Not too much to add to the excellent reports already on show, thought every single player deserves credit, a solid team performance, no weak links. I would highlight the front 3 for special praise however, especially in lieu of some eyebrows being raised at the attacking formation.
Hawley and Benyon worked tirelessly down the flanks, and helped out defensively at key times too, dropping deep regularly to key the joints together. Both offered tremendous support to Stockley who, quite honestly, was immense. His hold up play, and in particular, his chest control was exemplary, he lead the line marvellously and his goal, scored at a crucial time, was well taken.
Some of our football was a joy to watch today, and when it wasn't so fluent it was equally pleasing to see such commitment and graft put in by every player. This performance was a world away from some of the dross served up in the first half of the season.
Chris Hargreaves probably could not have dreamt of a better start. His demeanour and behaviour on the touchline gave an impression of a man in total control of the situation, with complete confidence in his own ability at doing the job in hand, and with total respect from every man working for him. Lee Hodges' job should not be underestimated either, I am extremely proud and pleased in equal measure to have them both in charge of our team.
The scenes at the final whistle were the kind you wish you bottle and re-visit. After so much doom and gloom recently today really felt like the start of a completely new season. The management, players and supporters - the club- have become re-united after one solid 90 minute team performance.
Players who had been completely written off gave assured performances, a very leaky defence looked a much stronger unit, fans who had been subdued for much of the season reacted with great noise and renewed passion.
We must not get complacent, days like this occur regularly throughout each season. However if today is a signal of things to come then we can look forward to a very prosperous period under the stewardship of one of the most popular players to don our shirt in recent times. The man oozes inspiration.
Smiling all the way home. Chris Hargreaves Yellow Army!!
Cheers for that mate.
Glad you all had a day to remember, you deserve it for all the horror of travelling to watch the Gulls. Especially the last season and a half. Pleased for EVERYBODY!!
Strangely enough it was Pope Gregory the 9th inviting me for drinks aboard his steam yacht, the saucy sue currently wintering in montego bay with the England cricket team and the Balanese Goddess of plenty.
Downes - sheer magic; O'Connor sheer class; but for my son and I the revelation was Hawley - quite what Chris saw in him to play him in that position shows an understanding of a talented player unseen by the previous management. He was magnificent and with Stockley really fit and Benyon on fire we can really go places.
Well done too the 10% of the crowd supporting the real Yellow Army - heart warming stuff at the end!
That certainly felt like a win
We now start to feel like Torquay Reunited
Good to hear that Chris's team plays with the spirit and commitment he did as a player - marvelous
Shame we didn't get CH for the start of the season but we didn't
What a great day - now I can't wait for the next game and the next game
Well done absolutely everyone!
COYY
At the kerb halt - look right - look left -look right again - if all clear quick march!
Well that was enjoyable, good going forward, excellent at the back(and needed it in the second half), just one note as some have said about saint luce or whatever his name was,he was fouled by Nico I was right in that corner he definatley didn't touch the ball and clipped the winger, it was a rash lunge in a bad position.
1 other note how many corners did the linesman let them take with the ball outside of the line
Lovely to read positive reports that hint at 'hope' - something that had been lacking or so long. Actually looking forward to a Torquay game next weekend, for probably the first time since 2012.
Neal wrote:Sorry guys I disagree. The winger started to go down before Nico went in.
And it was in front of all of us.
He played for it, And in my books us a cheat
I've no doubt he played for it; don't we all; but at the time I thought Nico had been drawn into it; pity we aren't a 'big' club so we could see the footage time and time again! But such was the optimism yesterday I had no doubts we would defend whatever was thrown at us and my god we under intense pressure at times. Bring on Northampton
mus wrote:Well that was enjoyable, good going forward, excellent at the back(and needed it in the second half), just one note as some have said about saint luce or whatever his name was,he was fouled by Nico I was right in that corner he definatley didn't touch the ball and clipped the winger, it was a rash lunge in a bad position.
The rule is that the ball "Must overhang the line" It does not have to actually be placed in the quadrant. So maybe it just looked like the linesman allowed the corners to be taken with the ball outside the line.
"Thing's turn out best when you make the best of the way thing's turn out."
I was standing about 10 yards to the right of the dugouts. I was really impressed with the way that Chris & Hodgy were constantly communicating with one another. It was great to see, and gives me hope for the league future of our club.
"Thing's turn out best when you make the best of the way thing's turn out."
Why wouldn't they communicate with each other? - they are the manager and assistant. The only hope we have of staying in the league is to continue winning.
Looking at the highlights Stockley looked the standout player for me. Interesting that by all accounts he is someway short of match fitness.
Great header for the goal by him and of course the first goal came from his shot as well.
Looks a decent player to me though - lets hope Bournemouth don't take him back next month if he continues to impress.
brucie wrote:Looking at the highlights Stockley looked the standout player for me. Interesting that by all accounts he is someway short of match fitness.
Great header for the goal by him and of course the first goal came from his shot as well.
Looks a decent player to me though - lets hope Bournemouth don't take him back next month if he continues to impress.
Yes - Labadie and him loaned until the end of the season might be the deciding factor in our fight against the drop.
brucie wrote:Looking at the highlights Stockley looked the standout player for me. Interesting that by all accounts he is someway short of match fitness.
Great header for the goal by him and of course the first goal came from his shot as well.
Looks a decent player to me though - lets hope Bournemouth don't take him back next month if he continues to impress.
That's the trouble with highlights. He was fine, but he was a long way from being the best player on the pitch. Needs to get fit if he's to demonstrate just how good he undoubtedly is.
