NLS: Torquay United v Truro CIty 3pm Boxing Day 2018

Consolation goal for Truro after defensive errors to give the ball away - need to concentrate somewhat after missing quite a few opportunities to extend our lead.....

So 7th league win on the spin, one off the record from 1998. Really gutted could not make the game today....

Pete, old buddy.

It's a long way to Plainmoor from where I am this evening, but reading about another win for the Gulls is giving me a warm glow. I've only seen Annan Athletic once since we arrived here, against Cowdenbeath and like every other Scottish League fixture I've ever seen it finished 2-0 to the away team, but once the weather warms up again I shall give them another go. I've got the scarf so might as well wear it. 

Plainmoor: still, in my opinion, the best chips in football. 

Another impressive win today in front of a bumper 3,863 crowd with 83 from Truro. Today it was Torquay's long range shooting that won the game. All four goals were from distance as the Truro keeper typically just stood and watched them go in. Sponsors MOTM today going to the excellent centre back Niate who was so commanding in the air.

I took my place in Bristow Bench today as some of my visiting family were with me and took our seats around 2:15 and had plenty of seats (without reserved labels on them) to choose. The Bristow Bench filled up and then there was confusion that some supporters had pre-booked some specific seats. There were no stewards in sight to clarify if people could sit where they wanted to so we moved once as a good gesture to those who wanted to sit in their seats printed on the ticket. The club really needs to clarify this.

My first observation of the pitch was that in front of the Bristow bench around the half-way line, there was an awful uneven looking mud heap. It seems to me that since we lost our groundsman we don't appear to be putting in the necessary work into the ground? Only shortly before kick-off did some groundsmen appear with their pitchforks so I was relieved to see that but the mud heap would clearly affect the game.

Torquay were slow starting today and things were not really gelling. Kalala on the right kept losing the ball and there was no rhythm in Torquay's play. Truro's opener was a lovely finish, a cross went to the far post, was headed back and volleyed into the top corner. Torquay continued to struggle until an amazing shot by Kalala was superbly tipped onto the cross bar by their keeper, the ball bounced on the line and out. It was harsh on Torquay as with goal line technology I would have liked to know where the ball did indeed land. However about a minute later another long effort from Lemonheigh-Evans on our left looped over their keeper into the net. Goals 2 and 3 followed before half-time in a similar vein. Kalala looped one over their keeper and then Hall hit our most spectacular from distance that the keeper watched.

Torquay killed the game off shortly into the second half with Janneh scoring from the edge of the box with their keeper again struggling to react. Torquay were comfortably in control and at times played some lovely one-touch football which opened up Truro's defense. Only Torquay's final shot prevented us from scoring one or two more. Truro got one back from a low cross that was finished off at close range. Torquay at times play was a little slack and Truro made one or two chances themselves but Torquay finished off deserved 4-2 winners.

So another four goals and today it was the long range shooting that won us the game and we have players in abundance who have the confidence to do that. That nasty mud heap must make it difficult to pass it in areas of the pitch so long range shooting is perhaps our best ploy. Truro's keeper looked suspect from shots as well. Niate and Cameron are so solid in the center of defense so that when we do get the wobbles we stand firm at the back. And then we have Hall dictating things in central midfield so we have a really strong spine to the team. Our team looks full of goals from several players so these are exciting times indeed.

link - initial after match feedback from the manager

It sounds as of the pitch is in a bit of a state. Thinking of making the 500 mile round trip for Saturday but a bit worried about a postponement, have had this happen several times before.

What is the general opinion. Hopefully no more rain.

Forecast is dry for the next few days Geddy