PSF TUFC v Exeter City Tuesday 30th July KO 7.30PM

[portugull]

I am looking forward to another PSF at Plainmoor against the Grecians.

Remember folks KO is 7-30 pm.

Lets hope everyone is well hydrated after Saturday!!

[portugull]

A 96th minute own goal conceded by City saw United finish 2-2 with a much improved second half performance after going in at HT 2 nil down.

Exeter were much the better side in the first half dominating possession and moving the ball to feet quickly and accurately. The first goal came after just 1 minute and 20 seconds and the second was a free header following a corner were we left Fitzwater completely unmarked in the 6 yard box.

4 changes at Half Time and the introduction shortly after of Omar Mussa seemed to bring United more into the game. On 82 minutes Mussa rocketed a long free kick into the danger area and Jordan Dyer No.4 converted well.The goal lifted the good crowd and in the final seconds a Brad Ash cross was headed into his own net by Fitzwater.

A number of good performances by our boys given Exeter are League 1 and we are 3 levels below them. COYY.

[North Curry House]

I was inpressed with Omar, when he came on and Ash ran more than most - great effort, otherwise we appeared lightweight up
front.....and oh for a free kick specialist.

Difficult to judge against a side so far above us in the pyramid. Will be interesting to see how we compete against teams at our own level. Too late for his season but match against a NLN side like Hereford would be a fairer comparison. However a well deserved draw last night.

Does anyone know the attendance, I did not hear it announced. COYY

[Dave]

Sorry for the late entry, went to the match last night however had to be up an an unearthly hour for work. Think we got a real insight as to PW's first choice starting line up, many of the players who'd started v Plymouth sat out the first half of this match, clearly the first half v Exeter was to get pitch for some who will be more squad players rather than starters.

This game was barely a minute in, when we saw something that would be more akin to scary movie, than the keystones kops, total panic in United's defence saw our starting defenders try to impersonate an U12'S girls team in their attempts to clear the ball, with it eventually landing to the City player who duly took the Christmas present afforded to him.

City's second will make onto the list of horror goals to concede, as our back line allowed a completely unchallenged header at the far post, and United conceded a 3rd goal before the break which would have have joined the list poor goals had it not been for the linesman flag, sparing our blushes ruling the goal out for offside.

Second half saw the likes of Dreyer, Dyer, Mussa, Thelkeld introduced and the difference was almost immediate, first half had seen City rule the midfield and carve Untied open at will, all of sudden, the constant waves of City attacks were being matched defensively, and Mussa, already a crowd favourite added some bite in midfield, this lad is always looking to make something positive happen, either with a quick pass, or by driving forward with the ball.

Torquay had a couple of very good moments and scored twice nicking a PSF draw. Not sure whether it was embarrassing or funny as a large groups of teenaged City and TUFC fans tried to be all 'green street' down by the away end, with City fans celebrating the first goal like they'd won the FA cup, strange but true.

Think we have to remember a lot of squad only met for the first time a few short weeks ago, we head into the season with a new squad, yes there's been some sloppiness in these last two PSF's , but two low key games, followed by two weeks of training, before playing Championship and League 1 opposition, with relatively settled squads, and had played more PSF's than us, we surely can not be too upset with what we've seen, certainly seen some things to be positive about.

Its going to take time for the pitch understandings and partnerships to form. There was some food for thought, the difference between the the first half team, and those who played in the second half, in terms of quality was huge especially in defence , and it may (to early to tell) suggest we don't have the strength in depth through out the whole squad perhaps.

[tufcyellowarmy]

Completely get most of your points Dave .in addition , I did think Hasani although not a playmaker was a more intelligent presser of the ball than say Tom Lapslie . He seemed to not get drawn out of postition too many times.
Roddy Collins looks a good solid defensive CM but if caught out will get booked or sent off more than others.
The introduction of the subs I.e some of the back four and then moussa changed the game and the balance of our team.
The last 20 minutes was proof if you like , of what PW said in his first interview.
The team on the pitch did give everything.
Well done all the staff and players.