1. The games are running out.
With eight games left and being seven points adrift, the opportunities for the Gulls to pull themselves clear of trouble are very slim indeed.
United are currently on 31 points while Yeovil Town who, despite losing 1-0 to Bromley, have 38 points and occupy 20th place above the National League relegation zone.
Only a run of form in the mould of the Ian Atkins 2005-06 ‘great escape’ and a Devon Loch esque collapse from one of their rivals could save the Gulls now.
2. Kevin Dawson a key performer for United again.
Gloucester City loanee Kevin Dawson, who also played for Gary Johnson at Yeovil Town and Cheltenham Town, was a key performer in the centre of midfield for United.
It was Dawson’s tenacity to win the ball that helped to set up Aaron Jarvis for the Gulls stunning opener and he was a commanding influence throughout the game. With the Irishman seemingly surplus to requirements at Gloucester, United should surely be looking to secure Dawson’s signature for next season – regardless of what division they find themselves in.
3. Was Ross Marshall’s header a turning point.
On 55 minutes, Aaron Jarvis nodded a free-kick from Dean Moxey into the path of centre back Ross Marshall for a header which the former Stevenage man nodded.
Had he scored, could United have gone on to draw, or possibly even win?
Sadly, we will never know for sure, but a 2-0 lead at that point, so early in the second half, could have made a difference.
4. Conceding late goals.
For the fourth time in recent weeks, United found themselves undone by a late goal. The Gulls also conceded in the last ten minutes against Bromley (H), Southend United (H) and Wealdstone (H), which have proved to be costly for the Gulls.
Just exactly how costly they will be only time will tell.
5. A first glimpse of Frank Nouble.
Saturday’s game also saw a first glimpse of new signing Frank Nouble, who came on as a sub for Kieron Evans in the 67th minute.
On 89 minutes he found the back of the net with a goal that would have seen the Gulls regain their lead when he headed home Lewis Collins’ cross, only to see it ruled out for offside.
When he signed for the club, Nouble tweeted that United had nine ‘cup finals’ coming up, but now they have eight to go with a challenge that has now got a lot harder.
6. The Yellow Army.
Torquay United fans have been accused of lacking passion in the past in certain quarters, but to that yours truly says: ‘those who accuse those of being without passion are those without passion themselves.’
The Plainmoor faithful have shown incredible loyalty to the club and the fact that they continue in such numbers despite the circumstances they deserve a huge amount of credit.
