FL2: Torquay United vs Barnet 16th April

Some very good and valued TFF members told me before the start of the match why they have stopped posting on here. It’s mainly because this forum has become the home of negativity, constant moaning and not doing what fans are meant to be doing and that is supporting the club. Every single fan at tonight’s game knows what supporting is all about, knows just how much this all means to them and I’ll you what, our players showed each and everyone of us what it means to them tonight.

This is a supporters forum, lets start showing we know the meaning of the word support and if we can do that, then maybe just maybe we can lose all this doom and gloom, stop looking who we can blame and do our part to try and hold onto our league status.

Being inside Plainmoor this evening is what football is all about, real passion, fantastic support from all the fans and a group of players so proud to be wearing their Torquay United shirts a group of players who had only one thing on their minds and that was to win the match and claim the three points.

It’s been a long time since I have felt Plainmoor rocking the way it did tonight, a long time since I have seen such a hard working and battling display by a Torquay United side, no matter what happens I will always remember tonight’s match and feel proud of the players and the club.

As I have been up since 5 am I’m too worn out to write about the match, I will do that tomorrow, all I’m going to ask is we all try to be far more positive and keep the faith.

Wow, what a great night at Plainmoor with the crowd fully behind the team to get a deserved win despite the ref and popside lino threatening to make a hash of things.

I thought we had the better of the first half with a number of half chances and Benyon seemed to be in the right place for once, shooting from distance when their keeper, Stack was out of position and getting into the area for a pass from Bodin but unable to get his shot off first time. However, from a Nico free kick Saah was able to head a deep cross back across goal straight to Benyon and this time made no mistake to thump the ball back into the top corner to the delight of the home crowd. Barnet did threaten briefly and Poke did well in a goal mouth scramble.

Barnet started well in the second half and in one attack appealed for hand ball in the area before Oastler just squeezed the loose ball out for a corner with the goal gaping. However, after an entertaining start to the half, we saw four goals in a very hectic twenty minutes. First, it was Barnet who equalised. A free kick, harshly given in the same positon as Nico's was curled over the line of Players on the edge of the area to bounce near the spot and Hyde was the sole player to move forward and nod in past Poke. It looked offside and would have needed superb split second timing but he was hardly motoring to head in - surely went too early? Poke seemed somewhat rooted to the spot and although had a good game, maybe could have come off his line quicker to punch clear?

With the indignation of the players and crowd still echoing around Plainmoor, united put together the best move of the match, winning the ball deep in the Barnet half and Rene cleverly put Bodin through on the left and his shot just had enough power to beat Stack into the far corner! Shortly after, we were able to win a corner which Mansell took and Saah was again able to get on the end of a deep cross and his header looped back across Stack to squeeze into the far corner to the esctasy of Brian and the home fans!!!! However, the prospect of a confident and relaxing finish to the night diminished with Barnet able to get the ball out wide and after pinging around for a bit, Hyde was able to force home from a tight angle. In between all this Oastler was very harshly booked when he was pushed as a long ball came in and as it came out to David, he was off balance and just clipped his foot and he went down as if shot.

So, ten minutes left with which to hold out with the crowd acting as the twelveth man! Somehow the official found five minutes of extra time despite no injuries, just five substitutions?? Nevertheless, we held out to the delight of a decent mid week crowd!!!! Downes was MotM and put in a good shift but Saah edged it for me but the whole team were able to step up and play to a standard only intermittently reached this season.

Made me larf. In the second half he just seemed to play wherever he fancied and to no benefit to his team.

I thought we played well. Pressed up and sufficiently in their face in the opening encounters to set out our stall and let what appeared a more technically gifted set of Barnet players know they weren't going to have enough time on the ball if we could bloody help it. All three goals were an absolute delight tonight. Saah my MOTM, but Downes official MOTM also had a very good game.

Great post!


How do I make that post of the month? I've pressed that little hand thingy on the top of the page...is that it?

For consistency, it ought to be an open forum if anti-censorship is being championed, I would've thought. Can't see why you are suggesting otherwise, Dave. 'Coz those very same people wanting it open aren't happy the forum is negative' seems a bit of an odd reaction. For example, it's nice to know anyone can happen across the History section on this site. Your site to do as you please, I guess.

Great result, well done Gulls and those who supported....(and continue to support)
Re the forum, my vote would be to keep it open. There have been some excellent new posters this season.....would a closed forum encourage new posters?
Positive and negative messages are fine, but constant "taking the pxxx out of the club can be wearing.........
How about a vote?
Closed or open......?