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I haven't seen Pearce this season, but would go with the other two simply because they were the partnership when we had our amazing run of form. Pearce and Downes were together most of last season and we didn't do well so I'd be concerned their partnership breeds unconfidence (or whatever the actual word for that is).

Bigman wrote:I haven't seen Pearce this season, but would go with the other two simply because they were the partnership when we had our amazing run of form. Pearce and Downes were together most of last season and we didn't do well so I'd be concerned their partnership breeds unconfidence (or whatever the actual word for that is).

But Pearce is a bit quicker! We must play him! Can you not remember last season when he was 'amazing'..?

The best thing for Torquay is that McDonald has stepped up and been a leader, he's been outstanding.
Downes always struggles against someone who ruffs him up but has played well this year.
Pearce more consistent than Downes but not match fit yet.

As a pairing Downes and McDonald as we've not seen Pearce enough this season.

YellowMurphy wrote: But Pearce is a bit quicker! We must play him! Can you not remember last season when he was 'amazing'..?

As Philgull rightly posted earlier, Downes is a left-sided central defender. Both McDonald and Pearce are right-sided. It does make a difference and it showed at times last Saturday. As Arcadia has posted, Angus has grown into the role as leader and has been immense for us this season. It's really, really tough on whoever is left out but I feel CH should stick with the pairing that has done so well for us so far.

Downes and MacDonald for me, regardless of any shortcomings, both play with a passion and desire to win that Pearce has failed to show since being given his chance this season. Not only that but both, Downes in particular, are also such a threat at set pieces.

CP Gull wrote:Downes and MacDonald for me, regardless of any shortcomings, both play with a passion and desire to win that Pearce has failed to show since being given his chance this season. Not only that but Both, Downes in particular, are also such a threat at set pieces.

But Pearce was really good last season and apparently that's all that matters?

After last night, it has to be Downes and Mac. First 2 goals for Alfreton, Pearce has to do better with the initial headers.

What about the Courtney Richards and Luke Young centre back pairing option???? FFS.

No thanks RJC. Downes and Mac. FFS!

YellowMurphy wrote: But Pearce was really good last season and apparently that's all that matters?

Was he? In a team where no one (apart from Ricey, and Marquis maybe in the few games he was here?) performed well with any consistency, to say he was one of the "better" players isnt the same as him being "really good". He was just as capable as any of the other defenders at playing the ball to an opponent, missing headers, poor positioning etc etc

Had voted for Pearce/MacDonald, based on yesterday couldn't blame CH if he went right back to Downes/MacDonald.

Sunnysideup wrote: Was he? In a team where no one (apart from Ricey, and Marquis maybe in the few games he was here?) performed well with any consistency, to say he was one of the "better" players isnt the same as him being "really good". He was just as capable as any of the other defenders at playing the ball to an opponent, missing headers, poor positioning etc etc

Was being sarcastic. MacDownes are the real deal, not sure what everyone sees in Pearce. The myth that he's better than Downes (or Mac for that matter) really does baffle me.

Get the feeling that if we'd have had Downes in the team we would've had somebody sorting the defence out, attacking the ball and preventing the flick ons which Alfreton profited from so easily.

I'd voted for Pearce and MacDonald as I deemed them to be "the future", in that they are both young and could be here for a while. However, based on the showing last night (and giving consideration to the fact that Pearce was pretty much playing by himself), Pearce didn't do anything to convince me he deserved to play again.

Yesterday was unquestionably the worst defensive display from a Torquay side that I have ever seen.
This is partly due to the fact we had a short midfielder in there, but also because Krystian Pearce was terrible. Absolutely terrible.
It seemed that every long ball caused sheer panic in the box. Hawley played really well off the shoulder and had a field day against Richards and their number 9 won practically every ball against Pearce. If we were playing a decent side, we would've conceded 10 goals.
Therefore, Pearce has to be dropped. You cannot perform that ineptly and keep your place.
Macdonald and Downes have to come back, regardless of how ill-disciplined they are.

Allowing for "unavailability" due to injury, suspension, loss of form and call up to International duty , the squad needs a minimum of 4 central defenders. We got 'em : MacDonaldDucky, Downer, Pearce and blanked Jake. There will be more times this season when we are missing our first choice central defenders. Gawd f*cking help us. I always wondered what the "H" stood for in the exclamation "JESUS H CHRIST!"

After watching non action from Hargreaves during the Alfredtown disgrace, it now becomes apparent.