SIX TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS MAIDSTONE UNITED

1. Aaron Jarvis into double figures.

Aaron Jarvis' 79th minute winner took his goal return for the 2022-23 season into double figures. After being picked out by new loan signing from Sutton United Tope Fadahunsi, Jarvis broke clear of the Maidstone defence before placing the ball beyond Stones keeper Dan Bardon with a left footed strike. 

Jarvis' tally includes seven goals in the National League, two in the FA Trophy and one in the FA Cup. 

The pass from Fadahunsi which provided the assist for his is an early sign that the two could develop a good understanding as we approach the end of season run-in.

2. United's home form steadilying improving. 

After only winning one home game in the National League over the course of the current campaign, the Gulls have now won two on the bounce - both 1-0.

It wasn't that long ago that United had the unwanted title of having the worst home form in the National League. However, United now have a superior record in front of their own fans than Aldershot Town, Gateshead and today's opponents Maidstone United.

3. Solid at the back. 

As well as securing two wins on the bounce, United have also kept their second successive clean sheet.

Against Maidstone United, manager Gary Johnson fielded a back three of Shaun Donnellan, Southampton loanee Nico Lawrence and Dean Moxey. Lawrence, who Johnson described as a 25-year-old 19-year-old, made his league debut and after a shaky start he produce a solid display. 

Donnellan and Moxey also looked solid and particularly Moxey was at the heart of everything good that United did.

4. Mark Halstead's late save. 

Although he didn't have a lot to do for much of the game, Mark Halstead did make an important save towards the end of the game when he tipped a shot from Roarie Deacon over the bar. 

There have been certain games, particularly in the early part of the season, when Halstead has made a string of saves to keep the opposition at bay but he was largely a spectator against the Stones. 

5. Dillon De Silva brings touch of magic to the side. 

United's greatest creative spark against Maidstone was undoubtably QPR loanee Dillon De Silva. The Sri Lankan international always showed a willingness to take on his man and whip in a cross. 

His best moment of the game came in the 68th minute when he cut inside onto his left foot and beat two Maidstone defenders before curling a shot off target. 

Sinclair Armstrong and Stephen Duke-McKenna both excelled for the Gulls last season whilst on loan from the West London side and it can be argued that De Silva has had a similar impact. 

6. Three points from safety. 

United's win over Maidstone now moves United three points from safety; the Gulls are now 22nd in the National League table with 25 points, which puts them level with Gateshead in 21st place, who won 2-1 away at Wealdstone. Oldham Athletic are currently 20th in the table on 28 points, making them the immediate target of any side looking to escape the drop.

PILGRIMS ONE WIN AWAY FROM WEMBLEY

Whilst Plymouth Argyle have enjoyed runs to the semi finals of the League Cup (1964-1965 & 1974-75) and the FA Cup (1983-84), they have never reached the last four of the EFL Trophy - until now that is. 

After seeing off Bristol Rovers 2-0 in the quarter finals, thanks to goals from January signing Ben Waine and Ryan Hardie, the Pilgrims are currently enjoying their longest ever run in the competition. 

The Pilgrims' county neighbours Exeter City and Torquay United have both experienced lengthy runs in the trophy. The Grecians reached the Southern Area final three times in 1992-93, 1999-00 and 2010-11 in the days when the competition was played on a regional basis all the way through to the final. The Gulls are currently the only South West side ever to have made it to the final when they famously did so in 1989 where they met Bolton Wanderers.

With Argyle currently top of League One, they also have the potential to emulate Birmingham City and Bristol City, who both went up from the third tier as champions whilst also lifting the EFL Trophy in 1994-95 and 2014-15 respectively. 

For some fans the competition has lost some of its shine and prestige with the introduction of Premier League Under-21 sides, which has resulted in some three figure gates for some matches in the earlier rounds. However, should the Pilgrims reach the final, the 'Green Army' will no doubt travel to Wembley in large numbers - which would help to emphasis the reasons why the competition was originally invented.

SIX TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS FC HALIFAX TOWN

1. Hall is United's ace in the pack. 

Although Asa Hall's appearance this season have been restricted by injury when the United skipper does appear he tends to make a big impact. 

