FL2: Torquay Utd v Plymouth 19 Nov 2011

the scouts were out and about and little old plainmoor yesterday,cant think it was argyle players,okane maybe and probably? it fills me with dread that we may lose him,but he is definite quality,i only hope that if he flys the coop its for a good fee,the thought of him disappearing for peanuts is galling,i know for a fact one scout was from fulham.

I would agree with you otobe about Danny, particularly today and he has really turned it around from a couple of months ago where he struggled to even get onto the bench. However, I think his role in the 4-3-3 system really suits him (I was dubious about this initially) and in the eight games since his return, has scored four goals which is a good ratio for any out and out striker!

The one downside from today is that Eunan picked up his fifth yellow card today so will not be available for the trip to Port Vale next week. Probably a return for McPhee?

It's been a long, long wait to get one over Argyle and we certainly did it in style today! Our three second half goals were of the highest quality as the Gulls were rampant. As a nearby friend said O'Kane's second goal will live long in the memoery, in fact it was one of THE great moments that Plainmoor has witnessed over the years. Very few players would have the skill and vision to chip the ball over their keeper out-of-the-blue from outside the penalty area. Crowd disappointingly 3,983, over 1,000 PLymouth fans packed the away end, sponsors MOTM O'Kane which was never in doubt.

As I approached the ground today around 2.30pm there was a great expectant buzz around the place with lots of Argyle fans mingling. There was a fair police presence around as well both outside and in the ground. The Argyle fans were in good voice but the Yellow army found their voice just before kick-off. The old grandstand is now totally flattened and no-where to be seen.

Plymouth soon imposed themselves and showed plenty of commitment and edge the battle. There was only one clear chance in the first half when Plymouth were clear on goal on their right. Olejnik parried the shot strongly away. Torquay created little but did not get the chance to settle and you have to commend Plymouth for that. It was difficult to get any rhythm in such a frantic pace. There were hints of us getting our passing game together but players like Stevens were typically dwelling too long on the ball and losing possession. At the back Ellis was again in commanding form. So 0-0 half-time and it was a pretty horrible stop-start game to watch. Saah limped off after getting booked in a challenge and was replaced by Robertson.

With Torquay kicking towards their preferred Family stand, we took the lead 2 minutes into the second half. Following a strong run by Howe on the right he pulled the ball back. The ball broke loose outside the penalty area to O'Kane who hit an unstoppable shot low into the corner of the net - a wonderful strike. O'Kane's second two minutes later was even better! There seemed no danger until O'Kane on the ball about 35 yards out spotted Larrieu off his line. O'Kane's chip was inch perfect and just dipped under the crossbar. Poor old Larrieu just stood and watched in horror. 2-0 and Torquay were well in command with the Arygle fans silent at the other end. Torquay were attacking with purpose and Arygle were no match and looked there for the taking. Stevens set up O'Kane through on goal and just put the ball wide when he seemed certain to get his hat-trick. Stevens made no mistake from a jinking run and placed it passed Larrieu.

It was one-way traffic and Torquay were now looking a quality side. Plymouth did get a consolation from a move down their left that was finished off at close range. That did wake their fans up a bit and Plymouth gave it a bit of a go in the last 10 minutes. But Torquay's second half performance deserved their win and showed there is a fair gulf between the two sides.

This was a great afternoon to savour and exorcised some ghosts of having to settle to be second best for the last 39 years against Argyle. It was capped by one of THE great goals I have witnessed. All in all a rather satisfying afternoon! I just wished more home fans could have made the effort. These sort of experiences don't happen too often. Surely we won't have to wait another 39 years?

Ha ha - "Stevens could be as good as Jake Robinson" - were you pissed when you wrote that?