Torquay United v Accrington Stanley - 13/10/12

[Glostergull]

Ah I take it from last post we have finished the game and won. Yeeahhhhh get in there. Just the tonic we need. That Yeovil postponment has done us good.

[Wisconsin_gull]

3-1 FT
Hooray!
Off to do the grocery shipping (will smuggle in a bottle of Crispins for later!)

[Gulliball]

A very good win, and three big points. Great to see Mansell off the mark as well as Howe and Bodin adding to their tallies.

I am flying home next Friday night, so will be at our next three matches - first game since Hereford away and first trip to Plainmoor since last Boxing Day.

[bixieupnorth]

can't trust the bloody commentator, he def mentioned jarvis early in second half, but he obviously hadn't come on!
oh well just pleased we ended up with a convincing looking win over a side that's caused us a lot of grief!
roll on Saturday and Bristol rovers!

[coley in stripes]

At bloody last, a decent win !!! and just outside the 'playoffs', with a quarter of the season gone that's ok despite the stupid points lost.... Gillingham do look good but a couple more decent wins including them (23rd) and we will be up their arses.

[Neal]

Just back. Should have scored a handful at least today, lost count of the one on ones, and we had many other chances.

For me Howe was excellent again although he missed some sitters.

A good performance, Accrington were surprisingly poor, but that doesn't mean I'm diminishing our performance at all. What a difference from Wycombe.

[bengull]

Torquay recorded their fourth win of the season with a hard-earned victory over Accrington Stanley at Plainmoor.

Looking to bounce-back from a disappointing defeat to lowly Wycombe the weekend before, United reverted to their trustworthy 4-5-1 formation and welcomed Damon Lathrope back into the starting line-up after a two month absence. The only other change saw Danny Stevens start on the left hand side with Lloyd Macklin having to make do with a seat on the bench as The Gulls looked to carry on from where they left off last time out at Plainmoor; that extraordinary second half comeback against Aldershot.

Torquay started brightly and won their first penalty of the season in the second minute, Nathan Craig's ball back into the 6 yard box was adjudged to have hit a 'Stanley arm and Referee Hooper pointed to the spot without hesitation. Top scorer Rene Howe continued his outstanding form to score for the sixth consecutive match by sending Ian Dunbavin the wrong way.

Torquay probed and passed with a purpose for the rest of the half but failed to carve out another clear goalscoring opportunity as Accrington willfully got men behind the ball and threatened regularly on the counter attack. As a result The Yellows were restricted to shots from distance, Danny Stevens' 20 yard drive just missed the far post, and the returning Lathrope's strike was well saved by Dunbavin.

After such an early headstart Torquay had failed to capitalise on their lead and with Stanley showing a bit of promise in the final third there was a palpable sense of the foreboding at half time.

Into the second half and Torquay set their stall out to increase their lead but found Ian Dunbavin in inspired form guarding the Family Stand net thwarting Howe, Bodin and Stevens all from one on one situations. Howe had too much time to make up his mind when running clear from the half way line, choosing power when so often outwitting the keeper with finesse, Torquay's topscorer blasted the ball straight at Dunbavin. Whereas Bodin and Stevens, both released via some incisive midfield passing, both attempted to stroke the ball home when force may have been the better option.

Torquay's lethargy infront of goal looked to come back to haunt them when Accrington equalised with a rare foray into the opposite half. Padraig Amond ghosted in unmarked at the far post to head the dangerous Bohan Dixon's pinpoint cross back across Michael Poke and into the net. It was another sloppy goal to concede and what had looked to be a routine home win would now have to be earned.

Lloyd Macklin was sent on for Stevens straight after the equaliser as United looked to halt Stanley's ascendency, and two minutes later the homeside had re-taken the lead. Nathan Craig retrieved the ball infront of the popside after another attack looked to have broken down, the young Welshman looked up and sent in an inviting curling cross towards the far post which his compatriot Billy Bodin- now on his favoured left wing- met with a strong diving header, diverting the ball past Dunbavin to cue the now time-honoured jubilant celebration.

Stanley heads dropped having negated their hard work to get back into the match and Torquay looked to take full advantage, now attacking in waves. Easton, Bodin and Nicholson all squandered good chances to extend the lead as the worry of another equaliser hung around in the atmosphere at TQ1. These fears where quelled however when indefatigable captain Lee Mansell scored his first goal of the season with 10 minutes to go. Having seen his initial chance parried for a corner by Dunbavin, last season's top scorer Mansell was left unmarked at the far post to nod Kevin Nicholson's deep corner in at the near post and put daylight between the two teams.

