FL2: Newport County v Torquay United - 28th September 2013

Azeez, our 1000th player scores!

Couldn't quite come back but sounded like we deserved something from this and await reports...

A disappointing result but I'm sure we'll play worse this season and get something out of the game. Newport are an uninspiring side but very solid at the back. Their first goal a header from a set piece, their second went in off the bar I think, was at the opposite end to where I was sat! I thought we did ok first half, played some decent football but lacking that final ball. Chappell did well and cut a lovely ball back across the six yard box on the stroke of half time, bodin slid in but couldn't get the vital touch. Apart from the two goals, we weren't really troubled! Second half was turned on its head when Knill introduced Azeez for Chappell, to the sound of boos from the yellow army but the Charlton youngster made an almost instant impact slotting a very nice finish past the keeper. He then proceeded to give the Newport defence a lot of things to worry about with his direct approach and pace- if today is anything to go by he will be a very useful acquisition. He nearly capped a fine display at the death when he made room for himself in the box but screwed his shot wide.
I thought Pearce was extremely solid today and cruise did ok at centre back. Nicholson, manse, lathrope and harding were all average displays with bodin showing some nice touches but not much substance. Tonge was fairly solid and Ball worked hard but with little end product. Chappell was the bright spark in attack in the first half though was up against a couple of very solid defenders! Rice was completely untroubled second half until near the end when he made an excellent stop in a one on one situation.
Azeez to start next week on today's evidence. If Downes is out for any length of time then (finances allowing) a loan centre half needed to allow cruise back to left back.
Disappointing result but some positives to be taken. We certainly played better football than. Newport but as everybody knows goals are what matters!!

Not looking good for Downes according to the O/S. If necessary can we afford to bring in a loan centre back? Can we afford not too?! Cruise did well yesterday but clearly more comfortable at left back. This is potentially going to stretch our purse even more and I fear we are at breaking point already! Probably best send Ball back and keep hold of Azeez...a lot of decisions for knill and brass to mull over.

I must be the only one who was impressed with the Newport side on show yesterday.

They seemed to know when to keep the ball on the deck and when to launch it high. Impressed with their left back,Pipe, no 6 and their forward line and they seemed to control the key midfield area. Yes we huffed and puffed for the first 30 minutes but had no real penetration. Then Harding gives away a needless free kick and we switch off at the free kick and before you could say Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch we were 1 nil down. 10 minutes later and its 2 nil. Any team that has Zebs on the bench (why was he booed?) must have some depth but they only had 5 subs!

Azeez and Chappell was the only real talent on show for Torquay. Whilst others refer to Mansell (and come to think of it Elliot Benyon in derogatory terms - why??) I don't think he should be taking free kicks.

Excellent programme I thought.

Downes injury is a blow and has to be replaced ASAP - certainly missed him yesterday.

Thought there was contact on Bodin for the penalty shout for which he got booked but couldn't understand why when one of the County players went down (or dived) he wasn't booked.

Talking to some old County boys on the 151 Tredegar bus and they thought a draw a fair result. Must confess everyone we spoke to in Newport before, during and after the match were nice and .

Nice to be back home by 7.30pm and time for a quick one up the Dumpling with the wife.

Caveat - these are my opinions as I don't see the players in training.

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Extended highlights - watch the marking (or lack of it) for their two goals.