Well, there's not a huge amount that hasn't been said, but I thought we were pretty poor in the first half and I hope that the management team rightly put a rocket up their backsides at half time.
Fonguck, in that first half, was ambling about like it was a kick about in the park, there was no effort at all. Yes, he improved a lot in the 2nd half, and particularly in that final 20 minutes but the damage was effectively done. It was our midfield that was deficient - Miley couldn't do it all on his own. I hope Husin is not far off being back, though Paul, who sits in front of us, reckons Fonguck has alternate good and bad games....so maybe next week he'll be good and then we can play Noor against Wrexham!
We are also crying out for a Timlin, a Leonard, even a Wordsworth who can mess up opposition players tactics in the middle - ours are too nice! There was a skirmish with Miley and one of theirs, and another with Kensdale during our goal but that was all. It was why I was quite pleased to see Demi come on, but had expected him to go in place of Fonguck - can only presume that Scott-Morris was taken off as a precaution following Monday.
What is going on with our free kicks and corners? Why is Mooney the ONLY player taking them? They were so poor yesterday, and I suggest that he spends some time at Roots Hall practising. We had Clifford and then Bridge out there yesterday at different times, both of whom can deliver corners and free kicks - we need to vary that and not be all reliant on Mooney's, which all too often failed to beat the first man (not for the first time). There was one corner yesterday where Bridge was left back as the last man - and I thought that was wrong, you have to leave a defender or defensive midfielder as last man, Bridgey should always be up there, either taking a corner or ready at the back post.
I wondered if Kacper's arrival shook our defensive trio a bit - Lomas had a bit of a mare to begin with and looked out of sorts for much of the game, Kensdale also was a little rocky at times - this seemed to affect Collin a bit too. Liked the fact that both Hobson and Kensdale weren't afraid to bring the ball out of defence though. I think Kacper will be straight in next game - love Miley to bits, but there's no vocal leader out there.
I didn't think Cosgrave was as bad as some people. I thought he played some excellent passes at times but he is young, needs to be stronger under challenge and to have a shot!
I think you have to give Torquay huge credit for doing their homework and for defending so well. The reason only one of those 25 chances went in was because they kept having 9 and even 10 at times, players behind the ball, mostly in their box meaning passes and shots didn't stand a chance. We could have had a couple of penalties for handballs under the circumstances - and needed to make more of a fuss. We should have changed our game plan to try and get some quick passing forwards and run at them more, rather than allowing them the time to get behind the ball. That said, their big arsed no. 10 was a disgrace, and the keeper should have been carded much earlier for time wasting and then warned later he risked a 2nd.
Collin - 6, looked much less confident, carrying an injury?
Scott-Morris - 7.5, no criticism
Hobson - 7.5, best of the defensive three
Kensdale - 7, did ok
Lomas - 6, wobbly game for him
Clifford - 6, has consistently been the weak link this season
Miley - 7.5, can't do everything and nor should we expect him to
Fonguck - 5 for the 1st half, 7 for the 2nd
Mooney - 7.5, can't fault his effort, needs to practise dead balls actually at RH
Powell - 8, probably my MOTM, just. Never stopped, never gave up, scared the life out of them when he ran at them....shame about the wayward shooting
Cosgrave - 7, another who did ok
Subs:
Bridge for Clifford - 8, if he'd have been on longer, he'd have got my MOTM. Made things happen, crossed the ball and passed it well. Hope that's helped convince Maher that he is fit and ready as I understand there had been concern around his fitness
Wreh for Cosgrave - 7.5, an upgrade in strength and nous, Scored and could have had another
Demetriou for Scott-Morris - 7, if this is Demi's role this season then I don't have a problem. We needed some experience and I don't think it was a coincidence that our best period was when all three subs were on.
Officials were weak, the ref issued lots of yellow cards but some of what went on deserved more. I have no idea how Torquay finished with all 11 players on the pitch.
