FL2: Torquay v Oxford 3rd January 2010

Defensively this was a carry on from the Hereford game - soft goals given away. I made it 3 in this game. In the end our sterling comeback from 3-1 to 3-3 was not enough as our defence again went missing for Oxford's winner in injury time. At least 3-3 would have been satisfying in the circimstances. The injured Branston was sorely missed today and regulars who have witnessed our recent seasons know that the pairing of Robertson and Ellis in central defence does NOT tend to work well. Sadly there was no Charnock to turn to today to slot into the left side of central defence as he has now departed to Morecombe. We now don't have much decent backup in defence. Crowd 3,021, approaching 500 from Oxford I would guess, sponsors MOTM Benyon.

Torquay had the bulk of possession in the first half but did not threaten Oxford enough. With only Benyon playing in attack with O'Kane playing "in the hole", it does again raise the argument that we should play 4-4-2 at home. Torquay played some nice triangles passing the ball but it tended to be in our own half. Early on, Oxford had to clear the ball off the line and they rarely threatened themselves. However the complexion of the match was changed on 35 minutes. Craddock made room for himself about 25 yards out and unleashed an unstoppable shot past Bevan. However, Oxford's second on 42 minutes was very preventable. A corner came over and was headed towards goal and poked in at close range. Where was the marking ? A minute later Benyon gave us hope. I think it was O'Kane who put Benyon through and Benyon slotted the ball home. The match had really come to life and Zebroski just before half-time nearly made it 2-2 - the shot was just wide.

The second half started similiarly to the first without many incidents but Torquay having the bulk of the possession. However Oxford's third goal was calamitous on Torquay's part. Zebroski, who had a disappointing game, gave the ball away down Torquay's right in his own half. There did not appear to be much danger but Bevan appeared to hesitate to come out and claim the ball. The next thing you saw was the ball travelling in slow motion and trickled over the line. What was all that about ? It might become clearer on the Football league show tonight. At 3-1 Torquay looked down and out and for a few minutes Oxford took over and could have embarrassed us.

On came Kee and Stevens for Lathrope and Hemmings and you have to say both subsitutes were outstanding, particularly Kee who gave a show stopping performance. At last there was some physical presence in attack and from one run inside the box Kee hit a low, hard shot that was parried by their keeper but Benyon was quickest to react - 3-2. The fight-back was now officically on ! Then after after an amazing series of one touch football involving a few players, Kee was put through. His shot deflected off a defender, looped over the keeper and into the net. The home fans were estactic and Torquay were on top. Sadly all the brilliance of the fightback was again undone. In injury Oxford had a a rare breakaway but you have to say our central defence looked wide open. Midson slotted home his hat-trick to the delight of the sizeable away support.

So where does this defeat leave us ? I have never seen us as serious promotion candidates and if we lose in the cup on Saturday, suddenly our season will look very flat. Ofcourse we have made good progress this season and it's great to be well away from the relegation zone. But not having a fit Branston, and no Charnock anymore has made me realise how thin our squad is. We are now gifting goals away but don't have many options to turn to.