FL2: Torquay United v AFC Wimbledon- 3 August 2013- 3pm.

Always the way, a few hours after the opening post, Wimbledon have signed 21 year old Michael Smith on loan until the new year from Charlton. He has been on loan previously at Accrington, Newport and Colchester.

I wouldn't disagree with you there, maybe keep one of the speedy wingers on the bench for later in the game as legs with tire, particularly as it is fairly warm at the moment.

Add in subs and injuries then 16 /17 players are going to get some serious pitch time so probably balance is about right!

Come on then you lot, lets have a few predictions - I´m going for a home win - 3-0 (Ball, Benyon, Ball)

I think Cruise will start.

My main conern is who will be between t' sticks - Ricey or an unfit/injured Pokey.

Ok just a quick summary of how I viewed the game and performances today.
Wimbledon looked well up for it as you would expect of any opening day fixture and seemed to win most of the second ball which was a little disappointing.
On occasions you could tell that the side that started had not played together and the likes of Pearce and Ball did well to hide the fact though our passing could have been a whole lot better at times.
Playing two orthodox wingers in Cameron and Bodin who both lack any real defensive qualities is asking for trouble especially with a midfield of two in Mans and Harding. Both hardworking but pretty basic in the creativity department. We gave away possession to easily at times yet Wimbledon managed to pass the ball and retain it and work there way "through us on numerous occasions. Rice producing one outstanding low save in the first period. Ball struggled to hold he ball up and bring others into the game but did show plashes of quality but in general the Womble's defenders had him in their pocket. A generally even first half with neither side dominating Wimbledon perhaps shading it on clear cut chances which left me wondering a little what the score line might have been against better quality opposition. Second half and we improved keeping possession better and pressing them back though they always looked a threat on the break. It got a bit end to end in the final quarter and we were eventually punished with and excellent Harry Pell strike from outside of the box that flew high past Rice. Two minutes remaining and a last throw of the dice in Thompson who threw some tasty "get on the end of it" crosses one eventually finding Downes head who planet it low in the corner to the relief of us all. The game looked lost but we finally pushed up hard on there back line got bodies in the box and got our reward.
Not a convincing display by any stretch and a points a point but there is plenty to work on and much room for improvement which I am certain Knill and the squad will admit to.. Rice was outstanding and his kicking was truly top class. Benners worked his socks off as usual and Downes the pick of the rest with most doing ok but for me we generally lacked a bit of quality on the ball.
There you have it and plenty for Mr Knill to ponder over these coming days weeks and months.

Felt a bit sorry for Ricey cos he looked fine today, only to be beaten by a deflection off Downesys head when he was moving to save it. Fully deserves to keep his place for the next match