Match report by Phil Swann, player ratings by Sam Swann
My first challenge tonight was to get to grips with Boreham Wood’s livestream. The one camera was low down so the overall view wasn’t great but worse still the stream was juddery so it was difficult to get a proper feel of the match in progress. No replays, the coverage was as basic as it gets. Still, let’s not grumble too much as it is still great to watch Torquay live on TV. The main commentator was inconsistent in naming the player on the ball so the first half was difficult in quite knowing what was going on. The pitch looked in immaculate condition.
Torquay had good shape in the first half but offered little as an attacking threat. It was a workmanlike first half, we were solid but lacked any quality to trouble Boreham Wood. The opposition improved as the half wore on and took the initiative. The highlight of the half was a fine one handed save by MacDonald low down when Boreham Wood were through on goal.
The livestream quality dramatically improved for the second half thankfully and Torquay started the half with more purpose and took the lead on 50 minutes through Hall with a quality finish from the edge of the penalty box. He turned and struck a sweet left foot shot as the keeper stood and watched the ball hit the corner of the net low down.
Torquay were looking themselves in the second half and their game had good pace and rhythm and looked solid at the back. Torquay were looking dangerous. An accidental sliced shot by Umerah nearly caught out the keeper, who had to tip the ball over the bar. Sherring headed the resultant corner wide. When Boreham Wood did attack the defence coped well without any fuss. Hall was a colossus in the middle shielding the defence and looked confident on the ball.
Torquay made a double substitution in the 66th minute, Little and Waters replacing Umerah and Nemane. Soon afterwards MacDonald came to Torquay’s rescue again saving a 1-on-1 when Boreham Wood were clean through in a central position. Substitute Waters was put through but a defender recovered and won the ball in time. Torquay looked the better team in the second half and it was good to see some slick Torquay moves. Little and Whitfield had shots on goal.
Torquay’s pressure paid off when a nicely combined move involving Whitfield found Waters clean through. Waters hit the ball firmly past the keeper from close range. Shortly afterwards Randell put the game beyond doubt with a beautifully curled shot beyond the reach of the keeper. Another neat passing move saw Torquay slice open Boreham Wood and Lemonheigh-Evans was on the end of the move to tap in.
After an unspectacular first half, Torquay transformed in the second half and ended up blowing away a decent Boreham Wood team in emphatic style for a 4-0 win. The second half performance was a joy to watch. The substitutions improved our play and we ended up winning in a canter.
It is just the tonic Torquay needed after the Yeovil setback and with recent additions to the squad we look well equipped to take the league by the scruff of the neck and have every chance in winning the title if we carry on like tonight. Well done to the players and of course to the coaching staff. I’m just loving it!
Player Ratings
MacDonald 8 – Fantastic performance, 2 massive saves at crucial times in the game. He has improved so much over the last 2 years. His one on one presence is now superb. Credit to the coaching team and Shaun himself.
Sherring 7 – A tough first half for Sam, a lot of tricky footwork from the opposition caused issues. He dealt with it well in the end. I am delighted to have him until the end of the season. Let’s not forget this isn’t his favoured position as well.
Warren 7 – He got booked for clattering an opponent in the first half. But he was solid and used his experience throughout the game. A typical no-nonsense performance.
Cameron 8 – Didn’t put a foot wrong all game. Very solid as per usual. Did all he needed to do and always helps transition from defence to attack with his confidence on the ball.
Moxey 7 – Solid as ever, didn’t have as much to to deal with as much the right hand side but he delt with any danger with ease. Always looks great on the ball.
Hall 9 MOTM – He scored a stunning goal, linked the play all night, protected the defence and he is a model professional. That’s Asa Hall, our captain. Also, that wasn’t even his best goal in a Torquay shirt!
Whitfield 8 – Always looked lively, not as much service as he is used to but he played his part in our attack all night. Also, his pressing off the ball meant the opposition couldn’t play out of the back at all.
Randell 8 – It is so refreshing to watch a young player like him in this day and age. A well taken goal, some lovely passing as well as getting stuck in all night. A brilliant all-round midfielder.
Lemonheigh-Evans 8 – Quiet in the first half, however his class shone through as the game went on. A tidy finish at the back post for the 4th goal as well as being involved in the build up for the other goals.
Nemane 5 – An off-game tonight. He wasn’t as sharp as usual, got himself involved in unnecessary tangles. He didn’t get much in the way of service in fairness. He will be back to his best on Saturday.
Umerah 5 – He struggled to make an impact. As a lone striker in a team, you either get involved in holding up the ball for your teammates or simply stay as a target man/on the last line. I felt Josh caught in between the lines again tonight and struggled to make an impact.
Subs
Waters 9 – 1 goal and 2 assists I believe. Took his goal brilliantly and assisted 2 others. I am delighted for him and can’t wait to see more of him. A very tidy and talented footballer.
Little 7 – Class act. Even off the bench, you can just see his talent. Please let luck be on his side from now on.
Andrews N/A – Didn’t get enough minutes to make an impact, but he got stuck in well in the 7 minutes he was on. I wouldn’t expect anything else from him.
Do you agree with Sam? Rate the players here – TUFC PLAYER RATINGS
Tactics
COYY – Phil and Sam
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Next Up: Notts County (a) – Saturday 23rd Jan
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