FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED FROM TORQUAY UNITED'S TITLE CLINCHER AGAINST EASTBOURNE BOROUGH

1. The Gulls' title was a reward for the fans.

Any Torquay United fan waking up this morning could be forgiven if they half expected yesterday's promotion success to be a dream on par of Bobby Ewing's death in Dallas. Instead of awaking to the joy of a title triumph, they would then discover that chairman Clarke Osborne had given Gary Johnson's predecessor Gary Owers a vote of confidence in their Twitter and Facebook feeds.
However, Osborne's decision to appoint Johnson was ultimately an inspired one and the National League South title serves as a reward for the fans who stuck by the Gulls during one of the darkest periods in the club's history.

2. Only the loanees.

With Opi Edwards returning from injury, Gary Johnson was able to field five loan players in a squad for the first time since January. Edwards took his place on the bench whilst fellow Bristol City loanees Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Jake Andrews were both on target and Frankie Vincent, on loan from Bournemouth, made his first start and won the sponsor's man of the match award.
Whether any of those five will be seen at Plainmoor next season remains to be seen, Lemonheigh-Evans and Andrews may well find themselves on the fringes of the Robins' first team, or loaned out to a side in either League One or Two. As they are the youngest of the five, the possibility of a return for either Edwards, Janneh or Vincent is a distinct possibility.

3. A unique title treble for Johnson.

By winning the National League South title with Torquay United, Gary Johnson also becomes the first manager to win the League Two title - which he won with Yeovil Town in 2005 - and the National League title (Yeovil 2003 and Cheltenham 2016) as well as the National League South prize. This is in addition to the other promotions that he won with Yeovil and Bristol City.

4. Kyle Cameron has grown into a leader.

In the absence of regular captain Asa Hall, vice-captain Kyle Cameron produced an assured display in the centre of defence and hardly put a foot wrong throughout the entire 90 minutes. Over the course of Gary Johnson's reign as manager, Cameron has matured into a real leader and has shown a level of maturity that belies the fact that he is only 22 years of age.

5. The best attended in the west.

The crowd of 4,538 that poured into Plainmoor to witness United become National League South champions was the highest crowd of the day of all the matches that were played in the South West of England. League Two play-off chasers Exeter City and Forest Green Rovers attracted respective gates of 4,013 and 2,386 for their fixtures against Port Vale and Macclesfield Town respectively. League Two relegation candidates Yeovil Town only saw a crowd of 3,232 witness their relegation 'six-pointer' with Crawley Town. As the saying goes 'build and they will come.'

WYNTER STRIKE BRINGS GULLS ONE STEP CLOSER TO TITLE

Two goals in the last ten minutes of their Vanarama National League South 'six-pointer' with Woking left Torquay United within touching distance of securing the division's title.

Greg Luer had given the Cards the lead on seven minutes before Jamie Reid equalised for United, following good work from Ruairi Keating, to score his 31st of the season and Torquay's 100th in all competitions. Luer then restored Woking's lead with his second of the game and Kieron Cadogan, cousin of Torquay left-back Liam Davis, added a third midway through the second half.

With ten minutes to go, Saikou Janneh headed home his 18th of the season after Kyle Cameron headed a Jake Andrews corner back across goal to reduce United's arrears to a single goal.

The Cards were then reduced to ten men after ex-Torquay defender Ben Gerring became the villain of the afternoon - receiving a second yellow card for a foul on Reid.

With a numerical advantage, the Gulls then saved the best for last as right-back Ben Wynter equalised with his second goal of the season to ensure that United go into the final four matches of the campaign with a seven-point gap between themselves and the Cards.

They could also claim the National League South title if they win at home to Eastbourne next week and Woking lose at home to Chelmsford City.

GULLS READY FOR SHOWDOWN WITH CARDS AS TITLE RACE NEARS CONCLUSION

Forget the Premier League title race between Liverpool and Manchester City, English football's most intriguing title race of the 2018-19 campaign will be nearing its conclusion this weekend as National League South leaders Torquay United travel to second placed Woking.

