Monday 11 September 2017

Tranmere Beat Barrow Late Through Dramatic Norwood Winner

Image Source: The Mail
Written By: Mark Armstrong

Result: Tranmere Rovers 1-0 Barrow
Date: Saturday September 9 2017
Competition: National League
Venue: Prenton Park, Tranmere
Attendance: 4,269

It was another moment of late drama for Tranmere as they secured a 1-0 win over Barrow.

Despite endeavour and effort from both sides, the game somehow remained goal-less as the end approached, only for James Norwood to find a way through the Barrow defence to clinch the three points for Rovers.

This was a crucial game for Tranmere: sitting in 18th with two wins from their first eight games, Rovers couldn't afford to drop more points, even at this early stage of the season, if they are to mount a serious promotion challenge again. Barrow entered the match in the slightly better position of 16th, but they also realised that a win here could have done wonders for their momentum.

Yet neither side could make the break-through, despite both teams having plenty of chances. A close-range header by Andy Cook led to a chance for Jay Harris but he couldn't convert. Around 25 minutes in, Norwood stayed on his feet when he received a tough challenge in the box; Norwood crossed it in low to Cook to no avail, but the question was whether Norwood should have gone down, as he had the right to do, to earn his side a penalty?

As half-time approached, Barrow had two great chances: Adi Yussuf cleverly chipped goalkeeper Scott Davies only for James McEveley to clear it off the line at the last second, and Byron Harrison thought he had headed his team in front during added time only for it to be disallowed, after a delay, for offside.

The second half followed a similar pattern: Barrow looked dangerous going forward but Tranmere's defence was resilient enough to cope, whereas Tranmere's own threat towards goal lacked that extra bit of punch that would have made all the difference. The most notable chance came from a stunning 45-yard lob by Barrow's Dan Jones, with Davies very fortunate that the ball just reached the outside roof of the Tranmere net.

The Tranmere fans became frustrated with what appeared to be significant and frequent time-wasting by the visitors as the closing minutes approached, and the game seemed destined to end as a goal-less draw. Fortunately for Rovers, some hesitation within the Barrow defence allowed Norwood to weave through and drive home a low effort into the bottom corner of the net. Cue scenes of jubilation amongst Tranmere fans, and three vital points. Tranmere are making a habit of late goals at present, not that their supporters will mind one jot.

The National League is extremely tight at present; Tranmere, now in 14th, are just five points behind Dover, who currently sit top, with roughly 20% of the season in the record books. Therefore, this win could prove to be pivotal, and if Tranmere do enjoy a run of form akin to that which propelled them to a high finish in 2016/7, it's likely that this win will be considered the catalyst.

Tranmere Star Man: James Norwood. With no truly outstanding performances, Norwood gets the nod for his hard work throughout, having created several chances, and of course for his hugely significant late winner.

Tuesday 29 August 2017

Tranmere Salvage Late Point Against Boreham Wood

Tranmere left it late to squeeze a point
out of their tie with Boreham Wood.
Written By: Mark Armstrong

Result: Tranmere Rovers 2-2 Boreham Wood
Date: Saturday August 26 2017
Competition: National League
Venue: Prenton Park, Tranmere
Attendance: 4,295

Tranmere left it late to salvage a draw against Boreham Wood.

Up until the closing minutes, it looked like last year's runner-up's in the National League would be facing their third defeat already this season. Two late goals ensured that Tranmere came away with a point, but it still means that Rovers only have one win in their six opening games so far.

For the first half, it was more Boring than Boreham as there were few notable chances between the two sides. Boreham (who came into the match in 4th with some momentum behind them) came close early on after James McEveley lost the ball close to his area, but Scott Davies was in prime position to deny Sean Jeffers outside the area.

Otherwise, there wasn't a great deal to report from the first 45 minutes. Perhaps most notably were some slight boos towards the home team at half-time, which suggests that patience is running a little thin after the heights that Rovers hit as they peaked towards the end of last season.

The turning point, and the incident which brought the game to life, was the controversial decision by referee Paul Marsden to award Boreham a penalty. Though there were protests and plenty of boos after the fact, it didn't stop Bruno Andrade from converting the spot-kick to put the travelling side in front.

