1. Five out of five for the first time in the league since 1982-83.
By beating Ebbsfleet United 1-0, Torquay United made it five wins out of five for the first time since the 1982-83 season when they won their opening five home encounters in the Fourth Division under Bruce Rioch.
The previous season to that which saw the Gulls win their first five home league fixtures came in the 1968-69 season in the 'old' Third Division, shortly before Frank O'Farrell's move to Leicester City.
So United manager Paul Wotton now finds himself in good company.
2. Callum Dolan's return.
During his
six-match loan spell from Fleetwood Town in 2023-24, Callum Dolan became
something of a talisman for the Gulls and his performance against Ebbsfleet was
like a throwback to that time. Playing on the left of an attacking three, his
cross was turned home by Jordan Young to score United’s goal and, especially in
the first half, he looked as though he could make something happen every time
he touched the ball.
If he can
replicate the display that he showed on what was his first appearance of the
campaign, he can be a big player for United.
3. A first clean sheet.
Clean sheets were something of a speciality for the Gulls this time last year; however, they have proved to be harder to come by, but United managed to keep their first shut out against Ebbsfleet with a performance reminiscent of some of their displays in 2024-25.
Across the Gulls' back four left-back Jay Foulston and centre back Sam Dreyer produced arguably their best displays of the season, and right-back Denzel Akyeampong once again showed why he is making the position his own
As Paul Wotton said in his post-match interview if the Gulls can keep the ball out of the net they are a real threat going forward, so with the talents of Jordan Young, Louis Dennis, Callum Dolan and Dylan Morgan, not to mention Cody Cooke, at his disposal there are plenty of goals in this team.
4. Jordan Young's sixth of the campaign.
Jordan Young's 21st minute strike increased his tally for the season to six, and he could even have scored a seventh in injury time, but was denied by Fleet keeper Mark Cousins.
After finding the back of the net 16 times for Yeovil in the 2023-24 campaign and 11 times for the Gulls last season, Young is well on his way to scoring double figures for three successive seasons.
5. A two-week break.
Owing to their FA Cup exit at the hands of AFC Totton, United now have a two-week break to prepare for their next National League South fixture, which sees them travel to Wiltshire to face Salisbury FC.
The only competitive match between now and then will be their St Luke's Devon Bowl tie with Brixham AFC - which Paul Wotton has said he will give a run-out to some of his fringe first team players and those who are returning from injury to improve their match fitness.