Hall's brace in United's 4-4 draw with Altrincham in October proved to be hugely important in helping the Gulls to secure a point, and his 72nd minute effort against FC Halifax Town could be equally as influential in assisting United in their fight against the drop. 

The United skipper's goal was also his fifth of the season, which makes him United's third top scorer behind the recently departed Will Goodwin, who returns to Stoke City following the end of his loan spell, and Aaron Jarvis who have scored eight and seven respectively.

2. Tom Lapslie showed great tenacity in midfield. 

Alongside Hall in midfield, Tom Lapslie displayed great energy and tenacity in the centre of midfield for United. 

Despite being only 27, Lapslie is one of the most experienced in the Gulls' squad, having made over 100 appearances for Colchester United at League One and League Two level prior to his arrival at Plainmoor. 

His experience will be crucial for the remainder of the campaign.

3. Defensively resolute. 

United's defence showed that there is life after Mark Ellis, in the wake of his return to Barrow, as the Gulls' back three of Shaun Donnellan, Ali Omar and Dean Moxey. 

All three made a number of important tackles, blocks and interceptions as they provided Gary Johnson's side with the strong defensive base that they will need as they look to secure a path to safety. 

In addition to this, Moxey and Omar also played crucial roles in United's goal as Moxey's cross back into the area was headed into Hall's path by Omar for the United skipper to score.

4. Aaron Jarvis lead the line well up front. 

Whilst he might not have found himself on the scoresheet, Aaron Jarvis worked tirelessly up front and played the role of a lone striker well. 

Jarvis started up front as United fielded a 3-5-1-1 formation, with new loan signing from Swindon Town Ricky Aguiar being deployed as a number 10 behind him. He held the ball up well and always looked to bring other players into the game and he was unlucky not to get on the end of one or two crosses. 

5. A first double of the season. 

By securing a 1-0 win over FC Halifax Town, Torquay United completed their first double of their 2022-23 National League campaign. 

The Gulls had previously beaten the Shaymen 1-0 at the Shay on August 13, 2022, with Brett McGavin netting the decisive goal. 

6. Improved home form will be key to any United revival. 

United's win over the Shaymen means their home record has now marginally improved and they are now level with Gateshead in having taken the least number of points from their home fixtures (nine). 

For the remainder of the campaign, United need to make Plainmoor into a more difficult place to come to as they aim to beat the drop.

WHEN PELE CAME TO HOME PARK

After the recent death of Edson Arantes do Nascimento aka Pele, we will look back at the time when the Brazilian appeared at Home Park for Santos in a friendly against Plymouth Atgyle. 

For the 37,639 who packed inside Home Park to see the great Pele appear alongside three other World Cup winners - Edu, Carlos Alberto and Clodoaldo - for Brazilian club side Santos against Plymouth Argyle on March 14, 1973, it seemed a like a dream come true.  

By this stage, Pele was 32, and had played his final match for Brazil a year earlier against Yugoslavia - but he still remained a big draw.

However, what they didn't realise at the time was the game itself nearly didn't take place after the Santos directors demanded another £2,500, in addition to the £2,500 that the two clubs had previously agreed as a match fee. 

Their request was initially refused by Argyle chairman Robert Daniel, to which the Santos directors response was 'no money, no match.' Nevertheless, with the gates bulging, Daniel reluctantly gave in to their demands. 

When the match eventually got underway, it was the Pilgrims who took the lead through a stunning 30-yard strike from Mike Dowling. Further goals from Derek Rickard and Jimmy Hinch gave Argyle a 3-0 lead going into the half-time break. 

During the interval, the completion of the game was again in the balance, as Santos refused to call it off again if the referee wasn't replaced. Pele, ever the diplomat, managed to restore order as he and his teammates came back out for the second half. 

And it was Pele who reduced Santos' arrears to a single goal after the re-start from the penalty spot.  

Edu pulled another goal back for the Brazilians, but the Pilgrims hung on to secure a memorable 3-2 victory. 

At the final whistle, hundreds of youngsters swarmed onto the pitch to try and get Pele's autograph, and the great man himself swapped shirts with the player who marked him on the evening, Johnny Hore. However, the shirt would be destined for the Pilgrims' boardroom. 

