Torquay United 2: Hall (51), Lapslie (65)
Eastleigh 0:
1. Cometh the hour, cometh Asa Hall.
When Torquay United needed their most experienced players to step up to the plate and deliver a big performance, skipper Asa Hall was amongst those who duly delivered.
Hall, 36, looked assured in possession throughout the match and in the 51st minute he got himself on the end of Jack Stobbs’ free-kick from the right to head home his sixth goal of the campaign.
His presence in the United side will be of huge benefit between now and the end of the campaign.
2. We need to talk about Kevin – Kevin Dawson.
Gloucester City loanee Kevin Dawson produced yet another all-action display in the centre of midfield alongside goal scorers Asa Hall and Tom Lapslie.
As well as helping to break up play, Dawson always looked to get his foot on the ball and look for a pass.
With Gloucester looking to ease him off their wage bill, a permanent deal for him should surely be in the offing from the Gulls – regardless of which league they end up playing in.
3. Aaron Jarvis led the line superbly well again.
Whilst he wasn’t on target, Gulls leading scorer Aaron Jarvis led the forward line superbly well for United against Eastleigh.
As well as laying on the assist for Tom Lapslie’s second goal, he was perhaps unlikely not to find the target as he had a shot blocked in the first half and he also forced a save from Eastleigh keeper Joe McDonnell in second half injury time.
4. Nico Lawrence displayed a maturity that belied his tender years.
It might be difficult for some United fans to believe that Nico Lawrence is only 18 years of age based on his current displays.
The Southampton loanee once again produced a performance that proved himself to be an ‘old head on young shoulders’ – as he read the game well and produced a number of important blocks and interceptions.
A loan spell in the EFL beckons for him next season – possibly in League One or Two – or he could even be in and around the Saints first team in the event of them being relegated to the Championship.
5. Three wins from three.
For the first time this season, United have secured three wins in three successive National League games. They did complete a hat-tricks of victories in January, but that run included a 4-2 FA Trophy win over Taunton Town to go alongside two 1-0 wins over FC Halifax Town and Maidstone United respectively.
One thing that was obvious from the Gulls’ display was the confidence that each member of the side has in the ability of their teammates, which will undoubtably stand United in good stead in their remaining games of the 2022-23 campaign.
6. Mind the gap.
Good Friday’s result moves the Gulls to within four points of safety – as they currently reside four points behind Aldershot Town, who occupy 20th place (fifth from bottom) with 44 points – United currently have 40.
Dorking Wanderers also remain catchable in 19th place with 46 points, but the Gulls have to keep their winning run going.
Torquay United (3-5-2): Halstead; Donnellan, Lawrence, Moxey (Omar 79); Stobbs, Lapslie, Hall, Dawson (Evans 84), Collins; Nouble, Jarvis;
Subs not used - Hanson, Wyatt, Lovett.
Eastleigh (4-4-2): McDonnell; Camp, Martin, Maghoma, Kelly; Carter, Cisse (Rutherford 62), McKiernan, Hill (Lloyd 62); Whitehall (McDonagh 73), Mitchell;
Subs not used - Langston, Harper.
