[Music Man]

Well that's 2 games I've now seen (endured!) this season
At least the defence wasn't quite as bad this time but that's 8 goals in 2 games I've seen us concede. Again if it hadn't been for Garner then it would have been a lot more.

One thing that stands out is the passing and movement of both sides faced so far. They both seemed miles ahead of Bury in this respect.
The number of times we gave the ball away from stray passes was crucial. It immediately puts the defence under pressure as it occured the majority of the time in our own half.

When we did get a decent ball forward we looked dangerous. The play of Seddon, Porter, O'Neil and Singh looked good but we didn't get quality balls to them enough.

I also noticed the number of times the ball goes back to Garner for him to hoof it forward. This immediately makes it a 50/50 ball each time.
Our defenders and midfielders should have the confidence and ability to get passes forward to our own players. Seems they panic and put the ball back to Garner just so they don't have to try and pass themselves.

I also still think Woodthorpe should not be at left back. He was again wrong side of their player for the first goal and again minutes later which nearly gave them another goal. It's a specialist position.
Haven't we got anyone in the reserves or youth team that plays in that position that would do better?

[tommy]

We certainly do have a specialist left back - Tom Kennedy, but Preece is reluctant to play him. Not sure why when Woodthorpe struggles every week.

[Music Man]

Ah yes, he came on against Mansfield didn't he and looked a lot better?
Why oh why is he not playing then I wonder?

First time I'd seen Gunby on Saturday and he looked OK. Built more like a centre half really.
Whelan looked OK too and seemed to get stuck in. Quite a lot of the fans around me were seething when Dunfield was taken off. Have to say his passing had been pretty bad overall for the time he was on. I expect though after so long out he is going to take a while to get into the swing of things again. Hope he does because I'm sure if will be an important player to supply our forwards.

[tommy]

According to the commentary Dunfield had a tummy bug and was feeling it and that's why he was taken off.
I think the brief appearance at Mansfield has been one of Kennedys only appearance so far.

[surrey_exile]

Music Man. I agree with much of what you say.

I spent much of the afternoon chatting to someone who used to be one of Exeter's backroom staff. He confirmed what you said that:
a) we pass the ball back to Garner too often
b) we crucially lose possession just inside the opponents' half

I thought Torquay looked a pretty useful side. Our best spell was after they scored up to half time, but following their second goal we really struggled.

Unfortunately, there was nobody experienced in midfield to help us raise our game.

A final point - Torquay looked much sharper and fitter overall. Our fitness levels, along with indiscipline, have been major problems whilst AP has been in charge.

[2wheels]

Improving fitness should reduce the number of yellow cards. The fitter and sharper they are the less chance there is of mis-timing a tackle through being too slow.....

[Woody1]

...... along with indiscipline, have been major problems whilst AP has been in charge.

This year and 2 years ago yes, but last season we finised 5th in the fairplay league.

[Music Man]

Hi Surrey Exile
Yes have to say Torquay looked a good side (as did Mansfield)
It eases the pain only slightly though!
I thought AP was promising at the start of the season to get us to play in the same style?
We have a lot to work on. :?