FL2: Torquay Utd v Oxford Utd 17 August 2013 - 3pm.

Clearly not the result we would have wanted but the performance was pretty much even from both teams. A draw would certainly have been a fair result. On such things as a moments inattention are matches won and lost. Their first goal came from a corner that Smalley's marker let him get a pace ahead and he scored from close range. That Constable was left with enough space from a long ball to gain possession and plant a dipping shot over Ricey was again another moment of inattention, from the CBs this time. The 3rd was a similar story with another long ball out of defence while we were pressing at the other end. I think Ricey had one other save to make in the game and would suggest the Oxford keeper was the busier of the two?

I think our failing so far is the lack of penetration from the wide players and their inability to go past an opponent (Chappers excused the critisism yesterday though).

I suppose one of the key indicators of comparing 2 teams is how many of the Oxford players would we like in our team (all of them I hear you say?)
I would suggest that either Smalley or Constable, and possibly Potter would. Im not sure any of the others would be an improvement though.
Had both sides been equally clinical in their finishing, a five all draw could well have been on the cards, as it was, we weren't and therefore came away empty handed...

Torquay 1-3 Oxford highlights now on my YouTube Channel. The Cameraman missed Jordan Chappell's goal. www.youtube.com/channel/UCq3K8LF3WmUn0CxQ5XS2s8Q/videos

Looking at the highlights link above (thanks Sam), my suspicions from yesterday were justified - they were horrible goals to concede on our part. I was surprised Poke was not even on the bench yesterday as Knill confirmed he is match fit and just needs games under his belt. Personally I would play Poke again. I find it disappointing that the first goal from the corner was inside our 6 yard box and our marking was not great but Ricey was still on his line. Surely a goalkeeper has to command at least his 6 yard box. Poke is not the most commanding keeper either but I like to think he would have done better. I would go as far to say that in our 2 home games so far I have not seen Rice come out for a cross yet?

The second goal was criminal letting a long ball bounce right through us. Was it Mansell who missed the header? Pearce did not get too tight on Constable and Ricey was off his line enough to get lobbed. It was a decent finish saying that. The third goal we were pretty open again and Ricey's parry was right back into the danger area.

I noticed in the highlights Nicholson is typically involved in our best moves so I am not convinced he should be dropped. I would rather see Cruise play left back than right back. There is an obvious danger playing left footers at right back if they are not 2 footed enough. Was it good business releasing Oastler AND Leadbitter? I think I am right in saying that yesterday we played our left and right backs and left and right midfielders who were ALL left footed! Thankfully Tonge will be back next week but it does not say a lot for the balance of our squad and what options we have in certain areas.

The majority of media platforms still seem to think the ref was a Mr Phil Gibbs. If only?


Anyway, it was good to see Jon and Chelston for the first time this season  

Head down en-route to the Gulls Nest post final whistle looking decidedly grumpy

Part of the Plainmoor experience i guess