Torquay United vs Oxford Utd 17/08/13

ferrarilover · Post by **ferrarilover** » 16 Aug 2013, 18:13

Always tough to know just how worried about an opponent we should be this early in the season. Some clubs look good on paper and fall on their arse and some are the opposite and some simply fulfil their paper-based billing.

On the face of it, Oxford have made a good start, but I'm watching it again now, and their 4-1 over Pompey isn't really as impressive as it sounds (judging from the highlights). Potter played a blinder (he's a nice enough player, but he looked Premier League class here, he'll never do that again), Pompey had a man sent off at 2-1 and the defending for all four goals is absolutely dreadful. Plenty of bodies at the back for Portsmouth, but none of them actually doing anything. If you've still got the FLS from the first week, have another look and see what I mean.

The story of the second game is largely the same. One really good free kick gives them the lead, a man goes off and then some more poor defending from a set piece gives Oxford another three points.

I know goals are goals and what not, but it doesn't look like Swindon of a couple of years ago, where their whole squad was head and shoulders above everyone else and they were scoring goals which no team this side of the Championship would have prevented.
A good performance at the back, some disciplined performances and a control of the midfield (which was the difference between first and second half at Morecambe) and OUFC and just as beatable as any other side down here this year.
That said, we have to accept our lot and the difference between the haves and have nots and reckon that a score draw would represent a good day's work on our part.
I don't think this will be the case for too many matches this year.

Matt.

Gullscorer · Post by **Gullscorer** » 16 Aug 2013, 19:34

It's been reported that Elliott Benyon is expected to be fit for Saturday's game. To be honest, after ten days I think it's far too early and he shouldn't even be on the subs' bench. I'm not an expert, but when it comes to potential brain injuries or recurrence of an injury which may not be fully healed, even though he may be feeling fully fit, it's best to err on the side of caution. Because if he's not yet fully fit, another knock, or even heading the ball, could put him back to square one or worse.

supergulls · Post by **supergulls** » 17 Aug 2013, 06:05

Team for today

Rice
Cruise Pearce Downes Nico
Cameron Harding mansell bodin
Ball hawley

tktufc91 · Post by **tktufc91** » 17 Aug 2013, 09:22

Discipline is critical today if we want to win. Keep everything tight at the back and keep 11 men on the pitch then of course we can beat them. I expect Oxford to be up there and with players like Dave Kitson and Alfie Potter, we have got to be good at the back today. Ricey will need to be on top form like in the last few games.

Thinking a point would be a good result but really we need to get some wins on the board.

Parry · Post by **Parry** » 17 Aug 2013, 10:39

A thousand or so Oxford fans have bought tickets for this one, should be a good atmosphere.

PlainmoorRoar · Post by **PlainmoorRoar** » 17 Aug 2013, 10:55

First test of the drainage today, expect the rain to come hammering down about 12-1 ish

Post by **Colorado Gull** » 17 Aug 2013, 11:21

Should be a great atmosphere today, my first game of the season! Buzzing to be back at Torquay United today! COYY!

lucy6lucy · Post by **lucy6lucy** » 17 Aug 2013, 12:38

supergulls wrote:Team for today

Rice
Cruise Pearce Downes Nico
Cameron Harding mansell bodin
Ball hawley

Are you AK?

supergulls · Post by **supergulls** » 17 Aug 2013, 14:42

lucy6lucy wrote: Are you AK?

I've never been wrong so far

Plymgull · Post by **Plymgull** » 17 Aug 2013, 15:02

Not very optimistic about today. That said, COYY!!!

Glostergull · Post by **Glostergull** » 17 Aug 2013, 15:04

how have things started guys

Yellow4life · Post by **Yellow4life** » 17 Aug 2013, 15:07

Listening to it from Tunisia- mixed start, we've just had the first shot of the game via Ball

SDYellow · Post by **SDYellow** » 17 Aug 2013, 15:14

Quite a quiet start so far.
Exeter winning and Oastelr scored an own goal.

Glostergull · Post by **Glostergull** » 17 Aug 2013, 15:14

[quote="Yellow4life"]Listening to it from Tunisia- mixed start, we've just had the first shot of the game via Ball [/quote]

Glad to hear they are using a ball. Much better than a brick.

Yellow4life · Post by **Yellow4life** » 17 Aug 2013, 15:15

cameron cautioned (booked for those who use the slang term!)

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