Instead of the managerial duel between Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola, it was Alan Dowson and Gary Johnson who will be looking to outwit each season as their respective sides go head-to-head and the stakes could not be higher.

In what will be their third meeting of the season, and the first at Woking's Kingfield Stadium, United are seeking their first win over the Cards after bowing out of the FA Cup to them at the first round stage - in addition to drawing 2-2 with them in the league in Johnson's first home game in charge.

The Gulls warmed up for this 'six-pointer' in perfect fashion on Tuesday with a 3-1 win over play-off contenders Chelmsford City, which was United's fifth win in a row following victories over Billericay Town, Dartford, Concord Rangers and Wealdstone - a run which has seen United overhaul the Cards as league leaders.

What makes the Gulls' current position seem even more remarkable is the fact when Gary Johnson succeeded Gary Owers as Gulls manager last September, United were 14th position in the National League South - ten points behind the Cards who were top of the table at the time.

For no player is that transformation more apparent than for the Gulls' leading scorer Jamie Reid, who netted what were his second and third goals of the season when United drew with Woking last September, as the Gulls overcame a two-goal deficit to level at 2-2. Torbay-born Reid now has 30 goals to his name and he is the first United player to achieve this feat in a season since Robin Stubbs in the 1964-65 season.

While Reid is revered as the local hero, the same cannot currently be said of Woking centre back Ben Gerring who, like Reid, grew up supporting the club, but, also like Reid, had to seek a route into the professional game beyond South Devon - Gerring joined Plymouth Argyle's youth academy as a child while Reid was spotted by Exeter City.

However, that's where the similarities end, especially after Gerring was filmed joining in with a group of Cards' fans singing an anti-Gulls song in February. He is widely expected to receive a warm reception from the 1,400 or so travelling United support.

Now the Gulls are left requiring just two more wins to secure what would be a first professional title triumph and victory over the Cards would give United the chance to clinch that title in front of their own fans at Plainmoor next week against Eastbourne Borough.

Winning the league would also see United bounce back into the National League at the first attempt, and should they go up via the play-offs the Cards would achieve a similar feat. This would be ironic given that last season's National League South promotion winners Havant and Waterlooville and Braintree Town are currently in the bottom four of the National League and seem destined for a swift return.

FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS WEALDSTONE

1. Mind the gap.

At the start of what could be a crucial seven days for Torquay United, the Gulls got off to the best possible start with a win over Wealdstone - which opens up a four-point gap between themselves and fellow title chasers Woking. This sets United up nicely for their forthcoming against play-off chasing Chelmsford City on Tuesday night and their eagerly anticipating 'six-pointer' against Woking.

2. Jamie Reid edges closer to the 30-goal mark.

Had Jamie Reid converted his 73rd minute penalty, which was saved by Wealdstone keeper Jonathan North, he would have become the first Torquay United to find the back of the net 30 times in one season since Robin Stubbs in the 1964-65 campaign. His 37th minute effort was his 29th of the season, but he will now have wait a little longer to hit the 30-goal mark.

3. Keating the creator.

After starting the game on the left wing, Ruairi Keating made an important contribution to the Gulls' cause - providing the assists for United's first and second goals by Kalvin Kalala and Jamie Reid.
For the first goal, after skipper Asa Hall played the ball to him, Keating picked out Kalala with a cross that the Frenchman volleyed home. With United's second, Keating played a ball over the top which Reid ran onto and broke clear of the Wealdstone defence before slotting home.
He has now undoubtedly proved that he can create goals as well as score them.


4. Is Ben Wynter the best right-back in National League South?

Early on in the season, many of the Plainmoor faithful were unsure about right-back Ben Wynter following a number of indifferent displays under previous manager Gary Owers. However, since the arrival of Gary Johnson as manager, Wynter's playing fortunes have been transformed and he's now equally comfortable defensively as he is going forward - like many modern day full-backs.
If anyone can think of a better right-back than him in National League South, please send their answers on a postcard? - you can also phone, text or tweet as well!

