Bentley, 7, Almost wasnt needed because he had so little to do, think he only made 3 saves. Was the terrible goal kick an accident or a time wasting tactic...? Either way, he looked the part, and glad to see that he has obviously been working hard during the close season, looks a lot bulkier across the shoulders and less likely to be blown over!
White, 7.5, Impressed. Dont want to admit it, because I was a bit puzzled by the change, but definately an upgrade on SC defensively.
Coker 7.5 Fitted straight in and looks solid and dependable.
Phillips 8, Welcome back Mark Phillips!! Looks fit, lean and almost graceful, hopefully completely over his injury worries. Had no trouble with their front men and worked well with Prosser.
Prosser 7, Solid and dependable. Not always pretty, but effective. Just needs to play the ball on the floor a bit more, will come with time under the different regime.
Laird 8, (MOM - just edged it for me over Phillips and BBBC) Glad he stayed with us, ran tirelessly and gave us some options in midfield. Good all round play and had a hand in the goal.
Leonard 7 did a good job, looks very useful, caused them some problems, and then the batteries ran out with about 15 minutes to go!
Atkinson 7 , Took a while to settle down, but did okay. Time will tell, a promising start.
Straker 7.5, Left midfield really does play to his strengths. Very quick, got into some good positions, but final delivery let him down a bit. Agree it was his best game for us so far, just hope the boo-boys get off his case now and let him rebuild his confidence - the boy has potential!
Fred 7, Typical Freddie - drifting in and out of the game, excellent free kick, and excellent tactical play. Needs the ball delivered to his feet - which I think Straker will do when he gets more used to his new role. Definately looks happer under PB, which is helpful. We totally lost shape when he was substituted - couldnt quite work out that decision, he didnt look any more knackered than anyone else!
Corr, 8 No nonsense, caused lots of problems, and managed to bag a real gift of a goal - that would have been harder to miss!
Subs Reid 5, Okay start - didnt set the pitch on fire, but he's only just arrived and didnt really get long to get going - also, think the balance of the side was disrupted with no Fred (which wasnt Reid's fault!!)
Clifford - not on the pitch long enough to comment.
Overall thoughts:
I had no expectations this season, and I was blown away. First game I have really enjoyed watching for quite a while, and I wouldnt have cared (too much) if we had only managed a draw!
The defence looked more solid that I have seen since the Clarke / Barratt partnership.
Timlin will have a big fight on his hands to get back in the side.
Freddie definately has still 'got' it - in a more mature and measured way, massively influential.
Straker will end up being a decent signing for us, looks much better and more comfortable in midfield.
Glad to see Graham Coughlan not only still here, but also having an influential role during the game. Well played Phil Brown.
Decent crowd for the first game, and a buzz round the ground for the first time in a long time. Long may that last!
Plymouth were only one step up from useless, but glad we have got them out of the way and bagged the 3 points because they will get their act together soon!
Usual standard of referreeing - consistently inconsistent. No change there then!