One became two on 69 minutes, and in some style. Angelo Balanta strode forward on a straight run through the Tranmere run before unleashing a spectacular curling shot over the head of Davies to double Boreham's lead. Nobody could deny the incredible quality of the goal, though it did little to make home fans feel better that their side were facing another defeat.

Some pride was restored by substitute Andy Cook who slotted home with a header on 83 minutes. It gave Tranmere a lifeline, though their performance suggested that an equaliser was unlikely. But against the odds, almost to the second of completing the 90 minutes, Andy Mangan (another substitute) scored off a low cross by James Norwood to make it 2-2.

So, ultimately, fans were satisfied to see their team salvage something at the death, though it remains a result which few Rovers supporters would have taken beforehand. Hopefully, the manner of this draw will motivate Tranmere to really get their season going, and Rovers will start putting together a run of victories. If not, then results like this could become bigger achievements as the campaign rolls on.

Tranmere Star Man: Andy Mangan. On a day when few Tranmere performances stood out, Mangan's fresh burst of energy was a major factor in Tranmere snatching a late point. As if his goal wasn't enough, his passionate celebration demonstrated how much this moment meant to him as he spared the home side's blushes.

Monday 15 May 2017

Forest Green Heading Into Football League As Tranmere Suffer Wembley Heartbreak

Image Source: BBC
Written By: Mark Armstrong

Result: Forest Green 3-1 Tranmere Rovers
Date: Sunday May 14 2017
Competition: National League Promotional Final
Venue: Wembley Stadium, London
Attendance: 18,801

Forest Green secured promotion to The Football League, but Tranmere Rovers hearts were broken after a compelling Vanarama National League Promotion Final.

With a crowd of 18,801 looking on, many of them Tranmere fans, it was anybody's guess as to who would come out on top: Tranmere were unlucky to have missed out on the title (which Lincoln City scooped), but Forest Green had defeated Rovers in their previous meeting at Prenton Park, the last match that the whites had lost prior to this Wembley showdown.

Tranmere started the brighter of the two sides, but it was Forest Green who took the lead in impressive fashion: creating a chance seemingly from nothing, Kaiyne Woolery drove a fine low effort into the bottom corner, beyond the reach of Scott Davies, putting Forest Green in front on 11 minutes.

From there, Tranmere looked to slow things down in order to regain control, though The Green still looked dangerous on the attack. It was a relief for the Super White Army, then, when Connor Jennings grabbed an equaliser with the goal of the game, a superb shot which fired into the roof of the net to a rapturous response from the large number of Tranmere fans on hand at the capital. At 22 minutes, the game was very much on now.

Each side had their chances to snatch what would have been a crucial goal to take into the rest period, with the best chance coming to James Norwood following a mix-up at the back for Forest Green, but Sam Russell blocked the close-range effort with his knees in a vital recovery. Similarly, Davies pulled off a superb save of his own, just tipping away an attempted chip by Keanu Marsh-Brown and, at the same time, stopping Christian Doidge from putting in the rebound, which he almost certainly would have done.

Just when it looked like it would be honours even going into half-time, though, Forest Green hit a one-two sucker punch. Firstly, Doidge took a chance on the edge of the Tranmere area, and his shot headed straight into the corner of the net on 41 minutes. That being said, this goal was shrouded by controversy, as a foul by Mark Ellis on Jennings in the Forest Green half wasn't given, and the move which led to the goal stemmed from this incident.

However, it was a lapse in concentration which created the decisive goal on 43 minutes: Liam Ridehalgh, who has been consistent all season, took too much time in considering his options and he lost the ball to Woolery, who coolly put the ball underneath Davies to give Forest Green a 3-1 lead going into the break.

Tranmere's cause had quickly evolved from confidence to optimism to hope, but it was clear when the two sides kicked off for the second half that the wind had been well and truly taken out of Tranmere's sails.

