Saturday 30 September 2023

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.