TT MATCH VERDICT
Joe Uglow – @Joe_Ugs
MATCH SUMMARY:
With last season now a distant memory and the word “penalties” banished to the back of everyone’s minds, it was a great feeling to be back at Plainmoor without restrictions, no more temperature checks, masks or making your way to socially distanced footstep markings on the popside!
Both trialists from Saturday obviously didn’t do enough to be asked back by GJ, as victims of the “Pingdemic” The Lemon and Andrews returned to the fold to take their places. A new ‘trialist A’ joined the squad slotting in at right back with Lewis, Omar and Moxey making up the rest of the back-line. Lapslie and Little started in central midfield with Dan Martin and Olaf Koszela providing the width. The Lemon returned to the starting line up to partner Wright up top.
It wasn’t long before the yellows would get off the mark! Little floated a free kick in towards Connor who hooked it back across goal to find Wright at the back post. His header looped over Hamon. 1-0.
Trialist A put a solid performance in at right back in the first half, whipping in one particular great ball that unfortunately no-one could get on the end of. He also committed one slightly late challenge which would have probably warranted at least a yellow card had this been a league game.
The first half featured some nice patterns of play with not too many clear cut chances to shout about.
There would be 3 changes at half time, Moxey, Lewis and Trialist A came off, replaced by O’Connell, Slough and Wynter.
15 mins into the second half and it was 2-0 Torquay. An in-swinging cross from Little found Louie Slough who managed to flick the ball over Hamon with a looping header.
More changes were made and the average age of the side continued to get lower as Moyse and Piper came on for Wright and Lemon.
And it was Moyse who would have a hand in our 3rd goal, with a great cross which found an unmarked Olaf. His header was saved by Hamon but there was Lolos to tuck away the rebound. 3-0 Torquay and job done.
Professional performance with minutes in the legs for the majority of the squad and another clean sheet. Largely what you’d expect from the side against Southern Premier League opposition and Gary should be relatively pleased ahead of a far tougher challenge against Argyle on Saturday.
PLAYER RATINGS:
Brzozowski – 6 – Few decent camera saves but really didn’t look confident at corners. Not sure if he’ll be troubling Halstead for the number 1 spot.
Trialist A – 6.5 – Looked good going forward and wasn’t troubled defensively
Lewis – 7 – Picked up where he left off last season, won all his headers, distributed the ball well and managed one particular great last-ditch challenge that had Truro appealing in vain for a penalty. Seemed to limp off at half time and was subsequently replaced.
Omar – 6.5 – Certainly seems to be a bit more “no-nonsense” than a “ball playing” centre half. Had a tendency to go long or put the ball out when a simpler ball was available. Good last-ditch tackle to stop an attack in the first half.
Moxey – 7 – Pretty much what we’ve come to expect from Mox, solid defensively and got forward when he could. Replaced at half time.
Koszela – 6 – Started out on the right wing but kept drifting inside which meant we played quite narrow. I remain to be convinced whether he’s ready for the National League and I wonder if he needs a couple months playing week in week out at Truro’s level.
Lapslie – 7 – Broke up play well and put some great challenges in, before having to go off injured in the 30th minute. Midfield seemed a lot weaker without him.
Little – 7 – Got on the ball and tried to make things happen, let’s hope with a proper pre-season behind him so we finally get to see the real Armani Little!
Martin – 7 – Not a lot of play went down our left wing first half so he didn’t feature too much. Second half when he slotted back in at left back he looked far more assured with some pace about him as well. Looks a good alternative option to Moxey.
Wright – 6.5 – Took his goal very well but didn’t have it all his own way, as he was tightly marked by Exeter loanee Diabate.
CLE – 6.5 – Showed flashes of what he can do but often had two Truro players surrounding him when he got on the ball. Decent assist for Wright’s goal.
Subs:
Lolos – 6.5 – Tried to overplay at times, but certainly looks like he has ability. Looking forward to seeing him against better opposition. Right place, right time for his goal.
Wynter – 6.5 – Rarely troubled, got forward when he could.
O’Connell – 6 – Didn’t do a great deal, would like to see him use his pace to beat the full back and stay wide, as he tended to drift inside which meant we played narrow at times.
Slough – 7 – Didn’t look out of place when he came on, solid defensively and a lovely header for his goal. Would like to see him up against better opposition but certainly looks promising after that performance.
Moyse – 7 – Another youngster who looked the part when he came on, some nice touches, and one shot which stung the gloves of Hamon. Lovely cross to create the third goal.
Piper – 6 – Got on the ball and showed some neat touches. Good experience for the youngster, would probably benefit from a loan move down to Truro’s level.
Andrews – 6 – Jake only got on for the last 10, at which point the game was winding down.
COYY – Joe
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TORQUAYTALK 
Not sure what game you watched but whilst accepting now is the time to experiment I wasn’t impressed at all by first half performance.
Truro, in my opinion looked the better side, forcing far too many corners and Dean Moxey struggled on the occasions he was subjected to one on one with Niall Thomson who still looks a dangerous player.
The youngsters looked fit and tried hard but still lacked the touch and decisions which separate a “league player” from a “good league player”.
Will be interested on Gary’s selection for the Argyle game although there is still time to shuffle a “settled side”.
Cmon you Gulls
Tony Counter
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