Whilst Gary Johnson’s men were busy securing a valuable 1-0 win over Southend at Plainmoor on Saturday, three of United’s young stars were also in action at their respective loan clubs.
It was Emirates FA Cup action for striker Olaf Koszela, as his Tiverton Town side contested a home Second Round Qualifying tie against Sholing FC, a side that The Gulls themselves triumphed over in the same competition last season.
With Koszela named in the starting line-up alongside former Gulls Gary Warren and Aaron Dawson, Tivvy made a perfect start to proceedings by taking an early lead. Two goals from the visiting side turned the game on its head however, although Olaf was unlucky not to win a penalty just before the break, after a typically instinctive piece of play from the Torquay youngster inside the box.
Koszela took matters into his own hands just past the hour mark by sending a dangerous free-kick narrowly wide of the post, however a third Sholing goal in the closing stages ultimately saw Town exit the competition.
Meanwhile, there was a trip to Wiltshire for Louie Slough, as his temporary club Bideford AFC took on Highworth Town in their Southern League Division One South fixture. Unfortunately Louie and his colleagues faced an uphill task from almost the first whistle, as a first-half hat-trick from home forward Harrison Edwards took the game away from the North Devon side.
After trailing 3-1 at the break, Biddy, managed by former Torquay favourite Sean Joyce, certainly improved in the second period, however a fourth goal ten minutes after the restart eventually put paid to any hopes of a second-half fightback.
Just as Connor Lemonheigh-Evans was turning one point into three against Southend, a Willand Rovers team including first year pro Scott Piper were leaving equally late to alter the course of the points in their home match against Mangotsfield United.
After trailing from the fourth minute of the game, it appeared there would be disappointment at the Stan Robinson Stadium, however the introduction of Piper from the bench sparked a late revival for the side from Mid Devon, culminating in a late own-goal equaliser to see the points shared.