5. Kalvin Kalala is approaching double figures.

One of only a handful of new faces brought to Plainmoor by Gary Johnson, after starting the season under Johnson at Cheltenham Town, Kalvin Kalala netted his eighth goal of the season with the Gulls' opener against Wealdstone. He now needs two more goals to join Jamie Reid (29), Saikou Janneh (17) and Jake Andrews (10) in hitting double figures for the season - a unprecedented feat in United's recent history.

Extra time - Olaf Koszela, in signing his first professional contract before the game becomes the first Torquay United who was born after their final relegation decider against Barnet in the 2000-01 season to sign as a pro with the club.

THE RUNNERS AND RIDERS TO REPLACE WAY

A 2-0 defeat away to MK Dons proved to be the end of Darren Way's reign as Yeovil Town manager - a result that sees the Glovers placed precariously above the League Two relegation zone.

Their loss in Milton Keynes was Yeovil's tenth loss in 12 games, a sequence which also included a loss at home to fellow strugglers Macclesfield Town. Prospective new owners Feliciana EFL Ltd - led by New Orleans based entrepreneur and politician Rob Couhig - who are set to complete the purchase of the club from current chairman John Fry, and fellow director Norman Hayward, have given their blessing to the decision.

For Plymouth-born Way, the decision brings the curtain down on a long association with the Huish Park club which began in the summer of 2000 when he joined the Glovers as a player, following his release from Norwich City. In the intervening 19 years - aside from an 18-month spell in South Wales with Swansea City - Way served Yeovil as a player, coach and as manager, from December 2015 until his recent dismissal, where he oversaw 19th, 20th and 19th place league finishes in League Two.

With seven games remaining to preserve the league status that they won in 2003, the Glovers have appointed Way's assistant Neale Marmon as caretaker manager before deciding on a permanent successor.

We will now take a look at some of the names being linked with the vacancy so far.

Darrell Clarke -

Former Bristol Rovers Clarke took charge of the Pirates in a situation not too dissimilar to the one in which the Glovers currently find themselves in the 2013-14 season when he succeeded John Ward. Clarke might have been unable to save Rovers from relegation to the Vanarama National League, but he then led them back into the Football League at the first attempt in the 2014-15 campaign - when they beat Grimsby Town in the Play-off final on penalties.
He then followed up this feat by leading Pirates to automatic promotion from League Two in the 2015-16 season before re-establishing them in League One and he also received a few admiring glances from several Championship sides before he was dismissed earlier this season and replaced by Graham Coughlan.

Jerry Gill -

Ex Yeovil defender Gill helped the Glovers win promotion from the Isthmian Premier Division in the 1996-97 season before moving on to Birmingham City, Northampton Town and Cheltenham Town amongst others. He is currently in charge of Bath City in National League South, where he is currently overseeing a Play-off challenge in his second season after replacing Gary Owers in September 2017. Prior to this he was also worked as a development coach at Norwich City and Wolverhampton Wanderers, an experience which could be useful in integrating players from the club's academy, which is starting to bear fruit with players like Gabby Rogers.

Kevin Nolan -

Former Bolton Wanderers and West Ham United midfielder Nolan has plenty of experience of managing in League Two in recent seasons, with spells in charge of Leyton Orient and Notts County under his belt. The current vacancy at Huish Park could be the opportunity he needs to give his managerial career the kickstart that it needs.

Gary Johnson -

Arguably the Glovers' most successful manager ever, having overseen promotions from the National League, League Two and League One in 2003, 2005 and 2013 respectively over two spells. However, if Way's dismissal was seen as a break with the past, then re-employing Johnson for a third time would be seen as counterproductive. Plus, he has already distanced himself from the position - declaring that he is happy at Torquay United, who are currently aiming to clinch the National League South title.

Neale Marmon -

The man immediately tasked with keeping the Glovers in the Football League, Marmon has spent much of his career - both playing and managing - in Germany, aside from two playing spells with Torquay United and Colchester United. After declaring the Glovers' first team training sessions open to the fans, he is looking to re-engage with the Huish Park faithful and, in the short-term at least, help Yeovil get as many points on the board as possible while he is in charge.

