FL2: Port Vale v Torquay 25 November 2011

LR-T does play at centre-half but he also plays left-back. I suppose if MLing doesn't see LR-T as his first choice (in the event of any other player missing-out) then he did need to bring-in cover - but in reality it only needs a recurrence of Robertson's injury to leave us totally without any defensive cover for the next 5 weeks (other than Leadbitter). Better safe than sorry.

<EDIT> LR-T is on, let's see what he can do!

I'm away to the Offshore Bar .................... as it stands we are 10th at the moment and doing well . think we missed Eunan in a big way tonite.

0-0 Full Time. From what I heard it was a bit of a battle out there without our passing game that get going. Lathrope said to be our best player but agreed that O'Kane was missed. Still a good point in a tough arena.

Back from the game. They just about edged it, I think, but didn't take their chances. Olejnik's save from Pope at the end of the first half was outstanding. There were a few late blocks on the line too.

We didn't create many big chances but put together some nice moves - missed the final bit of creativity O'Kane would usually provide 2 or 3 times a game. I think Mansell had a chance which he skewed on the volley - probably should've headed it. LRT had a tame shot saved when through on goal, although to be fair he is a defender - he had quite an impressive 20 minutes otherwise. Lathrope was a bit slow and ponderous at times and gave the ball away a fair bit. Bodin was a disappointment - seemed to be running around circles when on the ball and off it he seemed reluctant to get back into position quickly. Wasn't really a night for Stevens either. Nicholson was exposed umpteen times by Myrie-Williams which is most likely why LRT came on. The only thing McPhee did after he came on was make a tit of himself by dribbling into touch, which doesn't do his cause any good

As for them, Pope was a big physical presence, made a nuisance of himself and drew the defenders in, but didn't offer an awful lot creatively beyond that. Madjo was Madjo - didn't really seem to do an awful lot other than head the ball on a few times. I'm not sure if the partnership works - they're too similar. There was quite a bit of long ball but not as much as Argyle. The midfield was physical - they'd done their homework on us - but when on the ball you can tell they're on a bad run because they lacked confidence and made a lot of mistakes. Their keeper looked a bit dodgy too but we didn't make the most of it. You sense that if they can get a lucky goal here or there, they could surge back up the table. A good side on a bad run, like we were a month ago

A point gained rather than 2 lost. I'll take 0-0 in the circumstances. Not bad but not brilliant

What relevance this has with the match(well nothing really), but the FA youth cup match with Man utd is being shown on MUTV. So it will kill me to subscribe but I think I will have to even though I live in Wigan, how much does it cost presuming a monthly charge will be needed?

Thanks for your thoughts there James, they were much appreciated!

Out of interest, how did Morris do in the advanced midfielder role? Also, you say the wide man did not do as well last night but was that to do with the central midfield changes?

Still have concerns about the back up strike force - no one on the bench seems to able to come on and change the game.