After the match, Robert Daniel handed the additional sum that had been demanded over to the Santos directors, and later reported the incident to authorities and they managed to get the money back several years later. 

Argyle: Furnell (Aleksic), Provan, Sullivan, Hore, Saxton, Hague, Dowling, Rickard; Hinch (Davey), Latcham, Welsh.

Santos: Claudio, Alberto, Murias, Hermes, Leo, Marcal, Jair, Brecha (Pitico), Pitico (Vincente), Alcindo, Pele, Edu.

Scorers: Argyle - Dowling, Rickard, Hinch -- Santos - Pele (pen), Edu

Referee: Mr C. Nicholls (Plymouth)

Attendance: 37,639

SIX TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS YEOVIL TOWN

1. A game of two halves. 

Never was the phrase 'a game of two halves' seemed more true than after Torquay United met Yeovil Town on Boxing Day. The first half saw the Gulls dominate the proceedings and take a deserved lead through Mark Ellis on 18 minutes and could well have increased their lead. 

However, the second half proved to be a completely different affair as Yeovil boss Mark Cooper re-jigged their formation, sending on Malachi Linton and former Gull Alex Fisher on in place of another ex United player Chiori Johnson and Charlie Wakefield. The changes paid dividends as Linton equalised for the Glovers on 64 minutes and had further chances to add to his tally(more on that later) and Fisher also went close - so, in the end, it was United who were clinging on.

2. Mark Ellis on target. 

Throughout his first spell with Torquay United between 2008 and 2012, Mark Ellis' dad Kevin often used to have a bet on Mark scoring first whenever he featured for the Gulls - and made himself a tidy profit too!

He also had a flutter on Mark scoring yesterday, as he headed home in the 18th minute in a first half that the Gulls dominated. However, he limped off towards the end as United finished the game with nine men - as Dylan Crowe saw red for a second yellow card (Gulls boss Gary Johnson also saw red after the final whistle). With his loan from Barrow presumably due to end soon, the question remains when will Ellis next be seen in a Gulls' shirt?

3. Mark Halstead to the rescue -again. 

United were once again indebted to goalkeeper Mark Halstead for helping them to secure a point. The former Blackpool keeper made an important stop in the first half to prevent a free-kick from Glovers' skipper Josh Staunton from trickling over the line. In the second half, he called upon to deny Jordan Maguire-Drew, Linton and Fisher in the closing stages of the game - as United ended up holding on to secure a draw.

Parallels can also be drawn with United's 1-1 draw at home to Scunthorpe United when Halstead made a string of saves late on to ensure that the Gulls came away with a share of the spoils.

4. Shaun Donnellan's versatility. 

Since his arrival at Plainmoor in the summer, Shaun Donnellan has filled in numerous different roles. He has appeared as a central midfielder and at right-back, as well as in the centre of defence where he partnered Mark Ellis against Yeovil. He produced a strong, commanding display which earned him the sponsor's man of the match award.

5. Draws are killing United. 

As former Plymouth Argyle manager Paul Sturrock once said 'draws can kill, it's better to win one and lose one than it is to draw two.' Sadly, too many draws at home are having that effect on United's 2022-23 campaign, with their clash with Yeovil being their sixth draw at Plainmoor this term. 

Had the Gulls managed to beat the Glovers on Boxing Day, then the extra two points would have lifted them out of the relegation zone at the expense of Maidstone United on goal difference. If they could have managed to turn two or three of their five previous draws into wins they would already be outside of the bottom four.

6. Nice to meet you. 

Yeovil super sub Malachi Linton would have been a familiar face to United midfielder Brett McGavin, as the duo spent the 2021-22 season on loan at King's Lynn Town. Stephen Wearne also lined-up against his fellow Grimsby Town loanee Jordan Maguire-Drew.

A TORQUAY UNITED-YEOVIL TOWN XI

As Torquay United and Yeovil Town prepare to meet each other home and away for the fourth season in a row in the National League over the festive period, we will look at an XI made up of players who have served both clubs over the years.

