Torquay United Fans Forum

Older contributors might be interested to know that David Graham has returned to Sheffield F.C. (First Divison of the Evo-Stik League). Before going further it is useful to understand that the Evo-Stik League is, in fact, the Northern Premier League and their First Division is what we would call the Second Division. On Tuesday in the Preliminary Round of the President's Cup Sheffield FC were defeated at home 3-5 in front of an attendance of 99. David Graham scored Sheffield's opening goal in the eleventh minute.

A home win, I think. So:

Torquay United (2) 4
Macclesfield Town (0) 0

Unfortunately not an attendance to match the result: 2,299

Soon we're going to get a solid thumping, and this may very well be the time.

Stevenage (3) 5
Torquay United (0) 0

Att: 2299

If you stand on the Pop. side it will become clear immediately what the problem is: the people there are either under 18 or over 60 - there's hardly anything in between. Whether this is true in other areas of the ground, I can't say, never (in 47 years of going to Plainmoor) have i ever visited another area. Those aged between 18-60 leave Torquay, those coming in don't like football or don't/won't support United. Consequently if attendances are to increase significantly, it's the 18-60 age group that need to be targeted.

Some information for yesterdays absentees:
Although we were promised rain, the afternoon turned out to be sunny and warm, with a touch of humidity. Leaving Wiveliscombe, I was filled with a sense of optimism which was unfortunately to be cruelly dashed by ten to five.
It was a dismal, depressing performance by United. Yes, the Accrington defence had clearly been given certain instructions (to park a bus in front of their goal), but a forward of any reasonable quality could easily have penetrated that defence. Unfortunately that sort of forward we do not possess.
One of the silliest Pop. side rumours was going the rounds as we gathered from two o'clock onwards: Benyon was in prison! The ridiculous rumour (begun by the usual suspect) stated that four United players had been involved in a harbourside brawl in the early hours. It was all nonsense of course....but Benyon was not on the pitch, nor on the bench, so (initially at least) some credence was given to the rumour. We certainly needed him. Throughout the match we continually lost possession, failed to make any incisive attacking moves, and generally played like a Conference side. All Buckle's spluttering later could not conceal a dire outing. To find ourselves back at the top of the league was, let's say, astonishing. However, we won't be there for long with performances like this.

My 5-star awards;
Bevan **** (solid)
Nicholson *** (o.k., but some crosses were overhit and he was beaten for pace at times)
Robertson *** and a half (solid)
Branston **** (My MoM)
Ellis **** (good, consistent)
Wroe ** and a half (given to bollocking others of he makes a mistake himself)
Stevens ** (ineffectual)
Mansell *** (ok)
Carlisle ** and a half (not back to form yet)
Zebroski *** (ok, but not very effective)
Gritton * and a half (won some headers, but back to Chesterfield please)

Subs
O'Kane *** (ok)
Macklin *** (looked promising at times)
Kee ** (a big disappointment so far)

But there's snow in Newton Abbot.

It's sunny in Wiveliscombe!

This is by far the best.

Torquay United (1) 3
Accrington Stanley (0) 0

Att: 3,522.

I'm feeling optimistic. I just hope there aren't any drums.

I am pleased to return to this board.