JPT: Torquay United v Portsmouth - 3rd September 2013

Its just a glorified friendly these days unlike 1989 when it actually meant something, especially for a club of our size and stature.
A chance perhaps to experiment and give run to those who haven't yet had a chance to show what they can do.
Cruise, Lathrope Thompson, Craig, Benyon, Yeoman, Sullivan are names that come to mind all need serious match time.

I expect I will see you then Swanny but may make a foray into BB when we are kicking towards the Baabbbacombe End.

Link for Knill's thoughts on the game!

link

What time is KO?

A) 7.15pm
B) 7.30pm
C) 7.45pm
D) 8.00pm

Ta

Hi all,as been said in earlier posts give our so called fringe players a good run out,could a nice selection problem for AK at weekend if they do well,do hope he starts with yeoman and Sullivan,both good prospects for the future......so go out with a positive attitude,and hopefully goals galore ha ha ha....ok it's a nothing cup I understand that....but you never know a trip to wembley......you might laugh. But why not brings some extra cash in,why waste an opportunity....go for it you yellows. Si

Predictable - cant score and out on pens, second best for most of the game so I guess the best team won.
Something tells me the plan isn't quite working as we had all hoped and the expansive entertaining attacking football from the wings and two front men just isn't happening.
Not worried about this tin pot competition in any case and the defenders did at least do there jobs. so there is hope.
Craig not even on the bench soon to be released I reckon must be something going on behind the scenes if you ask me though I personally doubt that he would be the answer in any case. Long journey and tough test on Saturday at Fleetwood and I expect the same line up as last Saturday with the exception of Bodin, after all have any of the fringe players threatened to steal a regulars place?

Not the most entertaining of matches which only really opened up during the last quarter but one in which Portsmouth had more of and the better chances without really dominating. Knill almost agreed with the changes I mused over in the OP but preferred Lathrope to Craig in the middle.

The first half wasn't anything to write home about with Portsmouth having the best chance but a header from a dead ball was fired straight at Rice. Cruise and Cameron combined well at times to get the ball into the danger zone without creating anything clear cut. Chappell on the rare occasion received the ball into space was cynically fouled. Portsmouth nullified our threat on the wings well with at times three opponents barring the way.

Initially the second continued in the same vein as the first with the centre back pairing of Downes and Pearce looking strong with the former grabbing the headlines with some good tackles and clearances but the latter showing a cool head and good quality on the ball in some potentially dangerous situations. Of note was the substitution of Sullivan for Chappell with all three strikers taking it in turns to hang out on the wing.

The match came alive with about 15 - 20 minutes left but unfortunately with a sustained period of Pompey pressure. On one occasion Rice was rounded and Tonge cleared off the line. The best save of the match came with a reaction save from Rice after a powerful header was made on the six yard line. We did have a good period of play with around 7 minutes left and Sullivan did well to shoot from a narrow angle which was well saved and then Harding had a long range shot which went narrowly wide, one of them will fly into the net one of these days.

So onto the penalties which was down the Ellacombe End and were generally taken with aplomb, neither keeper were able to touch the ball with the difference being Manse firing his shot over. I can't really criticize the Captain who stood up to be counted but as he was substituted on with seconds to spare, would rather the manager had chosen Nico who is a better striker of the ball.

Not too gutted about exiting this competition but when will we win our first home match?