Steve Collis: 

Despite spending most of his five years at Huish Park, between 2001 and 2006, as an understudy to Chris Weale, Steve Collis would also serve under Gary Johnson at Bristol City, Peterborough United and Northampton Town. His solitary appearance for the Gulls came on the final day of the 2009-10 season in a 0-0 draw with Notts County after he was drafted in on a seven-day emergency loan.

Derek Dawkins: 

Voted as the Gulls' cult hero in a poll run by the BBC's Football Focus show, Derek 'the Dude' Dawkins wrote his name into Torquay United folklore when he scored the winning goal in the Gulls' League Cup tie with Tottenham Hotspur in 1987. Dawkins also combined playing for the Gulls with coaching the club's youth side, and his young charges included a certain Lee Sharpe. On leaving the Gulls in 1988 he had spells with Newport County, Yeovil and Gloucester City.

Adam Lockwood: 

A stalwart of the Yeovil side that won the FA Trophy in 2002 and Conference title a year later under Gary Johnson, Adam Lockwood joined the Gulls on loan during the 2005-06 season under Leroy Rosenior. He made 12 appearances in all competitions and scored three goals - which included the winner in United's second round FA Cup tie against Notts County. Lockwood returned to Huish Park and then returned to his native Yorkshire to sign for Doncaster Rovers, who he captained to promotion to the Championship in the 2007-08 season. 

Gary Warren: 

Having made his name in non-league circles with Mangotsfield Town and Newport County, Gary Warren headed north to join Inverness Caledonian Thistle in 2011, but returned to the Westcountry in 2018 to join Yeovil and he stayed for one season before moving on to Exeter City and arrived on a permanent basis in the summer of 2020, after an initial loan spell during the 2019-20 campaign. Since leaving Plainmoor he has had spells with Tiverton Town and Clachanuddin in the Highland League.

Liam Davis: 

Liam Davis joined the Glovers in 2013, after having previously played under Gary Johnson at Northampton Town. He was a regular in their season in the Championship in 2013-14 and was released by Paul Sturrock at the end of the 2014-15 campaign. A spell in Sweden followed before he was reunited with Johnson at Cheltenham and he joined the Gulls in the 2017-18 season when he was signed by Kevin Nicholson. Despite never appearing under Nicholson due to injury, he was an ever present under his successor Gary Owers but unfortunately couldn't help prevent United from being relegated to National League South. He was also an ever present for the Gulls in the 2018-19 campaign, as they clinched the National League South title under Johnson. His career was ended by an ankle injury sustained in an FA Cup tie with Maidstone United.

Steve Morrall: 

A University educated right winger who drew comparisons with Liverpool wide man Steve Heighway, who himself had a University background, Steve Morrall first broke into the Torquay United side in the 1972-73 season. He remained with the Gulls until 1977 when he decided to go part-time and joined Yeovil Town so he could concentrate on his career with the District Valuer's Office. 

Alex Russell: 

The midfield lynchpin of United's 2003-04 promotion winning side under Leroy Rosenior, Alex Russell enjoyed a hugely successful four years at Plainmoor between 2001 and 2005. As well as winning promotion he also won the club's player of the year award in the 2002-03 season and was named in the PFA Division Three team of the season two years running in 2002-03 and 2003-04. He then joined Bristol City and was part of the Robins' side who won promotion to the Championship under Gary Johnson in the 2006-07 campaign. Russell also scored the crucial goal in their final day 3-1 victory over Rotherham United which secured promotion. He later moved on to Cheltenham Town and Exeter City and a brief spell with the Glovers during the 2010-11 season. 

Cliff Myers: 

After spells with Charlton Athletic and Brentford, Cliff Myers joined Yeovil Town in 1968 and spent five years at the Glovers' old Huish ground and was part of the side who won the Southern League Premier Division title in the 1970-71 season. He was given a second shot at league football in 1973 when Malcolm Musgrove signed him for Torquay United and he remained with the Gulls until the 1975-76 season. His son Chris would later have three spells with United (1986-1988, 1990-1993 and 1993-94 loan) and was part of the Gulls side who won promotion from Division Four through the play-offs against Blackpool in 1991.

