FL2: Torquay Utd v Chesterfield 29 April 2011

A memorable evening at a packed Plainmoor tonight and a draw was probably a fair result. Sponsors MOTM deservedly going to Bevan especially for his 3 top drawer first half saves. Crowd 5,002 and what a noise it was from both sets of fans! The game had a great competetive edge to it played in a good spirit and both teams had their moments to win the match.

Torquay had their best chance in the first couple of minutes from a corner. Branston's header somehow was kept out from a defender and crossbar. Torquay edged the first 20 minutes but Chesterfield then showed why they are top of the league. Bevan had to use his huge frame to tip over a long range shot that was dipping in. Then he saved low down to his left and later smothered the ball in a 1 on 1 situation. So at half-time you could argue that Chesterfield had the better chances.

The second half Chesterfield looked the better team and should have made better use of their chances. However later on Torquay got a head of steam and again Branston was desperately unlucky not to score from a header from a corner. The ball luckily came off a Chesterfield defender and went over when a goal looked certain. A minute later a skimming O'Kane shot was creeping into the corner when their keeper, Lee, just about parried the ball away. Both teams kept up the tremendous tempo to the end and threatened that elusive goal that would have made such a difference for both teams. But in the end neither team really deserved to lose.

A great night in a fantastic atmosphere that sums up a fantastic season for Gulls fans. And with tonight's score we still have a chance of the play-offs in our final game next week. Our team has come on such a long way this season so whatever happens next week, I will still be very happy.

As for our players performances tonight you cannot fault any for their commitment. Beven was amazing, and our defence shut out Chesterfield very well on most occasions. O'Kane showed great vision at times with his passing. Up front I thought Robinson and Kee had disappointing games and did not make the best of their opportunities.

Agree with the ever-excellent summings-up by Petef and Swangull.

It was an electric atmosphere tonight and I really enjoyed the game and although it was a 0-0'er it was a fine send-off for the Grandstand (hopefully we get the go-ahead!) that has stood witness to many fantastic nights over the last 80'ish years (I expect that there will be thread dedicated to the famous old structure when it does go). It was an excellent advert for League Two - the tackles were clean, only one instance of diving, a real determination to make use of the ball and take the game to the opponent, a great atmosphere, the officials excellent (clear with their decisions, sensible and let the game flow - a rare quality at this level). It wasn't what I would call "tense" - there were few mistakes of note that were not caused by the watering of the pitch (which I believe caused Branston to slip and I don't think that he was happy about it!) and the players were a credit to both their clubs. Davies went very close twice and was a real menace but there were dangerous players throughout their whole team and it shows that we can mix it with any team in this division, which is why a stupid, stupid, stupid adminstrative mistake has cost us a point that we had already gained that might just spell the premature end to the season.

I was surpised that Tomlin was subbed, I thought that he has shown that he still has the fitness to streak past the last defender right until the end, especially when Kee was looking so ineffectual on the wing. Robinson was disappointing in terms when you compare his delivery tonight compared to his ability - if his demands are right out of reach of the club then I wouldn't really be bothered to see him move-on and I suggest that his performances in the last few weeks demonstrate why Graham Turner saw fit to loan him out. I don't think that his awareness of the positions of his team-mates and his decision making is as good as it should be.

Anyway. I will be watching-out for the Stevenage and Gillingham matches with interest, but regardless of the results tomorrow I firmly believe that if the team can win at Rotherham next weekend we will extend the season.

agree with all above,plus robinson was shocking tonight and at burton,he has lost his sparkle and looks like he cant be bothered,if thats the case send him back to shrewsbury.Branston went a bit mad at the groundsman at half time,not sure but aussie will probably tell us all about it,i am never happy with the pitch being watered,one slip in the wrong area could of cost us very dear tonight.Bevan mom agreed,with player of the season guy branston a close second,the docked point could well be our undoing,but i can think of several games where we threw points away needlessly,such is football a sometimes exhilirating game but it can also be so heartbreaking.Twists and turns to come yet,now it is time for the others to feel the pressure,someone is going to wobble tomorrow hopefully,and yes we are capable of turning rotherham over,so it goes to the last game are we surprised? not at all

Just had a quick check of the League Tables and as long as either (hopefully both) Gillingham and Stevenage both LOSE then we are still in the play offs and still in with a chance next week-end.

