FL2: Torquay United v Northampton 31st Oct 2009

The one good thing is that unless we get stuffed by biblical proportions today we will still be outside the drop zone.

I hope he does go with Thompson as there has been some good press regarding him and he does sound an exciting player. That said there were similar observations regarding Williams (though not to the same extent) and looked what happened on his debut

The Ellis v Robertson for a place alongside Charnock is difficult. Ellis is a more full blooded and committed defender, but sometimes get caught out of position and is liable to giving the ball away cheaply, whilst Robertson is steadier but not as committed in the tackle.If Ellis were to put away a quarter of the chances he has had over these last few weeks then he would be a shoe in for that position. I'm would go for Ellis today though, up against Akinfenwa we need all the muscle and commitment possible.

For me Carlisle has to start, in fact he HAS to start EVERY game. IMO he is our most consistent, solid and best player, end of, find a place in the team for him because we don't look as good when he doesn't play. 4-4-2 with him in front of Mansell is easily our best formation.

Up front its also difficult. Benyon gets my vote over Rendell who has flattered to deceive for me this season, i was hoping and expecting a bit more. I know he hasn't had as much game time as some thought but from what i have seen (i missed the Chesterfield game) he has a great touch but positional sense not so good. At least Benyon can find the back of the net. Sometimes you just want your strikers to score goals, be anonymous for 89 minutes and be in the right place at the right time when it counts. Of the two Benyon is more likely to do that.
Also if Thompson is a pacy winger, I'm hoping for lots of crosses. Therefore Sills to cause havoc, Benyon to stab home from 2 yards.

I would go for;

Poke
Mansell Ellis Charnock Nicholson
Carlisle Wroe Hargreaves (T Thompson) Thompson
Sills Benyon

I'm excited about this afternoon, not just the Carvery, but i think we are going to grab a win today. Oh and not forgetting Opera at Half Time. ;D

Bearing in mind i have seen 8 games this season and not only have i not seen a win but i have only seen us in front for about 5 minutes (against Morecambe), so I'd like to see a couple of early goals and then maintain a lead until the end.

Spare cloth for covering up gravy stains!

Good ref this Phil Gibbs, refs with a player's perspective in mind and did our live Setanta game at home to Aldershot in the BSP

There are some strange scorelines today. Rochdale are currently stuffing Bournemouth 4-0 at Dean Court and Crewe are beating Cheltenham by the same scoreline. Morecambe beating last weeks poor Lincoln side 3-0.

Now if we can just nick one.

Marvellous. Fecking marvellous.

Happy days are here again.