Player Ratings: Torquay United vs Bristol Rovers

Spiess 3.5 A terrible howler for the goal and he struggled massively with the wind in the first half.

Leadbitter 6 Always looks skittish which never fills me with confidence, but did a good job defensively in the end, especially second half.
Trotman 7 Looked nervous to start with, not seeming to trust the pitch or the new-look back four. Really grew into the game and asserted himself on Torquay's strikers. Well taken goal as well, but could have had another. 
Parkes 7 Won the physical contest with Ofori-A... and stepped forward to make some nice interceptions. Looked well up for the proper English Boxing Day contest.
Lockyer 7 Considering this isn't his first or second choice positions, I thought he played really well. Another who missed a great chance, but made up for it with a great slide that stopped a cross and started a counted-attack in the second half.

Gosling 8 My man of the match. His direct running put Torquay on the back foot as soon as he won possession. His corner delivery was great and should have led to more than one goal.  
Mansell 6.5 Made some well timed tackles and not afraid to scrap it out.
Sinclair 6.5 Brilliant in the first half and his sheer work rate won the corner that led to Trotman's goal. Faded in the second as Gosling drove the team's play more.
Monkhouse 6.5 For 25 minutes in the second half I'd forgotten he was playing. Never seems to do much, but always comfortable in possession and offered solid protection to Lockyer. He's hardly dynamic, but I'm always happier when he's in the team.

Taylor 6 Took his goal well despite me having no confidence he would. Linked up well with Gosling and should have won a penalty.
Blissett 5.5 Won the ball of Torquay on quite a few occasions and played the ball quickly to feet which suited the style we played yesterday. Missed a sitter though.

Subs: Wall 2 Completely ineffective at anything: closing down, tackling, shooting, passing, etc.. I know he didn't have long to make an impact but he was useless.
Goldberg Not on long enough to mark, but I'm not convinced he's the striker we need long-term.

DC 7 Don't know the extent of the injuries, so it was probably right to start Spiess. Sinclair worked well in a free role, but tightening into 4-4-2 allowed Gosling and Taylor to stretch the game.
Ref 6 Couple of bad decisions, but the linesman on our side should have told him it was a penalty for the foul on Taylor. Top marks for the other lino who disallowed their goal though. 
Torquay 5 If we'd been more ruthless in front of goal we could have smashed them. The pitch and wind didn't help them in their search for an equaliser, but their build-up play didn't amount to much.

Spiess 3

Leadbitter 7
Trotman 7
Parkes 7.5
Lockyer 7.5

Gosling 8.5
Mansell 7
Sinclair 8
Monkhouse 6.5

Taylor 7
Blissett 6.5

Subs: Wall 3
Goldberg

DC 8
Ref 6
Torquay 4

Spiess 3 Got to do better with basic keeping

Leadbitter 6 Best game so far
Trotmam 7 Solid game topped with a goal
Parkers 7 Playing very consistently
Lockyer 7 Proving to be very versatile

Gosling 8 Best game so far, got to keep it going now
Mansell 7 Good game should be Captain
Sinclair 7 Good game hope he was saving a bit for the next two games
Monk house 6 Reasonable game

Taylor 7.5 Good game good goal
Blissett 6 played some good football

Wall 3 Did not do a lot

DC Back him
Ref 5 Missed the penalty
Torquay 4 Hope they play like this on New Years Day