CAMERON PICKS PERFECT TIME TO OPEN ACCOUNT FOR GULLS

Torquay United central defender Kyle Cameron picked the perfect time to score his first goal of the season, as he scored the decisive goal in the Gulls' away victory over Concord Rangers.

Former Newcastle United starlet Cameron connected with a corner from Connor Lemonheigh-Evans to open his account for the Gulls at arguably the most crucial of times - fellow title challengers Woking had slipped to defeat against Slough Town - to inflict what was only Concord's second home defeat of the season.

It has also been revealed that Gulls manager Gary Johnson offered to bare his backside in the branch in the well-known Italian restaurant chain!

It's a method that Johnson also used earlier in his career when he was in charge of Bristol City in a bid to encourage central defender Liam Fontaine to find the target.

By finding the back of the net, Cameron has now avoided the unwanted record of being United's only regular starter not to find the back of the net this season - an unwanted record that was held by Jamie Robinson in the 1997-98 season.

Robinson, a central defender like Cameron, was the only regular outfield starter in Kevin Hodges' side not to score a goal as United reached the Third Division Play-offs - only to be denied by Colchester United in the final at Wembley.

However, in 2019, the Gulls' National League South title bid remains firmly on track and with home games against Wealdstone and Chelmsford City to come before their showdown at Kingfield against Woking. They now have the chance to put some serious daylight between themselves at the Cards.

FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS DARTFORD

1. They only need ten men!

Despite losing central defender Jean Yves Koue Niate in the 13th minute to a straight red card for a professional foul on Dartford striker Darren McQueen, Torquay United still managed to seal all three points. Three times this season, Eastbourne Borough away and Truro City home and away, the Gulls have come from behind to win - but they now they can say that they have also won with ten men, which further reflects the strength of character with the squad under Gary Johnson.

2. United controlled the centre of the park.

After going down to ten men, Johnson required the remaining ten players on the pitch to give an extra 10% and this was exemplified by the displays of central midfielders Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Asa Hall. On going a man down, Johnson switched to a 4-2-3 formation, with Jamie Reid playing as a central striker with Saikou Janneh and Kalvin Kalala playing either side of him as part of a front three in front of Lemonheigh-Evans and Hall. Lemonheigh Evans also made a vital contribution on 49 minutes when he cleared a goal bound from Darts midfielder Joe Healy off the line, which helped give United the platform they needed to score their second goal through Jamie Reid in the 62nd minute.

3. Jamie Sendles-White slotted in seamlessly at the back.

Following Jean Yves Koue Niate's dismissal, Gary Johnson sent Jamie Sendles-White on as a substitute and he fitted in seamlessly alongside Kyle Cameron in the centre of defence. Sendles-White, who is looking to get his career back on track following spells at Swindon Town and Leyton Orient, will now be hoping to use any impending ban for Niate as a potential chance to further impress Johnson and his coaching team.

4. Ryan Dickson's experience could come into play.

As United head into the closing stages of the 2018-19 National League South, which sees them now trail Woking by one point with a game in hand, the importance of their senior pros will come into play - including Ryan Dickson, who made an impressive cameo appearance after replacing Kalvin Kalala against . Dickson, 31, as one of United's more experienced players, has the experience of winning promotion earlier in his career from League Two - with Brentford in 2009 - and League Two - with Southampton in 2011 - and his memories of those campaigns could yet prove to be hugely helpful to Torquay United in 2019.

5. Jamie Reid's brace makes him the fourth highest Gulls' goal scorer of this century.

By netting a brace yesterday, with a goal in each half, Jamie Reid took his tally for the season to 28 goals. Reid is also up to fourth in the list of top Torquay United goal scorers in his century, with 38 to his name. His double against Dartford lifted him above club record appearance holder Kevin Hill - who scored 37 of his 52 goals for the Gulls from 2000 onwards.
Reid is now fourth behind Tim Sills with 41, Chris Zebroski is in second place with 42 and David Graham who found the back of the net 49 times between 2001 and 2005.