

In pre-season, Jenkins-Davies showed that he had the potential to play his way into the Gulls' starting line-up and he has turned that potential into reality in his last two matches. 

4.'Gary time' is back. 

During the 2020-21 season when Torquay United just missing out on promotion from the National League, the Gulls scored plenty of late goals in what became known as 'Gary time.' 

United's winning goal against the Clarets is the third goal scored by the Gulls in injury time, along with Aaron Jarvis' winner against Braintree Town on August Bank Holiday Monday and also Jarvis' second against Farnborough in midweek. 

With time being added onto matches for all stoppages, don't bet against the Gulls scoring more goals in injury time. 

5. Six wins out of seven. 

United's victory over the Clarets was their sixth win in seven National League South matches, with their copy book only being blotted by a 2-1 defeat away to Aveley. 

Overall the Gulls also 19 points from nine games, which is over two points a game. If United can maintain that form over the course of the 2023-24 campaign they would finish the season with 92 points - a figure that should be enough to win the title. 

However, there's a long way to go yet.

 

TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS FARNBOROUGH

1. Brett McGavin came to the fore. 

Recalled to the United starting line-up in a new role as a deep lying playmaker sitting in front of the back four, Brett McGavin produced arguably his finest display for the Gulls. 

However, the Ipswich Town product looked comfortable in possession, seldom giving the ball away cheaply and picked out a number of astute passes which enabled United to push forward. 

When he left the field of play on 80 minutes, when he was replaced by Ryan Hanson, he did to a standing ovation, which told its own story.

2. Aaron Jarvis and Brad Ash clicking as a partnership. 

When the Gulls won the National League South title in 2018-19, one of the hallmarks of that side was the strike partnership of Jamie Reid and Saikou Janneh, who scored over 50 goals between them - Reid 32 and Janneh 19. 

Fast forward to 2023-24 and Aaron Jarvis and Brad Ash have now scored eight goals between them, as they both took their respective individual figures to four. Jarvis netted a brace, which included an angled drive in the first half after latching onto a through ball from centre back Ollie Tomlinson and a penalty in second half injury time. Ash netted from close range in the second half following good work from midfielder Tom Lapslie and Jarvis. 

Ash also came close to netting a double of his own, as he hit the post shortly before finding the back of the net, and if the pair can continue in this vein then the Gulls will have done very well indeed.

3. Will Jenkins-Davies produces best game of loan spell to date. 

Plymouth Argyle loanee Will Jenkins-Davies' display in midfield almost went under the radar in light of the displays of his other team-mates. 

However, the Wales Under-18 international, who hails from Torbay, showed great energy levels on his recall to the starting line-up and looked composed on the ball and produced the best display of his loan spell to date. 

Jenkins-Davies is highly regarded at Home Park and it is hoped that he could end up following in the footsteps of Adam Randell, who is currently a first team regular for the Pilgrims two years after a hugely successful season-long loan spell at Plainmoor. 

4. The best performance of the season so far. 

"Every player to a man was fantastic" - said Gulls manager Gary Johnson in his post-match interview, as United produced their finest performance of the season to date. 

The result and display also came shortly after a 2-1 away defeat to current leaders Aveley, where goalkeeper Mark Halstead produced a virtuoso performance that prevented United suffering a heavier loss. 

If that display can now become the benchmark for the Gulls then they emerge as the league's front runners. 

It is also worth noting that it was also United's fifth win in their last six National League encounters. 

5. First ever win over their opponents. 

Tuesday night's victory over Farnborough was also the Gulls' first ever win over their opponents. Their previous meeting came in the 1991-92 season in the FA Cup second round. United drew 1-1 in the original fixture, with Mark Loram finding the target before losing the replay 4-3.

FOUR WINS IN FOUR FOR THE GULLS

 Torquay United made it four wins out of four in the National League in dramatic circumstances, as a late penalty from Aaron Jarvis sealed a late victory at home to Braintree Town. 

The Gulls had trailed to their Essex opponents who edged ahead early on when Will Davies broke free of the United defence before slotting home. 

In the second half, the game changed in the 57th minute when the Gulls were awarded a free-kick, which Jack Stobbs stepped up to take He swung it towards the far post and found the back of the net after deceiving Braintree keeper Jack Sims. 

Finding the target visibly lifted United as they continued to pile on the pressure and they finally got their rewards deep in injury time. Jarvis was felled in the penalty area by Sims and referee Elliot Swallow pointed to the spot. Jarvis duly stepped up to take the spot-kick, which he powered past Sims to score the winner for the Gulls and seal a fourth win on the spin. 

On many occasions in the history of the game, a stroke of good fortune managerial careers and seasons can be transformed. 

Two that spring to mind are Howard Kendall's first spell at Everton between 1981 and 1987 and Sir Alex Ferguson's reign as Manchester United manager. 

In the 1983-84 season when Everton were trailing Oxford United in the Milk Cup at the U's former Manor Ground hom, a mis-timed back pass from Oxford midfielder Kevin Brock was latched onto by Adrian Heath, who promptly levelled matters for the Toffees. Everton then won the replay and reached the final of the Milk Cup, where they were beaten by Liverpool after a replay, and then went on to win the 1984 FA Cup, which was followed by two league titles (1984-85 & 1986-87) and the European Cup Winner's Cup. 

For Ferguson, Mark Robins' winning goal against Nottingham Forest in the third round of the FA Cup in the 1989-90 campaign helped to propel the Red Devils to winning the competition, which became the first trophy that they ever won under the Scot.  