From that moment until the end it was a question of many United could add to their tally with Howe, Bodin and Mansell- this time with an open net at his mercy- all missing the target. However Torquay continued to play attacking football until the final whistle to record their third home win of the season and become the only team in the league to be unbeaten at home.

Whilst too many draws so far have hampered Ling's top 3 aspirations, United have only been beaten twice. With more men returning to full fitness Torquay will be looking to push on as the games continue to come thick and fast. It was at this point last season that the men at TQ1 put together the run that saw them change from looking over their shoulder uneasily at the bottom five, to fighting for promotion in the midst of the top seven. If Torquay can improve their chance conversion rate in the coming weeks history looks set to repeat itself.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Would just like to add on the back of this match report that it spoke volumes that Damon Lathrope was given 90 minutes. This gives the impression to me that he may have been ready for a few weeks but Ling wanted to give him the Yeovil match to phase him back into match action. His calming influence really helped Craig, Nicho and in particular Mansell play their own game and be a more potent attacking force than they have been in recent weeks. I really thought he would get 65 minutes tops and then his ready made replacement Easton would replace him. We look a much better team with Lathrope in it, he is a master of his position. Like last season, might be a catalyst for some improved/more consistent form.

[Jeff]

Just seen the goals on SSN. Penalty all day long, arm was out by his side so nothing controversial there. Exemplary penalty from Rene, their keeper was completed fooled by the stuttering run. The Accrington goal was exceptionally sloppy marking, but then was almost mirrored at the other end for Bodin to score. And the Accy marking was equally shocking for Mansells goal.

Great win, and we really are right in the hunt (only 5 points off second). But we really need to improve performances and results on the road, and no better place than at the Mem where we have a pretty decent record.

[AustrianAndyGull]

Cheers Ben, Jeff et al. So glad to get the win today and so pleased to hear we played well, attacked with purpose and created chances ( hope i'll be saying that at the Mem on saturday! ) and despite my grumblings regarding Bodin, i AM pleased that he got on the score sheet. That might give him the kick up the arse he needs to lift his performances for the team. Good to see Manse netting and overall a pleasurable day but like Jeff says, we need to NOT put in another stinker at Rovers and stunt our progression with these inept away days. We need to build on today but we aren't in too bad a place at the moment. For those talking about Gillingham and the top, just let those sides get on with it as we aren't going to trouble those sides this season but we can be in the hunt for a play off spot for sure if we start scoring a few more on the road.

[Modgull]

Agree wholeheartedly with Bengull that much of the team's effectiveness is due to Damon Lathrope. He had an excellent game in the holding role allowing Mansell and Craig freedom to run the midfield, providing repeated opportunities for the front three.

Of the front three, however, only Rene Howe played consistently well - he really is an exceptional striker and played extremely well.

Bodin and Stevens both disappointed although Bodin did come good later in the game and took his goal really well.

The team looked to have more teeth with Macklin on the field but he is now out again with a possibly fractured foot - another blow to his hopes of turning a new leaf.

The defence was generally sound although Poke still looks too hesitant under the high ball.

Tactically the management got it just right, the players responded well and the referee had a good game although the Howe booking was a travesty.

[Dave]

Not much to add, Lathrope does make a huge difference to the team and it showed today, any coincidence that opon Lathropes return to the team, Mansell gets a goal.

The team today have created a hat load of chances, their keeper has kept the score down coupled with some awful finishing, at 1.1 was worried that self doubts would creep into our play, however it didn't and finaly some chances were taken and a well deserved 3.1 win, well done Lingy and the team..

[Scott Brehaut]

Cheers Ben, Jeff et al. So glad to get the win today and so pleased to hear we played well, attacked with purpose and created chances ( hope i'll be saying that at the Mem on saturday! )

Do us a favour - don't bloody go!!

[AustrianAndyGull]

I don't like the tone of your vitriol young man!




It's not 100% definate yet Scott so you still have to sweat but at least if i DO go then you can all lump on Rovers and make a few quid.

[AustrianAndyGull]

It's quiet tonight. Did anyone go to the bloody game or what?!

[AustrianAndyGull]

Torquay recorded their fourth win of the season with a hard-earned victory over Accrington Stanley at Plainmoor.

