NL: Torquay United v Tranmere Rovers 3pm 5 August 2017

Left back is the big problem area.

Can't see Davis or Anderson (plan A and plan B) being thrown into action with no pre-season at all.

I thought plan C might be Nico, but his limited pre-season action hints that he is not even "emergency cover" on the playing front.

Gowling and Klukowski in the middle and McGinty at left back is an option - but again one not explored in pre-season.

So it looks a straight choice between Chaney and Lee who had 45 minutes each against Truro. Both looked comfortable going forward, but neither was tested at all defensively.

Shape will be interesting as we tried both the diamond and the flat 4-4-2 in pre-season.

The diamond would pick itself - Lathrope at the back, Young and Klukowski either side and Gosling in the hole.

If we go 4-4-2, I would expect Lathrope to miss out, with Gosling taking one wide position and the other up for grabs between Lee, Chaney and Reid.

I think I would "double bank" the left hand side by playing Lee at left back with Chaney in front to help him out, as tried in the second half v Truro, leaving Gosling to cut in from the right.

Up front, you can perm any two from Gray, Pittman and Keating. I was impressed with the finishing of both Gray (seems to have a nose for being in the right place) and Pittman (one goal and one disallowed both well taken) against Truro. Neither looks as idle and selfish as Mr Williams. Keating looks far less composed in front of goal but his energy and persistence make things happen.

Whichever of the three misses out would hope to get a good twenty minutes off the bench.

Tough first three games, followed by three winnable games. Nine points from six would be a decent start - three losses followed by three wins? Unlikely. Somehow we need to scrape two or three points from the those opening three games.

It won't be easy to get anything from Tranmere!

Looking forward to a decent atmosphere with a decent number of away fans.

Now Down To 9 Men!

I would have settled for a point before the game so I suppose I am relatively pleased with the 0-0 draw. A decent crowd of 3,162, good noise from both sets of fans and the atmosphere reminded me of times when we were a football league club. Sponsors MOTM going to keeper Clarke who made at least 3 outstanding saves. As for the match itself, Tranmere created the clearer chances whereas Torquay created little in the way of proper chances but Torquay matched Tranmere for most of the game.

The first 10 minutes was all Tranmere in our half and somehow we kept them out. Clarke showed what an outstanding keeper we have signed. After 3 minutes he blocked a shot on our 6 yard box as defenders failed to clear as Tranmere looked certain to score. Tranmere had a number of dangerous free-kicks as all the debatable decision were going their way. One free-kick crashed off our crossbar leaving Clarke on the floor as the ball looped into play. Clarke quickly regained his footing and punched clear the rebound under pressure from a Tranmere player who would have headed into an empty net. There were other occasions when some last ditch defending saved Torquay throwing their bodies on the line.

All game it was an impressive defensive display. Gowling at centre back should do great this season and is a lot more assured on the ball than McGinty. It was great to see a Torquay keeper who has a calm, confident air about himself and you could hear Clarke barking orders at the defenders. We have not had a commanding keeper like that for many a season. I like Higgins at right back even though he makes the odd slip with decision making. His long throw created Torquay best chance of the first half. Chaney acquitted himself well at left back against a tough, physical Tranmere side.

Young played well in midfield doing well physically and finding a pass. Gosling possesses some decent skill on the right wing. Up front Torquay looked lightweight without any physical presence. Pittman did not get into the game at all. Keating put his usual effort in but he is still very raw and is not clinical enough when he does get a chance. Keating does win headers well at times but in the second half he did not connect with a cross when presented with a chance. Sills years ago would have buried those sort of chances. On today's evidence we may badly miss Brett Williams to provide the clinical finishing that turns draws or losses into wins. Gray gave the front line a bit more presence when he replaced Pitman in the second half and looks arguably our best hope of scoring our goals.

The referee all game seemed too slow in spotting key moments often letting nasty challenges go unpunished and eventually the game descended into chaos. Following a nasty challenge on Chaney, McNulty got his second yellow card as there was a skirmish among some players. Ironically Tranmere went up a gear when they had 10 men. Late on Norwood got a straight red for a nasty off the ball incident. Torquay could not capitalize against 9 men and Reid and substitute Lee did not make the best of opportunities. Torquay best chance was following a decent passing move. The ball slid past their keeper but lacked pace and a defender comfortably cleared the ball near the goal line. Torquay lacked composure in their moves and often passes went astray with players on different wavelengths. All game Tranmere created the clearer opportunities and deserved to win. Our draw was earned from great goalkeeping and determined defending. When Clarke did miss a punch a defender was there to head off the line.

There were more positives than negatives today and a well earned point against a team who are bound to be in the top four. It was a gutsy performance. Our defence is far better this season but the big question mark is who will score the goals?

I was there yesterday. As stated left back could be problematic. Pittman looked lost and lethargic.But many positives, How Long leader, strong good in the air, keeper class for our league.

Some cracking reports on here as usual and i was certainly very encouraged by the performance of the team as a whole.       On another note i wonder if anyone else on here had one of the new home made steak and ale pies on offer.      Not exactly a cardboard pasty from an old caravan in one corner of the ground and i freely admit to being no connoisseur but bloody tasty none the less imo...any thoughts ?

Agree, with your report. I think Reid and or Gary should start up front and stick Fallon on the bench. Tranmere were an aggressive side Fallon I think can hold his own in situations like that.