NLS: Torquay United v Gloucester CIty 3pm 29/12/18

link - short highlights now up - you can see the dominance we had in terms of chances but what was their defender doing for the own goal - looks evens worse from the reverse angle!

I'd expected a very dour Gloucester City to make this a borefest, but by the time the final whistle had been blown they fully deserved credit for a skilful showing that contributed greatly to an entertaining match.

Of course, as always, it comes down to personal opinion, and I see a Kiddles site contributor labels yesterday's opponents 'possibly the worst side I have seen at Plainmoor in many a season'. That's an opinion I can't begin to  fathom, and think that Chris Todd has every reason to be satisfied with the overall performance of his team, even if the goal threat needs strengthening if they're to get the rewards that the ability within the team deserves.

Toddy's post match comments: “I said to the players before they came out, stay in the game for long periods and try and frustrate the big home crowd. It didn’t happen for us first-half, second-half we switched up the tactics and it caused them problems to be fair. Second half I thought our performance was excellent, and if you're going to lose a football match - then that's they way to do it", seem a fair assessment to me.

Another mild and dry afternoon, ideal for some pre match sea air, before joining the long queues to  gain entrance to Fortress Plainmoor. Luckily I didn't have to wait more than a minute or two before Season ticket holders were provided with express entrance to the ground via another entry point. Further ways of differentiating between elite fans and the plebs (no, I don't mean by TUST membership !) will be necessary if the popularity of TUFC games continues, and whispers suggesting a 'Club Osborne Gold Membership' scheme are in the offing, indicate a solution could be just around the corner.

The early(ish) goal made all the difference, forcing Gloucester to chase the game, and provide us with two sides set on attacking each other at every opportunity. Clinical finishing being in short supply, meaning we only got to see 3 goals, but we could enjoy some excellent build up play and passing that was a credit to both teams, on a surface that looked in large patches as though it would hinder rather than help.

Andre Wright had a tough physical battle with big Niate, and rarely got the better of him. Wright, when first on loan to us from West Brom, seemed to be at his best picking up the ball far deeper, find space to turn and run at the defence with the ball at his feet. A first half consumed with close combat tussles, trying to out muscle our biggest defender, brought little joy, and it wasn't long into the second period before Andre was withdrawn for fresh legs to be introduced to the fray.

GJ will reflect on a competent performance,  just about competent enough to win anyway. Some super individual skill from Kalala, and perhaps a spot of luck at the end, with Gloucester's 'equaliser' being ruled out. Toddy was steaming, and when the final whistle went a few seconds later, he made a beeline out onto the pitch to impart some choice words to the officials. Was it the appropriately named linesman 'Sam Littlefair' who flagged for an infringement, or the Ref Mr.Staynings who spotted an offence ? Either way, a huge sigh of relief in Bristow's Bench as another 3 points was secured in readiness for again welcoming Uncle Pete and our friends from Truro. Errr, or is it them welcoming us ??....and if it's seeming complicated now, just think what it'll be like after a New Year's Eve skinful 

Tufc match video - Johnson reassessed his opinion after watching the match video in that our performance was better than his initial thoughts which were probably coloured by narrowly avoiding dropping 2 points!

And Sendles-White looked like a centre-back playing in midfield. Not unnoticed by the Manager that, either. Great news about Connor Lemonheigh-Evans today.