Rovers Return Empty-Handed Part 2

By: Ian Townsend
Date: 14/08/2008

THE second half began with Town attacking. A great run by Till ended with a cross shot which was hacked away for a corner. When the corner came in Butler’s shot was hoofed out for another as Tranmere struggled to come to terms with Town’s movement off the ball.

When they finally relieved the pressure Town were again indebted to Barnes as a cross found the head of Moores who’s towering, point blank, header was somehow instinctively pushed up and away from danger. Then Newey who'd looked fairly assured misjudged a header back to Barnes who was rushing out. The keeper was able to change direction and gratefully fell on the ball as Tranmere’s forwards bore down on him.

Within a minute Town were two up. A great clearance by Barnes found Taylor who was on the shoulder of the last defender. He fed Llewellyn who’s excellent cross was turned into his own goal by Chorley as Till waited for the loose ball.

Town were now well on top and first Butler fired in a cross which just eluded Till and as the ball came back into the box Taylor was just offside. Then it was Butler holding the ball up just inside the box and turning, forcing the defender to concede yet another corner.

Till who was revelling in the conditions then produced an amazing piece of skill to outwit the defender close to the by line before testing Achterberg with a deep cross which the keeper was unable to hold…only gathering at the third attempt.

Town’s midfield were harassing Tranmere whenever they ventured forward and the League One side were restricted to hopeful long range shots much to the annoyance of their manager.

With the game virtually won Town made a double substitution. Taylor and Heslop were replaced by North and Clarke with both players leaving the field to a standing ovation.

The game petered out, but good work by North found Clarke who set himself up for a Tuesday special only to see his goalbound effort blocked.

As on Saturday Town made a third sub with Butler making way for Peter Bore.

Full Time: Town 2 Tranmere 0.

A very solid performance from Town against good opposition who, on another day could have been 3-1 up by half time. Lots of pleasing things particularly the refusal of the defence to concede anything and the speed and movement of the front two. The midfield played as a unit on the day Town revealed that Bolland will miss much of the season. On this evidence he may not be missed.

Man of the Match: Till. Ran his socks off. Never afraid to take on his man and produced lots of decent crosses for Butler to feed from.

Attendance: 1858 with 104 from the Wirral. Expect there to be significantly should be defeat Blackburn in the second and emulate Slade’s finest hour to bring a Premiership team here

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