Post by Swanny on Feb 11, 2012 18:39:47 GMT
Another 1-0 home win and another 3 points which continues the Gulls incredible surge up the table against high flying Shrewsbury. This was an attractive game to watch with both teams playing confident quality football against eachother. Yet again Torquay got the vital breakthrough to secure a narrow win and we probably just about deserved it. Crowd disappointingly 2,592 (we really should be getting gates over 3,000), 250+ from Shrewsbury. Sponsors MOTM going to the returning Brian Saah with an assured, confident performance at the back. In fact it's quite remarkable how well all our players are playing, even the ones who looked suspect earlier in the season like Saah and Morris.
When I entered the ground today I took a look at the new stand taking shape - you can see the main frame at the Family stand end. I'm pleased to say that it looks a really decent height, significantly higher than the other 3 stands. It should look like a proper league standard stand. My only surprise is that it does not stretch to the whole length of the pitch, but it is not far short. My next observation was how good the pitch looked.
From the first whistle, both teams took the game to the opposition and it was a good end-to-end game to watch in the first half. Both teams had chances but Danny Stevens provided the best moment with a rasping drive outside the penalty area that their keeper tipped over. There was plenty of good football to admire but both defences just held out. At the back Saah was looking commanding so losing Robertson was not a loss today.
In the second half Danny again shot powerfully that brought another decent save from their keeper. Atieno put himself about very well and did some delightful ball control and linking play. If there was a criticism it was Atieno at times needs to shoot when there is an opening but took extra touches instead. Torquay looked very solid but you wondered whether they would get a breakthrough. There were times when Atieno looked isolated in attack and shots from both teams were typically off-target. On 68 minutes we did get a breakthrough with a bizarre goal. Over came a Nicholson corner to the far post and their keeper had committed himself. Stevens delightfully chipped him, Atieno headed the ball towards goal. Ellis may have got a final touch but the ball squirmed through their defenders and crept over the line!
After our goal Torqauy stepped up a gear and played some great stuff. Later on McPhee came on for Atieno and Rowe-Turner for Stevens. I was particularly impressed with Rowe-Turner, he was part of some amazing runs and moves. After 3 minutes of added time the final whistle blew. Again we defended brilliantly and one goal was enough - yet again!
When I entered the ground today I took a look at the new stand taking shape - you can see the main frame at the Family stand end. I'm pleased to say that it looks a really decent height, significantly higher than the other 3 stands. It should look like a proper league standard stand. My only surprise is that it does not stretch to the whole length of the pitch, but it is not far short. My next observation was how good the pitch looked.
From the first whistle, both teams took the game to the opposition and it was a good end-to-end game to watch in the first half. Both teams had chances but Danny Stevens provided the best moment with a rasping drive outside the penalty area that their keeper tipped over. There was plenty of good football to admire but both defences just held out. At the back Saah was looking commanding so losing Robertson was not a loss today.
In the second half Danny again shot powerfully that brought another decent save from their keeper. Atieno put himself about very well and did some delightful ball control and linking play. If there was a criticism it was Atieno at times needs to shoot when there is an opening but took extra touches instead. Torquay looked very solid but you wondered whether they would get a breakthrough. There were times when Atieno looked isolated in attack and shots from both teams were typically off-target. On 68 minutes we did get a breakthrough with a bizarre goal. Over came a Nicholson corner to the far post and their keeper had committed himself. Stevens delightfully chipped him, Atieno headed the ball towards goal. Ellis may have got a final touch but the ball squirmed through their defenders and crept over the line!
After our goal Torqauy stepped up a gear and played some great stuff. Later on McPhee came on for Atieno and Rowe-Turner for Stevens. I was particularly impressed with Rowe-Turner, he was part of some amazing runs and moves. After 3 minutes of added time the final whistle blew. Again we defended brilliantly and one goal was enough - yet again!
I agree about Tai, thought he had a very good first half and held the ball up very well. Seemed to tire in the second half and didn't have the confidence to go on and shoot when in a good position. Having said that, first start since the Morecambe three weeks ago so maybe a bit ring rusty?
I doubt that will be repeated again in a hurry. However, if Ling wanted someone available until the play off final, he couldn't bring them in until the Gillingham game in a fortnight, after the Cheltenham and Bradford games - but we are still winning! 