SIX TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS MAIDSTONE UNITED

1. Aaron Jarvis into double figures.

Aaron Jarvis' 79th minute winner took his goal return for the 2022-23 season into double figures. After being picked out by new loan signing from Sutton United Tope Fadahunsi, Jarvis broke clear of the Maidstone defence before placing the ball beyond Stones keeper Dan Bardon with a left footed strike. 

Jarvis' tally includes seven goals in the National League, two in the FA Trophy and one in the FA Cup. 

The pass from Fadahunsi which provided the assist for his is an early sign that the two could develop a good understanding as we approach the end of season run-in.

2. United's home form steadilying improving. 

After only winning one home game in the National League over the course of the current campaign, the Gulls have now won two on the bounce - both 1-0.

It wasn't that long ago that United had the unwanted title of having the worst home form in the National League. However, United now have a superior record in front of their own fans than Aldershot Town, Gateshead and today's opponents Maidstone United.

3. Solid at the back. 

As well as securing two wins on the bounce, United have also kept their second successive clean sheet.

Against Maidstone United, manager Gary Johnson fielded a back three of Shaun Donnellan, Southampton loanee Nico Lawrence and Dean Moxey. Lawrence, who Johnson described as a 25-year-old 19-year-old, made his league debut and after a shaky start he produce a solid display. 

Donnellan and Moxey also looked solid and particularly Moxey was at the heart of everything good that United did.

4. Mark Halstead's late save. 

Although he didn't have a lot to do for much of the game, Mark Halstead did make an important save towards the end of the game when he tipped a shot from Roarie Deacon over the bar. 

There have been certain games, particularly in the early part of the season, when Halstead has made a string of saves to keep the opposition at bay but he was largely a spectator against the Stones. 

5. Dillon De Silva brings touch of magic to the side. 

United's greatest creative spark against Maidstone was undoubtably QPR loanee Dillon De Silva. The Sri Lankan international always showed a willingness to take on his man and whip in a cross. 

His best moment of the game came in the 68th minute when he cut inside onto his left foot and beat two Maidstone defenders before curling a shot off target. 

Sinclair Armstrong and Stephen Duke-McKenna both excelled for the Gulls last season whilst on loan from the West London side and it can be argued that De Silva has had a similar impact. 

6. Three points from safety. 

United's win over Maidstone now moves United three points from safety; the Gulls are now 22nd in the National League table with 25 points, which puts them level with Gateshead in 21st place, who won 2-1 away at Wealdstone. Oldham Athletic are currently 20th in the table on 28 points, making them the immediate target of any side looking to escape the drop.

PILGRIMS ONE WIN AWAY FROM WEMBLEY

Whilst Plymouth Argyle have enjoyed runs to the semi finals of the League Cup (1964-1965 & 1974-75) and the FA Cup (1983-84), they have never reached the last four of the EFL Trophy - until now that is. 

After seeing off Bristol Rovers 2-0 in the quarter finals, thanks to goals from January signing Ben Waine and Ryan Hardie, the Pilgrims are currently enjoying their longest ever run in the competition. 

The Pilgrims' county neighbours Exeter City and Torquay United have both experienced lengthy runs in the trophy. The Grecians reached the Southern Area final three times in 1992-93, 1999-00 and 2010-11 in the days when the competition was played on a regional basis all the way through to the final. The Gulls are currently the only South West side ever to have made it to the final when they famously did so in 1989 where they met Bolton Wanderers.

With Argyle currently top of League One, they also have the potential to emulate Birmingham City and Bristol City, who both went up from the third tier as champions whilst also lifting the EFL Trophy in 1994-95 and 2014-15 respectively. 

For some fans the competition has lost some of its shine and prestige with the introduction of Premier League Under-21 sides, which has resulted in some three figure gates for some matches in the earlier rounds. However, should the Pilgrims reach the final, the 'Green Army' will no doubt travel to Wembley in large numbers - which would help to emphasis the reasons why the competition was originally invented.

SIX TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS FC HALIFAX TOWN

1. Hall is United's ace in the pack. 

Although Asa Hall's appearance this season have been restricted by injury when the United skipper does appear he tends to make a big impact. 

Hall's brace in United's 4-4 draw with Altrincham in October proved to be hugely important in helping the Gulls to secure a point, and his 72nd minute effort against FC Halifax Town could be equally as influential in assisting United in their fight against the drop. 

The United skipper's goal was also his fifth of the season, which makes him United's third top scorer behind the recently departed Will Goodwin, who returns to Stoke City following the end of his loan spell, and Aaron Jarvis who have scored eight and seven respectively.

2. Tom Lapslie showed great tenacity in midfield. 

Alongside Hall in midfield, Tom Lapslie displayed great energy and tenacity in the centre of midfield for United. 

Despite being only 27, Lapslie is one of the most experienced in the Gulls' squad, having made over 100 appearances for Colchester United at League One and League Two level prior to his arrival at Plainmoor. 

His experience will be crucial for the remainder of the campaign.

3. Defensively resolute. 

United's defence showed that there is life after Mark Ellis, in the wake of his return to Barrow, as the Gulls' back three of Shaun Donnellan, Ali Omar and Dean Moxey. 

All three made a number of important tackles, blocks and interceptions as they provided Gary Johnson's side with the strong defensive base that they will need as they look to secure a path to safety. 

In addition to this, Moxey and Omar also played crucial roles in United's goal as Moxey's cross back into the area was headed into Hall's path by Omar for the United skipper to score.

4. Aaron Jarvis lead the line well up front. 

Whilst he might not have found himself on the scoresheet, Aaron Jarvis worked tirelessly up front and played the role of a lone striker well. 

Jarvis started up front as United fielded a 3-5-1-1 formation, with new loan signing from Swindon Town Ricky Aguiar being deployed as a number 10 behind him. He held the ball up well and always looked to bring other players into the game and he was unlucky not to get on the end of one or two crosses. 

5. A first double of the season. 

By securing a 1-0 win over FC Halifax Town, Torquay United completed their first double of their 2022-23 National League campaign. 

The Gulls had previously beaten the Shaymen 1-0 at the Shay on August 13, 2022, with Brett McGavin netting the decisive goal. 

6. Improved home form will be key to any United revival. 

United's win over the Shaymen means their home record has now marginally improved and they are now level with Gateshead in having taken the least number of points from their home fixtures (nine). 

For the remainder of the campaign, United need to make Plainmoor into a more difficult place to come to as they aim to beat the drop.