Whether the Gulls' win over Braintree proves to the case remains to be seen, and on the basis of their first half showing improvements need to be made. However, the fact remains that United are the only team in National League South so far in the 2023-24 campaign to win four successive games - something that leaders Worthing are still yet to achieve.

 

GULLS' POINTS HAUL MIRRORS 2018-19 START

 Whisper it quietly, but Torquay United's start to the 2023-24 season is mirroring the one they made in their National League South title winning campaign of 2018-19. 

The Gulls followed up their opening day draw with Dover Athletic and their 3-0 defeat in their opening home fixture with Worthing with back to back wins against Chippenham Town and St Albans City, which gives Gary Johnson's side seven points from their opening four National League South encounters. 

An opener from Ross Marshall and a 'Gary time' winner from Aaron Jarvis helped to seal the win against Chippenham at Plainmoor, whilst a solitary headed effort from Ollie Tomlinson proved to be enough to clinch all three points against St Albans.

They now have the same number of points on the board that they had under Johnson's predecessor Gary Owers in 2018-19, which were secured with a draw away to Chelmsford City, home wins over Bath City and East Thurrock and an away defeat to Oxford City. 

Of course in 2018-19 it is worth noting that the Gulls were yet to make the loan signings from Bristol City, which helped to transform them into title challengers. Jake Andrews and Opi Edwards arrived in early September and made their debuts in United's 2-0 win over Hemel Hempstead Town in Owers' penultimate game in charge before his dismissal in the wake of the Gulls' 1-0 home loss to Chippenham. Then, following Johnson's arrival, the duo were joined by Connor Lemonheigh-Evans, who returned to Plainmoor for a second loan spell, and Saikou Janneh. They both featured from the bench as United drew 2-2 with Woking in Johnson's first home game in charge. 

The rest as they say is history, as United went on to win the National League South title in a campaign which proved to be 'a tale of two Garys'. 

With Plymouth Argyle midfielder Will Jenkins-Davies the only loan player currently with the Gulls at the moment, there is room for Johnson to bring in another four loanees. The likelihood is that any new arrivals won't be appearing until the EFL transfer window has closed on August 31, but there is no denying that a couple more additions would give Johnson's squad a more complete look; they were down to the barebones against St Albans, with skipper Asa Hall, experienced duo Dean Moxey and last season's leading scorer Jarvis all absent. 

In 2018-19, the Gulls went 16 games without defeat in National League South following Johnson's appointment, which included ten straight wins, before going down 3-2 away to Bath. By which time they were well and truly in the thick of the title race, and a similar run in 2022-23 would help put them further in the driving seat.

 

 

 

TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS WORTHING

1. A wake up call for United. 

If United’s 2-2 opening draw against Dover Athletic didn’t serve as a big enough wake up call for Gary Johnson’s about the strength of the National League South in the 2023-24 campaign, then Saturday’s defeat to Worthing certainly should. 

To their credit, Worthing showed themselves to be comfortable in possession, they were accomplished at playing the ball out from the back and they broke forward at speed. 

With a former Brighton and Hove Albion defender Adam Hinshelwood as manager, the Rebels produced a brand of football, which probably could be described a lite version of the brand of football that the Seagulls produce in the Premier League. 

2. Trio return to haunt the Gulls. 

The Worthing side on Saturday included three players who have featured for the Gulls in recent years in the form of centre back and captain Aran Racine, midfielders and Joe Felix and Ricky Aguiar. 

Skipper Racine made one appearance for United in the 2016-17 season on loan from Forest Green Rovers, but his stay was cut short due an ACL injury sustained on his debut against Gateshead on January 28, 2017. Felix joined the Gulls midway through the 2021-22 season and was released at the end of the campaign and Aguiar joined on loan from Swindon Town, who he joined the Rebels on a season long loan. Indeed, Aguiar opened the scoring the visitors on 31 minutes.

All three went home happy with all three points. 

3. Mark Halstead on song. 

The fact that United goalkeeper Mark Halstead was voted as man of the match in spite of his side's poor showing spoke volumes of the Gulls' display. 

In the second half, Halstead was called upon to deny a long range from Aguiar, which he parried away. A minute later, he made a routine save to prevent Worthing striker Greg Luer from finding the target and Luer went close again on 65 minutes, to be denied by a one-handed save from Halstead. 

Then in the 77th minute, Worthing sub Joao Luque found himself through on goal, with only Halstead to beat, but Halstead's reflexes came to the rescue for United. 

4. Tom Lapslie and Kevin Dawson big misses in midfield. 

The absence of midfield duo Tom Lapslie and Kevin Dawson was keenly felt by the Gulls as they struggled to get a foothold in the game. Towards the end of last season, Dawson, following his arrival on loan from Gloucester City, and Lapslie both made their presence felt towards the end of the campaign as they constantly pressed their opponents and made sure that they knew that they were in a game. 

Sadly, in their absence, that was decidedly lacking. 

5. Abigail Byrne. 

Saturday also saw Abigail Byrne became the first female official to take charge of a match at Plainmoor. Over the years, there have been several female assistant referees running the line at United home games, including Wendy Toms, who became female linesmen to run the line in a Football League match when she did so when United faced Carlisle in the 1994-95 season, Sian Massey-Ellis and Stacey Pearson, but no female referee until Byrne took charge on Saturday.