Looking to bounce-back from a disappointing defeat to lowly Wycombe the weekend before, United reverted to their trustworthy 4-5-1 formation and welcomed Damon Lathrope back into the starting line-up after a two month absence. The only other change saw Danny Stevens start on the left hand side with Lloyd Macklin having to make do with a seat on the bench as The Gulls looked to carry on from where they left off last time out at Plainmoor; that extraordinary second half comeback against Aldershot.

Torquay started brightly and won their first penalty of the season in the second minute, Nathan Craig's ball back into the 6 yard box was adjudged to have hit a 'Stanley arm and Referee Hooper pointed to the spot without hesitation. Top scorer Rene Howe continued his outstanding form to score for the sixth consecutive match by sending Ian Dunbavin the wrong way.

Torquay probed and passed with a purpose for the rest of the half but failed to carve out another clear goalscoring opportunity as Accrington willfully got men behind the ball and threatened regularly on the counter attack. As a result The Yellows were restricted to shots from distance, Danny Stevens' 20 yard drive just missed the far post, and the returning Lathrope's strike was well saved by Dunbavin.

After such an early headstart Torquay had failed to capitalise on their lead and with Stanley showing a bit of promise in the final third there was a palpable sense of the foreboding at half time.

Into the second half and Torquay set their stall out to increase their lead but found Ian Dunbavin in inspired form guarding the Family Stand net thwarting Howe, Bodin and Stevens all from one on one situations. Howe had too much time to make up his mind when running clear from the half way line, choosing power when so often outwitting the keeper with finesse, Torquay's topscorer blasted the ball straight at Dunbavin. Whereas Bodin and Stevens, both released via some incisive midfield passing, both attempted to stroke the ball home when force may have been the better option.

Torquay's lethargy infront of goal looked to come back to haunt them when Accrington equalised with a rare foray into the opposite half. Padraig Amond ghosted in unmarked at the far post to head the dangerous Bohan Dixon's pinpoint cross back across Michael Poke and into the net. It was another sloppy goal to concede and what had looked to be a routine home win would now have to be earned.

Lloyd Macklin was sent on for Stevens straight after the equaliser as United looked to halt Stanley's ascendency, and two minutes later the homeside had re-taken the lead. Nathan Craig retrieved the ball infront of the popside after another attack looked to have broken down, the young Welshman looked up and sent in an inviting curling cross towards the far post which his compatriot Billy Bodin- now on his favoured left wing- met with a strong diving header, diverting the ball past Dunbavin to cue the now time-honoured jubilant celebration.

Stanley heads dropped having negated their hard work to get back into the match and Torquay looked to take full advantage, now attacking in waves. Easton, Bodin and Nicholson all squandered good chances to extend the lead as the worry of another equaliser hung around in the atmosphere at TQ1. These fears where quelled however when indefatigable captain Lee Mansell scored his first goal of the season with 10 minutes to go. Having seen his initial chance parried for a corner by Dunbavin, last season's top scorer Mansell was left unmarked at the far post to nod Kevin Nicholson's deep corner in at the near post and put daylight between the two teams.

From that moment until the end it was a question of many United could add to their tally with Howe, Bodin and Mansell- this time with an open net at his mercy- all missing the target. However Torquay continued to play attacking football until the final whistle to record their third home win of the season and become the only team in the league to be unbeaten at home.

Whilst too many draws so far have hampered Ling's top 3 aspirations, United have only been beaten twice. With more men returning to full fitness Torquay will be looking to push on as the games continue to come thick and fast. It was at this point last season that the men at TQ1 put together the run that saw them change from looking over their shoulder uneasily at the bottom five, to fighting for promotion in the midst of the top seven. If Torquay can improve their chance conversion rate in the coming weeks history looks set to repeat itself.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Would just like to add on the back of this match report that it spoke volumes that Damon Lathrope was given 90 minutes. This gives the impression to me that he may have been ready for a few weeks but Ling wanted to give him the Yeovil match to phase him back into match action. His calming influence really helped Craig, Nicho and in particular Mansell play their own game and be a more potent attacking force than they have been in recent weeks. I really thought he would get 65 minutes tops and then his ready made replacement Easton would replace him. We look a much better team with Lathrope in it, he is a master of his position. Like last season, might be a catalyst for some improved/more consistent form.

Don't know that word, carry on...............................