P.S.F.Torquay Utd V Bristol Rovers 18th July 2009

I`ll have a word with Rob this morning ok?

Maybe it's always been like that lads because theres usually more than 5 people stood round the areas we usually frequent!

It could be that the tannoys got an earth problem or something needs a noise suppressor putting on it, should be easy to sort out!

Not much more to add on top what has already been written about the match. Most of my observations are the same as others.

I was happy enough to see Bucks use the 4-1-4-1 formation again, after all that’s what PSF’s are for isn’t it. So if that’s the case why not also try it with different personnel?

Leave Hodges in that position by all means as he is likely to be the only one tried there, however why not try some different partnerships ie Todd & Ellis, Robertson & Brough (if Brough is only going to be used as a centre half) at the back, in midfield Wroe & Adams, Adams & Brough, Wroe & Mansell.

Then when we go 4-4-2, Sills & Joyce, Yeoman & Benyon, etc.

That way at least we get to experiment with different combinations now rather than them having to try it out for the first time in the middle of a match.

By all means go back to the players/formation you are going to start the season with for the last couple of PSF’s, but before that surely its best to try different combinations out first.

I stand by my initial concerns regarding the pitch. I can see it being a problem way before Christmas.

Carayol was the best player on the pitch once again. Once again he kept it pretty straightforward, pace and close control, 2 moves in particular stood out for me. The first collecting a magnificent cross field ball from Wroe and beating one man, turning another before having a shot that was saved. Secondly a mazy run, showing close ball control into the penalty area where he was brought down for our penalty. I really cant believe the improvement in such a short time. He is going to set this league alight if he continues like that. Expect offers in January if he does.

The same concerns linger regarding Rice. He didn’t actually make mistakes for the goals, but he didn’t look likely to prevent them either. Caught Flat footed for their first & second, could have came for the third (Bevan would have taken, ball, attacker and defender) and beaten rather too easily for the fourth. Harsh on him maybe, but you would think that Bevan might have stopped at least a couple of them.

Crowd was disappointing again. I thought a few more might have turned up. In fact it was so quiet you could hear the speakers buzzing. ;D

I am another who can’t understand the logic behind swapping the Benches around. My initial thought was the same, that it was to stop Buckle being abused by somebody in the crowd if we are still drawing after 10 minutes in our opening game, but surely that is not the reason. As already pointed out it gives him less of a view should he choose to sit there rather than the stands.

Signing Joyce seems to have created more talk of the ‘loss’ of Green and that Green may have done better on Saturday. I disagree, Green had chances last season and failed to take them. He showed glimpses of potential but, for me, never really looked like he was going to deliver, he wouldn’t have offered us any more against Rovers or Argyle. Although the Benyon/Joyce partnership is not going to work. I’d rather see Halpin given a go over Green, looks to have far more potential. Green has gone, he’s not coming back, time to move on.

Their 4 goals were a bit strange, all of them catching us on the break. The first two because we lost out in 50/50 challenges, the third because of a mistake/misunderstanding, the fourth due to bad positioning and over committing to a tackle. You would hope that it’s not very often you would get caught on the break 4 times and concede 4 times.

I thought we passed it very well all across the park. It was good to watch, we just need a bit more penetration. It reminded me of the Stevenage played against us for the last 2 seasons, they passed the ball well but never really looked like scoring. And didnt we beat them 4-2, 4-1?

Adams had another good game, really would like to see him given a half in with Wroe. When we play football like we have for the last 3 games he comes into his own. His passing is as good as Wroe’s, just lacks Hargreaves battling prowess. 2 silky midfielders will not win the midfield battle, you need a grafter/battler.

Halpin, what a surprise. Looked so out of place on a football pitch, until he touched the ball. The lad has skill and talent. He also has a bit of confidence to take players on and to have a shot at goal, was unlucky with a couple of strikes.

Overall, I was fairly pleased with the way we played, maybe a bit more of a cutting edge is needed, although slightly concerned at the manner in which we conceded the goals.