1. Penalty claim.
United had a penalty appeal late on for a challenge on Omar Mussa turned down which many in the ground thought was a stonewall penalty, including Gulls boss Paul Wotton.
However, whilst Wotton was frustrated with the decision he admitted after the game that he didn't want to be 'that' manager who bemoans officials, but once again the question of officiating in the non-league game has reared its head again.
One point which I personally believe to be a valid one is that the standard of player at National League level, and National Leagues North and South, is that the standard of player plying their trade at these levels is improving the standard of officiating needs to improve as well.
2. Injuries.
Although Paul Wotton was able to welcome Jay Foulston and Dan Hayfield back into the starting line-up following their recent absence through injury, he saw both Ed Palmer and Omar Mussa suffer injuries.
Palmer was elbowed in the face by Zane Banton, six minutes after he had equalised for St Albans, which earned him a red card and Mussa needed to be stretched off following the challenge mentioned under penalty claim.
3. The return of Will Jenkins Davies.
During the week, Paul Wotton moved to strengthen his squad with the loan capture of Will Jenkins Davies on loan from Plymouth Argyle for what is a third seperate loan spell at Plainmoor.
Jenkins Davies entered the field of play in place of Lirak Hasani in the 61st minute and brought a new level of energy and drive to the Gulls' midfield and even came close to scoring in the 74th minute.
His loan spell will last at least until January 2025 and he will surely be pushing for a starting spot when United return to league action against Hampton and Richmond Borough on October 5.
4. Sam Dreyer was imperious in defence.
Once again Sam Dreyer was a man mountain in the centre of the Gulls defence and rightfully earned the sponsors man of the match award. In the first half, he blocked a shot from a tight angle from Zane Banton, who would open the scoring for the Saints in the second half, on the line on 37 minutes. He was also responsible for sniffing out the threat of St Albans City striker Sean Jeffers, who netted twice when the two sides met at Plainmoor last season, and he is fast establishing the reputation of being one of the best centre backs in National League South.
5. Ben Seymour off the mark.
After netting 16 times for Hampton and Richmond Borough in the 2023-24 season, Ben Seymour had found goals hard to come by since his summer move to Plainmoor. However, he finally got off the mark for United against St Albans in the 50th minute when he attempted to tee up strike partner Cody Cooke but his pass was cut out and fell invitingly into his path and he duly slotted home to open his account for the club.
Hopefully it will turn out to be the first of many.
6. Crowds holding up.
Despite the disappointment of the Gulls' FA Cup exit to Bishops Cleeve, the Gulls maintained their record of attracting 3,000 plus crowds for all of their league games so far in the 2024-25 season.
Their fixture with St Albans City attracted an attendance of 3,287, which included 35 St Albans City fans.
