Torquay United v Northampton Town - 15/12/12

[stevegull]

I think the lights inside the stands have always been turned off as kick off approaches.

[Modgull]

This is the first chance I have had to post since the game. I thought it was a good match in very poor conditions (I was particularly concerned about the state of the pitch even before the start of the game - there is very little grass on the Bench side and it is in the worst condition I can ever remember at this stage in a season) and the Gulls performed very well.

The extra man up front seems a better option at least at home and Jarvis had an excellent game. Just like Macklin, however, just as we see some form he gets a serious injury and I feel really sorry for him and Howe, who will probably have to operate on his own up front again.

For me Easton was a revelation - he was everywhere breaking their attacks, starting our own forays and also bringing the ball when he had space. The only trouble with his and Mansell's inclusion in 442 or 4411 is that they bump Craig on to the wing where he is much less effective.

The centre backs were excellent again - well done McDonald for a fine performance against one of the toughest front pairings in the division.

What do we do now for the Christmas games? I feel it is now time to give one of our brightest youngsters a chance and would like to see Yeoman partner Howe up front in a 442 system. Another option would be to play Craig in the hole behind Howe in a 4411 formation with Stevens and Thompson on the wings. I suspect, however, that we will revert to 451 with Craig and Stevens on the wings, Lathrope in the holding role and Mansell and Easton on either side of him.

Looking forward to next week's game and, hopefully, a full house at Plainmoor.

We need Downes to keep out of the referee's book for one more match so that we can have the option of Saah to partner McDonald in central defence.

[ferrarilover]

"As usual Watson you look but you do not observe" said Holmes, dryly. He continues,

"The gentleman, if that is not too grand a term, came to the Riviera from a northerly direction. He arrived and availed himself of a little drink before proceeding into the ground with which he most certainly was not familiar."

I stood and stared at my companion for the shortest while, before confessing to him that I hadn't the foggiest how he might have come to know such details of the deceased from such a cursory inspection.

"It is quite simple really Watson. The man has about him a rather grizzled, worn appearance. In itself, other than rendering him frightfully unpleasantly to behold, insignificant. However, coupled with the receipt for a copy of 'Love Your Whippet' magazine, we can only conclude that this man is a northerner. Since we are where we are, he must have travelled south to get here. This leads us naturally go hypothesise that he might well like to drink at every available opportunity. The pungent odour of cheap liquor was enough to confirm my suspicions."

"That's all well and good Holmes, but surely no such clue is evident here to suggest this is not familiar ground to him?"

"No Watson, that is quite so. I am, as you know, fond of browsing the lower league message boards. I noticed upon there that a man fitting the description of our cadaver had posted a really dumb question just recently, one which would only have been asked by either a buffoon or a n00b."

"Could it not be both?" I enquired, meekly.

"Quite so, Watson, quite so."

Matt.

In case you're confused Andy, yes I'm talking about you and yes, the lights are always switched off at KO, otherwise they glare and annoy both the players and the fanz.

[AustrianAndyGull]

Amazing deduction my Dear Ferrari, although i am only using the affectionate term 'dear' to further accentuate the conan doyle style. I must confirm that i have NO sexual feelings for you Matt my good man nor do i have a preference for sharing urinals with other men.

Your assumptions are in fact incorrect however, as a dour northerner and one who suffers ailments one might not have been afflicted with would one have ceased consuming alcohol upon one's 25th birthday, one has to confirm that no alcohol passed my lips prior to the Northampton game taking place. I did rendezvous with my good men Dave ForeverTUFC, Trojan and acquaintances inside Boots and Laces and they were indeed as flabbergasted as you would have been to see me return from my jaunt to the bar with a soft beverage in my hand. You see, i DO conform to the northern stereotype but not during the day 'coz i get the sh*ts.

In addition, if you are referring to a post i made to our friends from the Abbey then i disagree, i was curious and angry. A lethal combination liable to lead to frivolous stupidity for which i DO agree!

[ferrarilover]

Do I get extra points for doing that all on my phone? Have now tidied it up a little on here so it reads properly. I think it might be my best post ever. Can't believe you don't drink, that, surely, is the only explanation for your recent behaviour on this very forum? :~D

Matt.