PSF: Torquay United v Plymouth Argyle 3pm 31st July 2021

Better opposition and a bit more of a test for our new arrivals. Truro had a few opportunities to get on the score sheet so anticipate Argyle will have a few more than both of our previous lower league opponents.

Not a great fan of pre season friendlies and this match, although a derby, has nothing on it other than bragging rights. These games rarely give much of an indication of what's to come when the real battles commence but are essential for players to gell and gain match fitness.

The no cash or ticket purchase on the day is a pain in the arse and will be for many like myself who can only decide to attend when or if other things don't take priority.
Really needs to be made clear what the future holds on this issue of tickets and payments and whether temporary or a permanent thing that we'll all have to get used to. Whatever the payment system it needs to be made as simple and efficient as possible or a percentage fans will be lost for various reasons.
I fear the consequences of the Covid pandemic will also have an ongoing impact as many will either still fear being infected or will have simply just got out of the habit of attending.

No doubt Garry will be asking for more effort and intensity over the ninety minutes for this one and building momentum for the new seasons openers.

Lets all hope hes made signings that can keep us competitive though I keep thinking seven in one hit was a big ask when you consider the quality we have lost.

Haven’t got a ticket?

Then why don’t you live stream - link or listen on the radio? - link

2 trialists on the bench as well as A back at 14. Lapslie out after his knock and still no sign of Hall.

More about finding out more about the new lads I reckon plus the three trialists. GJ knows all about the young lads reckon one or two could play a part in the coming season.
Not surprised after our appalling injury record last season that any one with a niggle is not going to be involved.
Long rigourous warm up and stretching sessions before games as well I wouldn't mind betting.

This is a strange pre-season with our league starting so much later than all the others.

The inevitable consequence is that we will always look undercooked compared to the teams we play. Against Southern League opposition, that tends to narrow the quality gap. Against League 1 opposition, it widens it.

That said we stood up well for forty minutes and kept our shape well. I thought we were going to go 4-4-2 with Lemonheigh-Evans and O'Connell wide, but it soon became clear that O'Connell was tucked into the centre to match up Argyle's three in centre midfield and Lolos was playing to the left of Wright with Lemonheigh-Evans on the other side in a clear 4-3-3. With no Lapslie or Hall, the trialist no 14 who played right-back on Tuesday took on the holding midfield role.

All stuck to their tasks until Omar got injured and our shape and discipline fell apart - with the result Argyle could help themselves to two goals just before half-time. When Omar went off, Wynter slotted in to the centre but none of the midfielders was interested in filling in at right back. Wynter finally got Little's attention. He tried and failed to get anyone else's attention and reluctantly slotted in there himself for a few minutes. Looked like Omar wanted to play on through the pain barrier and Johnson had to talk him out of it. Looked like we had no defender on the bench (only later did we find out no 17 was a centre-back who could have been a straight replacement for Omar!) so Andrews came on with our trialist no 14 now slotting in at right back. None of the midfield three took the responsibility to act as a holding player and with Wynter looking uncomfortable at centre-back we let Argyle slice through us twice.

At half time the other two trialists came on. No 17 went centre-back with Wynter back to right-back and no 14 trialist taken off. Trialist no 15 replaced Lolos on the left but later swapped sides with Lemonheigh-Evans.

Later on, Moyse came on at right-back with Wynter moving across to replace Lewis and Koszela came on wide right with no 15 moving to the centre to replace Wright. Finally Piper replaced Little and we went to 3-5-2 with Moyse now joining O'Connell and Andrews in centre midfield, Koszela and Piper as wing backs with Lemonheigh-Evans and no 15 up front. Wynter, no 17 and Moxey played as a three at the back.

Not worried about the score. I would be worried if Omar, Martin, Lapslie and Hall are all ruled out much longer! I am hoping to see Lapslie and Hall as a "solid base two". We desperately need at least one of them fit!