Torquay vs Macclesfield Match Thread

[Plymouth Gull]

He was good at Stevenage in the first half, he didn t do so much in the second.

I know something you don t know (doo dah, doo dah)

This system pivots on CV fitness, when we have the ball, Manse pulls the strings, runs the plays, he is the offensive coach (yeah, like NFL comparisons are gonna make this EASIER to follow).
Macklin and Wayno push wide and make the pitch as big as possible (our Wide Receivers). EoK comes short, and looks to take the ball from Lamby, turn and pick a decent wide or forward ball (he is our Quarterback). Benners makes as much of a nuisance of himself as possible up front (our Tight End). This gives us three options at every stage. Lamby goes short, long or wide. EoK goes left right or centre. It s a very versatile pattern against a side with limited ambition.

When we don t have the ball, Zedders and Wayno drop back and in (they do this anyway) and EoK joins Manse in a narrow central four. The job of the wide men now is to force their guys either wide, into Robbo and Nico, or inside (depending on the striking preference of the Macclesfield man) to run into Lamby and, to a lesser extent, EoK.

My issue is that, playing Danny, EoK and Benners, we look awfully small and weak in attack. We are fine at the back, but I get the impression that the opposition, especially a less talented opponent (none intended, but Macclesfield are not one of this division s better sides) we look as if we can be brushed aside. That said, this wouldn t be a problem if the standard of refereeing in this league wasn t as hit and miss as it seems to be.

On this note, who comes up with the stats in the programme? Whoever they are, they need to pay more attention. They had someone else down as “Hit woodwork” most times, THREE! Well blow me down, I must have imagined the FIVE which we had against Southend and another three against Stevenage,. We must be up to a dozen this season, at least. And as for the idea that we are the dirtiest team in the league (most fouls) where on Earth do they get that from?

Matt.

Sorry for very boring post, I will refund any dissatisfied dot netters the three minutes it took them to read this, just as soon as I have finished my time machine.

Haven't got a clue what you're on about, with all the american football analogys. :?

[Northumbergull]

I understand...all we need to do is pick up the ball and run around like nancy boys in suits of armour in case we are tackled THEN we can't fail to score!

Simples!

Good luck to the lads today! Cheers

Bruce
p.s. Please read my signature and get yer cyberwallet out if you're able.

[bixieupnorth]

surely he'll play grits against his old side, which is a guarantee that he'll score??

if so i'm going 4-0 grits 2, zebs and stevens, another disappointing crowd 2107

if not who knows!!

[robc]

First post on the new forum since re-registering, good to be back.

For today's game I would go with a very attacking line up. Macc have started the season poorly, we're at home, and we're without a goal in 180 minutes, so I'd go full pelt for a heavy win. Living in Glasgow, I don't get to many games, with the Stevenage game my first this season, so I only have that and brief highlights to go on, but this is the team I'd play based on what I've seen:

Bevan
Senda Robbo Branston (C) Nicho
Zebs O'Kane Mansell Stevens
Benyon Gritton

With Ellis out I'd bring in Senda to provide an attacking outlet at right back, moving Robbo in to the centre, or Charnock, not fussed. Stevens was impressive against Stevenage and very unlucky not to score, so he'd keep his place for me. O'Kane was the best player on the pitch for most of that game too, and Wroe was largely anonymous, so I'd use a game against a team low on confidence to see if Eunan can handle a central midfield role. I thought his weaknesses would be on the physical side, but he was strong in the tackle and strong on the ball too, so I don't see a problem there. Gritton got a bit of stick from some fans but how often do players end a goalscoring drought against a former team, as Bixie already stated, so I'd stick with him for that, and also because his hold up play was very good against Stevenage, and I think Benyon would benefit from that.

If this wasn't working out we'd have the creativity of Wroe and Carlisle to come in to things, and also Billy Kee, who I firmly believe once on the scoresheet, will go from strength to strength and start being a real force in the division...

'Mon the Gulls!

[bixieupnorth]

any team news anyone yet??anxious to get my bets on!! backed the clean sheet at evens already

[bixieupnorth]

two changes then senda in, robbo to partner the pickler and grits OUT for benyon! bad decision in my eyes, i'd have grits and benyon

[westbaygull]

Where's that bix? Nothing on player yet. Who's up with Benyon? Or is it one up front again?

[bixieupnorth]

i heard it on player jane, presumably zebs up with elliot?? think exeter commentary has taken over ours at moment, aaargh!!

[westbaygull]

Thank you bix. It's up on there now. Wonder if Eunan is going to be in 'the hole' (hate that expression) and Zeb wide? Oh dear, this Stanno bit is making me teary....

[tktufc91]

Hey all, here's the team sheet.

01 Scott Bevan
29 Danny Senda
05 Chris Robertson
23 Guy Branston
03 Kevin Nicholson
10 Eunan O'Kane
07 Lee Mansell
11 Nicky Wroe
19 Danny Stevens
09 Elliot Benyon
26 Chris Zebroski


22 Damon Lathrope
14 Lloyd Macklin
06 Kieran Charnock
16 Danny Potter
08 Billy Kee
15 Wayne Carlisle
20 Martin Gritton

[JamieE]

The addition of a right back makes our squad look quite strong now. Charnock will be a little annoyed though.

[bixieupnorth]

just in time for ko we're back at plainmoor, but its that over exiteable commentator and the tuffers soundalike! great!

matilda giving me those eyes already!!

[Jeff]

Big call to play senda though - so much for "being 3 reserve games away from full fitness".

Still, great moment for him - first competitive game since May 2008 I believe. Must have been some times he thought he'd never get back.

[westbaygull]

Expect you're right, Jamie, but would imagine Robbo is a tad concerned also...

[westbaygull]

Matilda has to hang on for 80 minutes or until we have a clear 2 goal margin