Right, how far is Tewksbury?

An enthralling game of football at Plainmoor last night in a decent atmosphere. I thought we well below our best in some areas, but gave it a real go against a very impressive Chesterfield side - I wouldn't be surprised to see them go up this year! I am still puzzled by the pre-match watering of the pitch - it is going to cost us sooner or later. It is the same for both sides, but we always seem to make more slips than our opponents. Is it really necessary immediately before kick off. If I wanted to go and watch 'It's a Knockout' then I would do. What next? Get the players to wear sumo suits or something??

Most of my thoughts have been covered by others- Started well enough, very unlucky not to score through Branston and then were overran in midfield leading to Chesterfield dominating until the end of the half. A very frustrating period of play to watch. Our ball retention was awful and we were inviting pressure through poor pass selection or, very often, poor execution. I have never seen us give the ball away through straight forward passes so much in one game. It is no good playing neat triangles around the half way line, getting nowhere and then losing the ball. Too often we were not doing the basics and looking for the slide rule pass.

Bevs kept us in it at times tonight - three top drawer saves in the first half and some vital touches and handling in the second. Amazing to think this was the same keeper as at Burton. We gave it a real go in the Second Half and shaded it - going close on several occasions and looking very dangerous from corners. I thought Branston was superb again all night. Credit must also go to Robertson as well - some decent forwards to mark last night. He does not look pretty and gives away some sill free kicks but he has formed a decent partnership with the Pickler.

I thought Bucks got a few things wrong last night. To start with Eunan in the middle in such a big game against such a decent opposition was wrong in my opinion. As Swan said he made a couple of defence splitting passes - However, on the whole he was not strong enough for the position and many of our problems stemmed from being over ran in the middle. I can see the point of this with 15 minutes remaining when we are chasing a game, but last night it did not work. Don't get me wrong, I am a big fan of Eunan and would fit him into the side somehow - last night Oastler seemed to be dropped to allow Billy Kee to play. Another player who I see a lot of potential in - But last night he was dreadful, particularly in the first half. His first touch was shocking - I believe this to be a direct consequence of him being so unfit. As a professional footballer he should be ashamed of his physique. On a night when we needed to be at our absolute best O'Kane, Robinson, Kee were not. I thought Tomlin was one of our better players and was surprised when Bucks took him off. Wrong choice in my opinion.

For a team that has just drawn against a top team to move back into the Play Offs this is a very negative report. Sorry about that - Last night we saw in Chesterfield where we want to be...........and at times our lack of quality showed where we actually are. No disgrace in that and we have an exciting foundation to build upon next season - assuming we have the budget to build and develop on this. There were plenty of positives last night also...............Bevs and the defence stood up to an extreme test pretty well, Zebs was his usual tireless self. He had the beating of their full back. Nicho was targeted again and stuck in there - his dead ball delivery was spot on again. I suspect we have seen a glimpse of the future with the recent late substitutions of LRT for Nicho late on.

At the end of season, this point may prove vital. As it it, I think it confirms my thoughts all season - we are heading the right direction with a decent squad and a decent Manager. Both are still developing and it is no shame for fall short, as I think we will do.

One very final point - well done to the guy who does the HT entertainment. A big improvement this year.

I think Oastler or Lathrope should have started in the middle with O'Kane wide and Billy on the bench.

Thought some of the balls played through to him last night were aimed at a player 7' 2" tall and could run like his name sake - Mr Whizz. In fact a lot of balls played last night were over hit.

Couldn't understand the comments aimed at Zebs last night - "Lazy" or Kee (Is he overweight or does he have heavy bones?).

I just hope that if we are to miss out on the playoffs its by a margin of 2 points or higher.