Torquay v Rovers

[Boz]

There is some thought that Mellon will replace Norwood with Mangan and leave Cook on the bench. He made some remarks in his post-match remarks about it being good having options and went on to praise Alabi.

Agree that Jennings does not work so well deployed out wide and MM needs to apply himself as to how we can play the most players in their best positions.

 

[frenchrover]

"There is some thought that Mellon will replace Norwood with Mangan and leave Cook on the bench." \sorry Boz I just can't see that and if MM does go down that road I'm afraid the criticism of the manager will start to show itself. Cook must start Tuesday, the question of with whom is the real question...Alabi or Mangan. Given Alabi didn't stand out Saturday Mangan might be the better bet or even Dunn. Can't wait to see MM's decision. Separately, McNulty and Norwood have both let the club and it's fans down badly with their stupid behaviour and this crazy indiscipline cannot, and must not be tolerated as it could cost us heavily in our search for the top spot.

 

[Sparky]

Agree with frenchrover. Norwood unfortunately has history when it comes to stupid red cards and losing his temper. 2 seasons ago he was immense under Brabin but was then our only decent striking option.

Last season he started well but faded and coupled with numerous missed chances, wasn't as important. This season with our striking options he quite rightly should be dropped if not scoring and getting sent off for stupid things.

Alabi didn't have the best of games but deserves another chance. The problem is if we play cook we should play to his strengths with wide men. But playing a diamond and or CJ wide won't do this. Yes Tollit is injured but we have Dunn or sign another winger or give Dawson a go.

You do wonder if Micky really has his favourites and is probably quite stubborn. Early days but it could be his undoing. If cook doesn't start on Tuesday then it's sheer madness and who could blame him for wanting to leave

 

[Rockford's Love Child]

Alabi didn't have the best of games but deserves another chance. The problem is if we play cook we should play to his strengths with wide men. But playing a diamond and or CJ wide won't do this. Yes Tollit is injured but we have Dunn or sign another winger or give Dawson a go.

You do wonder if Micky really has his favourites and is probably quite stubborn. Early days but it could be his undoing. If cook doesn't start on Tuesday then it's sheer madness and who could blame him for wanting to leave

I agree that Cook has to play but I don't think we have the players to go 442 at the moment. On Saturday Buxton and Ridehalgh both provided some great deliveries for Cook from out wide. With the players we have available I would play a diamond or something similar, with Jennings behind the forwards.

If Cook does not start against Woking, Mellon will get his first serious criticism and it will be deserved. It will be interesting to see the teamsheet.......

 

[Boz]

Agree that Tuesday's team-sheet will be fascinating. The side I would pick would involve a start for Cook, but not confident the manager thinks the same way.

 

[Ian]

Match highlights

http://www.thenationalleague.org.uk/match-info/match-centre/1-2849417

 

[bring back the cowshed!]

I'm at a loss what's happening with Cook. If MM has a genuine issue with him, he surely would have accepted an offer for him during the close season. If he doesn't, then why isn't he in the side? However, I'm willing to give MM the benefit of the doubt. He is an experienced manager and his judgement so far has been good.

 

[bring back the cowshed!]

Match highlights

http://www.thenationalleague.org.uk/match-info/match-centre/1-2849417

It's good to have over three minutes of highlights, but without commentary, zoom or slo-mo, it's more difficult to see what's happening. The ref had a good view of the Norwood incident, so I can't argue with the sending off. It was pure petulance after the defender had gone in heavily on Cook. The ref may not have been top quality, as MM alludes, but the manager needs to read the riot act to his players about discipline before it costs us dearly. Other teams will target our more sensitive players, like Norwood. We need to be on our best behaviour as we probably have a reputation with referees for dirty play, however undeserved.

 

[Ian]

Not excusing Norwood's behaviour but his discipline isn't that bad. I've seen him getting roughed up in many games and usually he gets up and gets on with it, for the most part!

Just one of those games. How many times do we finish with 9 men?

Let's move on to Tues.

 

[Boz]

I went to a game at Grimsby in the mid nineties when we finished with 9, Mallon and think Nolan were sent off, both harshly and that also finished 0-0. Here, both Norwood and McNulty gave the officials a decision to make, no surprise what was decided. While Norwood was being provoked, in the context of the game, he should not have responded like that.

 

[White Squaddie]

Having watched the highlights, and having attended the game at Plainmoor last season, I can't help but think that Torquay are a side who's game plan it is to force the referee to make those sort of decisions. Whilst I'm not condoning either sending off, or suggesting that Torquay are the only side that may play the game that way this season, therefore we have to be more astute, this sort of tactic really winds me up!!

I can remember last season's game at Plainmoor and it was a constant bombardment of the referee, asking for cards and decisions, and it looks like the same on Saturday, particularly with Big Steve's decision. For that reason, I was gutted when Torquay stayed up last year and I hope they go down this season....I can't stand them!!!

In terms of the debate on who to start up front tomorrow, it has to be Cook for me, and I'd play him with Alabi aswell. With Buxton and Ridehalgh supplying from either side, like they did on Saturday, you'd like to think that Cook will get on the end of a few. Viewing the highlights, there were a few great crosses begging for someone like Cook to get on the end of them!