Ryan Dickson: 

Ryan Dickson had two spells with both Torquay United and Yeovil Town at different stages of his career. The first came during the 2006-07 season on loan from Plymouth Argyle and he later joined the Gulls permanently in 2018, after spending three years with the Glovers after joining them in 2015 from Crawley Town. He had previously been on loan spell with Yeovil in the 2011-12 season.

Martin Gritton: 

After being signed by Plymouth Argyle from Jewson South Western League side Porthleven, Martin Gritton joined the Glovers on loan during the 2000-01 season. He later signed for Torquay in the 2002-03 campaign and finished the season as the Gulls' top scorer. Gritton was also part of the Gulls' squad who won automatic promotion from Division Three in 2003-04. He later moved on to Grimsby Town, Lincoln City, Mansfield Town (loan), Macclesfield Town and Chesterfield before returning to the Gulls on loan in the 2010-11 season. After leaving Spireites in 2011, Gritton had a spell with Chester FC before returning to Huish Park on a short term basis before winding down his career with Stockport County and Truro City. 

Reuben Reid:  

Like Ryan Dickson, Reuben Reid also had a loan spell at Plainmoor during the 2006-07 season. He also had two spells with the Glovers. Reid first arrived at Huish Park in 2012, but fell out of favour under Gary Johnson and was loaned out to Plymouth Argyle in the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons. During the latter campaign, Reid became the first player to score 20 or more times in a season since Tommy Tynan. He later signed for the Pilgrims on a permanent basis and later had spells with Exeter City, Forest Green Rovers and Cheltenham Town before re-signing for Yeovil midway through the 2020-21 campaign.

GULLS LOOKING TO DRAW INSPIRATION FROM LAST VISIT TO OLDHAM

As Torquay United head to Oldham Athletic on Sunday for their relegation 'six-pointer' against the Latics, manager Gary Johnson will be hoping for the same result from their last visit to Boundary Park in April 2005. 

On that occasion both the Gulls and the Latics were fighting against relegation from League One - and Leroy Rosenior's United side had beaten MK Dons and Port Vale at Plainmoor as they mounted a late bid for survival after winning promotion in 2003-04.  

Spearheading the Gulls' fight against relegation was Adebayo Akinfenwa who had netted 14 times in all competitions by that stage as he looked to rebuild his career, which had taken in spells in Lithuania with FK Atlantas and Wales with Barry Town - not to mention several Football League clubs. 

The Latics went in front after 25 minutes against the run of play when skipper Dean Holden’s cross found veteran winger David Eyres, who showed a nice turn of speed before hammering home his seventh goal of the season.

However, it was to prove to be Oldham’s only shot on target in the whole 90 minutes – as Torquay bounced back to equalise four minutes before the break.

Kevin Hill slipped a neat pass to Matt Hockley, and he clipped the ball past the advancing keeper Les Pogliacomi to score his first goal of the season. Holden had made a despairing lunge on the line to try to clear but the ball hit a post before hitting the back of the net.

There was no way back for the Latics after Torquay went in front in the 49th minute.

A free-kick from Steve Woods picked out Hill, who - in turn - headed the ball into the path of Gulls’ top scorer Adebayo Akinfenwa, who fired home to score his 15^th of the campaign.

Leon Constantine later hit the woodwork and Buster Phillips teed up Alex Russell for a shot that went narrowly wide, as United completed their third successive win and their second ‘double’ of 2004-05; the Gulls had previously beaten the Latics 2-0 at Plainmoor in November 2004 with goals from Leon Constantine and Martin Gritton. 

The following week saw United beat Blackpool 2-0 with goals from Akinfenwa and Russell to make four wins on the spin, but a 2-1 defeat at Colchester United on the final day of the campaign - coupled with wins for the Latics and MK Dons - saw the Gulls relegated by the narrowest of margins on goal difference. 

Akinfenwa was voted as the club's player of the year before moving onto Swansea City and later appeared for Northampton Town (twice), Gillingham (twice), AFC Wimbledon and Wycombe Wanderers. 

Torquay United (4-3-3): Andy Marriott; Matt Hockley, Steve Woods, Craig Taylor, Craig Woodman; Alex Russell, Darren Garner, Kevin Hill; Martin Phillips (Matt Villis 90), Adebayo Akinfenwa, Leon Constantine