Fan columnist Matthew Withers: IT'S not been a great week. One point out of nine is not a good return and after our latest defeat at Sheffield United we find ourselves 13th in the table, 10 points off top spot and eight points off the bottom.

Trips to Wolves and Bramall Lane were always going to be difficult and a point at each would have been good, but we were largely outplayed and what is more worrying is the type of football we are playing.

I just don't understand why we have changed our tactics and feel this is the major reason for our lack of form and poor points return.

The first hour of the Plymouth game was certainly one of the worst performances I have seen from a Gary Johnson side, although the loss of three of our star performers – Louis Carey, Michael McIndoe and Marvin Elliott – before kick-off did not help.

McIndoe's absence was a major talking point, with many fans feeling the Scotsman had been dropped following his outburst after the defeat at Wolves.

McIndoe, though, only said what many supporters are feeling at the moment.

The manager got his team selection wrong on Tuesday night and I was surprised that he did not make a change as early as 20 minutes.

Playing Brian Wilson on the left hand side of midfield did not work and Nicky Maynard continues to look out of his depth.

Why sign a clever 'fox in the box' type of player for over £2 million and then hit the ball long and give the lad very little to work with?

The introduction of John Akinde at the break was the right move and although raw, he did show the power and energy that had been missing throughout the opening period.

However, we continued to hit the ball long and it was only the introduction of Lee Trundle and later David Noble that really changed the pattern of the game.

I cannot understand why we leave footballing talents like Trundle and Noble on the bench.

Trundle stayed wide and caused the Plymouth defence all sorts of problems.

Noble entered the fray late on and and scored an absolute belter.

In our current predicament I honestly believe we need both Trundle and Noble in the starting line up.

Both players love the football and when confidence is low you need people who want it.

We now have the international break and I urge Gary to get the players in and review some of the tapes from last season.

A look at the home games against West Brom and Ipswich would act as a reminder of the type of football we can play and the necessary tempo needed from the start.