Jourdan

MK Dons 1-2 Derby

Osula FRGS

Given how small and stretched the squad is and given we lost 6-0 on our last visit, that’s a very creditable performance.

We have to take encouragement. Any version of Liverpool at Anfield should beat a top half League 1 side in 90 minutes.

The fact they didn’t speaks volumes.

A win v MK Dons and things are looking up.

Looking at that Liverpool side, we should be able to keep it respectable, unless Nunez and Firmino get significant minutes.

The first 20 minutes will be crucial. The longer the game wears on, the more jittery the opposition may get, the more restless the home fans may get, the more encouraged our players and fans will feel, and the more chance we have of nicking a shock result.

1-1 and Derby to win a shootout would be lovely.

29 minutes ago, Premier ram said:

Spot on Angie, yes us at the game got a totally different view to those at home , ive also kept quiet as the over the top comments from some were making my blood boil

Yes, a massive overreaction.

We were standing a few rows back in the terrace. The weather was awful and got worse as the game went on. The pitch was awful and got worse as the game wore on.

The conditions were a world away from the comforts of Pride Park and honestly more suitable for wellington boots than football boots.

Torquay’s players relished those conditions because they had nothing to lose and they knew the conditions would level things up and be favourable to them.

It was a tough, back and forth, well contested cup tie in difficult conditions. It was far from a disgrace.

In 2011, we were knocked out of the FA Cup by non-league Crawley Town and at the time we were a mid-table Championship side. Now that was a disgrace!

Full credit to Torquay. They gave it everything, made it a really hard afternoon for us, and got the result they very much deserved.

They took every element - the small ground, the deteriorating pitch with slippery conditions, the wet and windy weather, the crowd, the officials’ decisions - bottled it up and used it as a leveller.

This was a classic example of why we love cup football. It’s not the game to dissect and ponder over or indeed to use as a stick to beat Warne with.

Those conditions would have been difficult for many a bigger team looking to avoid an upset.

Previous Derby teams would have lost that kind of game. It was the perfect recipe for an upset, whether you play possession football or otherwise.

To my mind, win the replay and what’s the fuss?

20 minutes ago, Foreveram said:

Raining heavy at the moment 

Fingers crossed the Torquay ground staff are on top of things. ?

It’s raining pretty heavily in Plymouth.

@Foreveram How is it in Torquay?

Any chance today’s game gets called off due to a waterlogged pitch?

1 hour ago, bimmerman said:

about 24 hrs

I was going to say 48hrs or Imminently but that jokes got old ??

Got my tickets!

My fiancée’s first away day, first FA Cup tie, and first time on a terrace.

Here’s hoping for some of that cup magic! A 3-2 comeback win or a 5-0 win, please.

To us, obviously.

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23 minutes ago, Foreveram said:

Once you get your code you will be directed to the Torquay website where you will have to open an account to purchase a ticket. I recommend you do this before you get your code so you are able to purchase a ticket straight away. 
l and several others lost their preferred seat while setting up the account.

Thanks for the tips, @Foreveram!

I do feel sorry for Warne. I can see what he’s trying to do but the nature of our squad and how small and stretched it is seems to be working against him.

We can’t really build any consistency or momentum because three games in a week across 3-4 competitions is proving too much for a core squad of 19-20 senior players.

The signs of encouragement are there. On balance, we could have won five of our seven league games under Warne, if not for mounting injuries, suspensions and of course individual moments of madness in both boxes. Even in our worst performance v Ipswich, we were one mistake from potentially fighting tooth and nail for a 0-0 draw.

I think we have to be prepared to see the mixed results continue while the squad is so stressed.

Hopefully we can stay in touching distance of the top six and January will be a turning point when we can add some extra quality and numbers to the squad and bring some relief.

28 minutes ago, bimmerman said:

Just got one, 500 left. Oh my days what a convoluted system to buy a ticket! 

It'll be my first time seeing the rams away as well, excited! ?

Has your code come through?

How long did it take?

Was Tyson Fury watching on in the stands?

Maybe the players didn’t want to upset him?

Would explain a lot.

Thanks for the updates, @Foreveram.

Fingers crossed I get a ticket tomorrow and I’ll see you all in Torquay on Sunday.

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Morecambe 1-3 Derby

Collins FRGS

10 minutes ago, Grumpy Git said:

That’s put the Kybosh on Tuesday. ?

Sorry, yes, a bit of balance.

Lose in midweek and we’re on for back-to-back relegations.

Win in midweek and we’re in the top six.

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4-2?

With Rosenior, we would have won 7-2.

Time for Clowes to get his calligraphy set out and write a profuse apology.

4-2 up at half time?

Our attendances will be dropping down to 12,000 pretty soon.

People would rather do some flower arranging.

What must the Bristol Rovers owner be thinking?

Surely he has to get down on his knees and beg Tommy Widdrington to come back?

These players look unfit and the tactics are terrible.

What is the Bristol Rovers manager doing?

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What a painful watch.

For those 3,000 Bristol Rovers supporters.

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How are ticket sales going for Torquay away?

Will it reach general sale, do we think?