Torquay 3-1 Plymouth

(Lolos [3], Little. [9], Reid [15], Kalala [73])

Kalala MOTM – Crowd – 3382(1394)

After going behind in the third minute thanks to a decent Lolos strike, beating MacDonald’s outstretched hand and nestling into the bottom right corner, United dug deep and responded just 6 minutes later with an insanely good free kick from the new signing Armani Little. Just 6 minutes later Jamie Reid, National League South player of the season, volleyed calmly from roughly 8 yards out to put Torquay ahead. Torquay held possession well for the first half and should have extended their lead in the 38th minute when Duku beat the defence but shot right at the keeper. However in the 73rd minute a rapid counter attacked ensued after a failed Argyle corner, Keating’s perfectly waited pass went to Duku who squared the ball to Kalala who calmly slotted home into the far corner, making the score line 3-1.

Player ratings

Shaun Macdonald – (4/5)

Apart from the first goal the shot stopper didn’t do much wrong, was agile off his line and his distribution was much better than the Argyle keeper’s.

Ben Wynter – (4.5/5)

The young right back was a defensive rock against Plymouth. His tracking back and positioning were both excellent and the timing of his challenges were too brilliant. Didn’t provide too much going forward with a couple of misplaced passes but, being only 21, he will only improve.

Kyle Cameron – (4/5)

The Northern Rock lived up to his name with a brilliant defensive performance, although he wasn’t challenged too much by the Argyle forwards you can only stop what is put in front of you, and the majority of times Kyle successfully did this.

Jean Yves-Koue Niate – (4/5)

I don’t always rate Niate however last night other than the odd misplaced header he did his defensive duties very well, using his combination of strength and aggression effectively and timing his tackles generally well.

Frank Vincent – (4.5/5)

The Bournemouth central midfielder filling in at the recovering Liam Davis’ left back position played well, he provided a bit of creative spark going forward and did his job at the back, sometimes drifted a bit too central for my liking leaving their right back to attack the flank but all in all he did a good job.

Jake Andrews – (3.5/5)

An unusually quiet game from the new number 11, he didn’t provide too much going forward from his position on the left however his decision making was good and his runs perhaps went a little unnoticed. It’s not the easiest of tasks to stand out in this Torquay side when you are substituted off at half time.

Asa Hall – (4/5)

The “Veteran” midfielder put in a solid shift for the 45 minutes he was on the pitch, dominating the defensive midfield position, perhaps showing his new role in the improved side. There has been talk of him playing centre back along side Cameron this season, which personally would be the wrong call for me unless we get a talented midfielder in (i.e Lemonheigh-Evans)

Armani Little – (4.5/5)

The new recruit opened United’s account with an absolutely STUNNING free kick from ~30 yards out, beating the poorly position two man wall and bouncing in off the crossbar. Other than that he didn’t do too much in my opinion. His passion was however showed out there with a few heavy tackles (been learning from Keating) and lunges being put in, good shift.

Kalvin Lumbombo-Kalala – (5/5)

The tricky french winger signed by Sir Gary put in an amazing performance, with his feet dancing all over his right hand side. His mesmerising step overs and wonderful pieces of skill was too much for the Plymouth defence. He got a well deserved goal in the 73rd minute after a stellar counter attack. Handed MOTM award by the sponsors of the game.

Immanuelson Duku – (3.5/5)

The 6ft 2” Dutch forward gave an insight into Johnson’s plan for the season and the partnership between him and Reidy. Although not getting on the scoresheet when he probably should of he still set up Kalala’s goal and was a real threat to the Argyle defence. Can see the front three of Duku, Reid and Kalala making some teams look like amateurs this season.

Jamie Reid – (5/5)

What can you say about this man. Classy. Lethal. Sexy. Having bagged himself another goal the Torquay born striker re affirmed our beliefs that his previous seasons in the National League can be put down to confidence. His exceptional play making and trickery beat the Plymouth defence on multiple occasions, with a new array of dummies and step overs being added to his game. He will be up there this season and I think at 14/1 for golden boot he might be worth a few quid.

Substitutes

Ruari Keating – (4/5)

The fired up Birthday boy did seem to lose the meaning of the word friendly at a couple of points in the second half with some heavy tackles going in but he created numerous opportunities on the left and linked up well with the equally as dangerous front men and Matt Buse.

Matt Buse – (4.5/5)

The Taunton town midfielder played a key part in the midfield against Argyle. The young man looked calm and composed on the ball and provided a flair going forward which was Lemonheigh-Evans esque. Sign. Him. Up.

Olaf Koszela – (3.5/5)

The young academy graduate worked his socks off for the 15 minutes he was on the pitch. His impact wasn’t exactly noticeable but his work rate, passion and ethic all shone through. Good things will come of the youngster.

Louie Slough (3/5)

The young central defender didn’t have much of a part to play against Plymouth, replacing the seemingly injured Niate in the dying embers of the game. One for the future?

Evans – (3/5)

Not much to write about really.

My MOTM – Super Jamie Reid.