Mansfield V Torquay United 28th March 2009

I've never felt confident before going to Field Mill, it just seems one of those grounds that is not for us.

Let's hope I'm wrong and don't forget Dave, along with York; they are the team that play football "the way it was meant to be played"

Pretty nasty looking fixture this one. We don't tend to do too well there, and Tuesdays performance doesn't give much cause for immdeiate optimism. Having said that, this team have proved well capable of performing best when not necessarily expected to do so, so who knows what might happen?! Their home form is pretty decent i think, and Marriott doesn't let many past him. 1-1 would be a reasonable return i reckon.

Not many 6-footers in our side in those days. 1975. The year I emerged from the womb of my mother into the big bad world.

Would strongly agree that Ellis should start instead of Hodges. However, think that Carlisle would be better on the right to give a bit more support to Robertson. Dsane scored his goal from the left both on Tuesday and against Mansfield earlier in the season so why not start there? Stevens/Carayol always make good impact substitutions with their pace.

I suppose there is the option of playing Thompson in a three man midfield and would like to see him at least on the bench. Up front, as ever who partners Sills if anyone? Prior to yesterday would have said start Green and bring on Benyon later to score his traditional goal from the bench. However, would expect Sturrock to feature at least in part.

Our win against Mansfield came amidst our long unbeaten run - lets hope that can be repeated.

So 'Jon' started life as a tailor in Queen St, Mansfield!!

Well I think I'm gonna take the A1(m) up to Mansfield tomorrow. I drove up the M1 last week and there were quite a few miles of roadworks from Nottingham onwards with 50mph average speed cameras.

A couple of people pointed out yesterday the joys of going to an away game.

I am about to leave for Mansfield, via Stoke, and if i had the nous how to work my phone i would do a regular update of the day, but I haven't so you will have to make do with this effort and a match report later. Mine usually arrive about 3 days later.

The recent problems with my car ( a 3 year old Renault Laguna, the revenge of the French) continue which means a long drive in my works truck, affectionately named by my daughters as the 'loser cruiser'. Another reason why i have to leave in a minute. So i do hope to see you there in time for kick off.

Youngest daughter has decided to give it a miss today, which is a good job really as its a 2 seat truck and there wouldn't be room for even a small bundle of joy that is my eldest. Think Dave, but younger, prettier, thinner... actually the only similarity is that she is also barely 5 foot. ;D

Mind you she was in a Manachester nightclub barely 3 hours ago, so best she is ready when i get there.

Anyway back to the excuse of the youngest;

Rumour has it that she had a hissy fit after Paul Buckles comments after Tuesdays game, which she thought were directed to her personally and has vowed never to go to a game whilst Buckle is in charge.
Or, she had an argument with the boss (me) and has been dropped rested.
Or, she is spending the day making childish T-Shirts ready to give out at the next game, oh just remembered she isn't going to the next game unless Paul Buckle is not manager. Go figure.

The truth is that after last Saturdays long slog up North for the Northwich game she has decided to go for some retail therapy in Exeter, but why let the truth get in the way of a good rumour. No stamina these youngsters and shopping on a Saturday afternoon, sacrilege.

Anyway enough wittering form me, its time to leave Sunny Devon for the Arctic wilderness of the North, last weeks experience of that bitingly cold wind has ensured i have packed my sunglasses and my thermals.

The trouble with a long away trip is the return journey if you leave with no points, so i am going for a repeat of the last 2 away games and another narrow win for the Boys, with another late winner. Probably by Carlisle or Dsane.