FL2: Southend Utd v Torquay Utd, 16 March 2013

Benyon's ineligible, as far as I'm aware - I guess we didn't get anyone else in other than Chapell (apt name in a week where we got a new pope)

I think Tomlin's been out for a while as he hasn't been involved in the last few matches

I'm not expecting Chapell to be named in the starting line up but we might well see him come on at some stage during the game.

It seems that he's been brought in predominantly to cover for Billy Bodin during BB's International duty absence.
Given that Knill has justifiably kicked up a fuss about having to lose Billy for 2 games, it would undermine his argument considerably if he now doesn't play Billy on Saturday when he is available.

I would imagine that the team spirit and confidence that might have been gained from Tuesday nights performance would be kept intact as much as possible. I'd expect much the same starting line up, with the obvious exception of MacDonald taking the place of Downes. As for the Cruise or Nicholson dilemma, that one is harder to call.

I'm sure Chappell will get plenty of game time during his loan spell with us and it won't be anything like the direction the Benyon situation seemed to be heading, with it looking as though the month could be completed while he rarely stepped onto the pitch.

Chappell will hopefully prove to be a good short term acquisition for us and I'm looking forward to seeing him play.

Well done Pete, at least, unlike me, you're sufficiently awake in the morning to remember that there will be no Benyon tomorrow. I think I was thrown by reading elsewhere that Southend had insisted on a clause that we HAD to play Benyon against them....but it's since been explained to me that was a joke (Not entirely suitable but it's the only smiley I like)


I'd leave Rene up front on his own, stifle the game and come away with a point.Then throw the kitchen sink at Chesterfield on Tuesday and feel well satisfied with 4 points we've gained from a possible 6. Failing that, lose at Southend but still beat Chesterfield while telling ourselves that 3 points out of 6 is a big improvement compared to the last couple of months.

Let's hope that when the female population of Torbay turn up to witness their free match on Tuesday night, that they're treated to an exciting game and a convincing home win.

Is there a game on today?

I'd play Howe up top - supported by Chappell and Bodin joining him whenever they can.

I'd then use the "spare" place to get some calmness and passing ability into the centre - Morris if he is fit, if not Craig.

4-5-1 when under pressure, 4-3-3 when we have won the right to attack.

No Jarvis and Craig starts with Chapell. A bit of a surprise there.

01 Poke
02 Oastler
05 Saah
16 MacDonald
21 Cruise
07 Mansell
15 Bodin
20 Craig
24 Labadie
25 Chapell
09 Howe
Substitutes
13 Rice
03 Nicholson
12 Leadbitter
06 Lathrope
19 Stevens
08 Jarvis
14 Macklin