FAC4QR: Torquay United v Boreham Wood 3pm 19 October 2019

I am just pleased we are at home tomorrow and i certainly expect a tough game.    I see that Jamal Fyfield has cleaned his act up a bit since that nasty two footed challenge through the back of Duku on the opening day.    Just four yellow cards since then...

Certainly had a lot of rainfall but will give an indication how the drainage works undertaken over the summer has improved the surface and will cope during the winter months.

Whitfield right, Little in hole.

It was a game we should have won comfortably today as we were the much better side scoring some very good goals but gifting two goals in the second half for us to sweat on getting through to the first round outright.

After starting the first half with a 2-0 cushion we gave away a penalty in bizarre circumstances. The ball was crossed to the front right corner of a penalty area where only Davis was positioned but instead of promptly clearing it, MacDonald called for it arriving simultaneously with their striker, he definitely got his hands on the ball but it was kicked a fraction of a second later out of them with the ball rebounding out for a throw in and the striker falling over with the Lino flagging furiously. I genuinely thought it was for a free kick for a foul on MacDonald? But a penalty it was. Even if the striker had got there first and kicked it against MacDonald it would have been a save so some poor decision making!!!

So 2-1 it was but I thought we reacted well to this set back with Andrews nearing scoring after sliding in at the far post similar to the recent effort he scored from but on this occasion just going wide. However we then scored with some good work on the left with a nice back heel for Vincent to take it to the by line and get past his man and up to the goal keeper where he was able to cross to the far post for Whitfield to bundle it home and restore the two goal margin,

That should have been that with a number of the Boreham players starting to blow out of their arses as the game progressed but in the last minute of normal time a cross on the edge of the six yard box had to be cut out by Cundy only to be deflected in the corner of the net. We managed to navigate injury time safely enough forgoing a chance to pass to Duku who was in the clear to go on goal, instead heading to the safety of the corner.

So 3-2 in the end and into the hat for next round with a potential Exeter or Plymouth tie or a Bury bye! Pitch held up well although was a little soggy in front of Bristow’s but no real damage done.

I thought it was a very impressive performance today from the Gulls. We deserved the win and it was only carelessness, mainly from keeper MacDonald, that kept Boreham Wood in the game. It was two good footballing sides playing against each other today in a quality and entertaining match. Torquay ended up having that extra quality in front of goal and ran out worthy winners. The build ups to all our goals and finishes were top drawer and Boreham Wood could not live with that. Boreham Wood themselves are a decent team at this level and have dangerous players. In defence Torquay were just as impressive and shut out Boreham Wood with some great last ditch blocks from Cundy and Davis. MacDonald, recalled in goal, was mainly untroubled throughout the match thanks to our defending. Cundy was outstanding all game. Crowd a disappointing 1,952, with just 46 from Boreham Wood. It seems the FA Cup does not attract the numbers that it used to. Sponsors MOTM going to Whitfield.

Boreham Wood started off the brighter and Torquay had one or two uncomfortable moments but the Gulls gradually found their own rhythm. Both teams were playing good passing football but Torquay scored twice in quick succession. Following a corner, Andrews found himself space outside the penalty box. He took the ball to the edge of the area and placed the ball accuractely into the corner of the net with their keeper looking on. Reid's goal was even better, controlling the ball from the edge of the box and then hitting the top corner. He made it look easy and it is the sort of goal people rave about in the Premier League. Torquay played with confidence and went in at half-time deserving their two goal lead.

Just after the break Torquay pressed the self destruct button and let Boreham Wood back into the game. It will be interesting to see a replay of the penalty incident. Personally I thought MacDonald made a bad error of judgement. He seem to hold back from claiming the ball or clearing the ball in the penalty box. When he finally went for the ball he took out the Boreham Wood player in the process. It looked a clear penalty to me but some say MacDonald got his hands on the ball first? We shall see on that one but it was a reminder to me that MacDonald can be erratic with his decision making. Fortunately Torquay restored their two goal cushion with a lovely team effort. Vincent was the main architect with his run and cross and Whitfield finished off from close range. Torquay looked the more likely to score the next goal and had control of the match. However near the end, Macdonald was again sloppy. His throw out to Davis put him under pressure and the ball was lost. Boreham Wood took it down their right wing, crossed low and unfortunately came off Cundy's boot trying to clear the danger into his own net. You could not blame Cundy as a striker was there to pounce if Cundy had left it. Again I would question MacDonald's throw out in the first place and also his positioning for the goal. It made a nervy last couple of minutes but Torquay saw out the match to win.

Today showed me what quality football we can play as a team and we have the players as well to finish clinically. We defended in numbers as well when we had to and Cundy was immense. I thought Buse did great in midfield and it might be difficult for Hall to regain his place. Buse really gets stuck in and win tackles and can also pass well. My son remarked how Buse reminds him of Lee Mansell for his tenacity, but unlike Mansell is a decent passer of the ball and an all round footballer. Torquay are such an exciting team to watch with all their young talent and energy. I thought Little supported Reid well in attack today. I think that is a very good option and one I would like to see more of. Whitfield played right wing today instead of Kalala and did his usual high energy performance. Little is very calm on the ball and can pick a decent pass and has good vision. We also know he can finish. Exciting times and I look forward to the Cup draw.

I see the draw for the FA Cup 1st round proper is on BBC2 this evening at 7.10pm.

I fancy Ball 33 v Ball 75

Plymouth Argyle v Torquay United.

Failing that Ball 75 to be the last one remaining in the bag for a bye to the 2nd round and a guaranteed winning bonus.