Getting a second goal within the subsequent 10-15 minutes was crucial if Tranmere were to mount a comeback, but whilst they came close on numerous occasions (Andy Mangan missed an incredible chance to find the net from mere centimetres out from a goalmouth scramble created by a corner, and after Russell dawdled on the ball thus losing possession to Jennings, Cole Stockton's effort was too high, thus missing a glorious chance to get his side back into the game), they just couldn't find the break-through and, despite top scorer Andy Cook being sent on to try and salvage the game (why he wasn't starting in the first place, and hasn't done in weeks, remains a mystery), it was clear as the final 15-20 minutes approached that it wasn't going to happen.

Forest Green, for their part, still looked to catch Tranmere on the break and they still looked dangerous whenever they were going forward, knowing that a fourth goal would have well and truly sealed the game. As the second half wore on, Forest Green chose to implement some of their more familiar (and some would say "unprofessional") tactics to help wind the clock down a little more, frustrate Tranmere that little bit more, and generally end any hopes of a fightback by the whites.

Nevertheless, whilst the closing stages weren't without their moments, a comeback didn't look like it was on the cards, and so it proved as Forest Green won the game 3-1, leading to wild celebrations from players and fans, and their promotion to the Football League, where they will join champions Lincoln City in League Two. A big goal can go a long way in a game like this, and whilst the first three goals were all pearlers, the fourth goal proved most crucial, emphasising that it doesn't matter how you get the goals on a stage like this, so long as you get them.

It was hard to deny that Forest Green deserved the win, as they took clear control of the game once they established a two-goal margin, and their play for the first 60 minutes was eye-catching and the sign of a confident, organised team. However, you couldn't help but feel for Tranmere, who had worked tirelessly to achieve promotion in some form or fashion, only for their opportunity to slip. In particular, the error by Ridehalgh was cruel considering how well he has played this season. Had Tranmere gone into the break only one goal down, I feel that they would have been able to pull it back to 2-2 at the very least; the third goal was a killer, and they simply couldn't break down Forest Green during the second half.

It's easy to wonder how things may have been different if not for Lee Vaughan's broken leg which prevented the popular defender from playing here, or if the aforementioned Cook (with 23 goals to his name this season) had been given the chance to start, or even if Lincoln had been unable to ride their luck in the final few weeks of the season which netted them the title. But Tranmere should take confidence from a season which has been mostly positive and progressive and, since the Super White Army won't have to worry about facing their two toughest challengers next season, it is hoped that they will be able to take that final step towards returning to the Football League come the end of 2017/8. As for Forest Green, they've now achieved that dream, and they will get a chance to prove their worth in League Two next season. Getting into the Football League is one thing; in 2017/8, they'll get the opportunity to prove that they can stay there. Right now, though, things are looking good for The Greens, and they will enjoy this Wembley triumph for some time.

Man Of The Match: Kaiyne Woolery. Getting a big goal in a huge Wembley match is some achievement; getting two is even better. And that's what Woolery did, whose first goal brought Forest Green to life, and whose second goal effectively sealed the win.

Tranmere Star Man: Connor Jennings. Arguably Tranmere's most popular player amongst fans, Jennings delivered a fantastic equaliser at a crucial time. Whilst it's a shame that they weren't able to take the lead after that, Jennings' moment brought the Super White Army at Wembley to life, and re-ignited their hopes of a famous victory.

Saturday 6 May 2017

Tranmere Heading To Wembley

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Result: Tranmere Rovers 2-2 Aldershot
Date: Saturday May 6 2017
Competition: National League Play-Off Semi-Final (Second Leg)
Venue: Prenton Park, Tranmere
Attendance: 10,241

Tranmere Rovers are one win away from returning to the Football League after making it through their Play-Off Semi Final second leg game with Aldershot, securing a trip to Wembley in the process.

Coming off their 3-0 win in the first leg, Tranmere could afford to sit back a little since the pressure was on Aldershot to create chances and attempt a major comeback, though one or two early goals could have blown the tie wide open again.

Nevertheless, it was Tranmere who were more ambitious heading forward in the early going with a few decent opportunities on goal. That being said, both sides looked a lot tentative during the opening 15-20 minutes, as it appeared that each team were desperate not to concede; Aldershot did eventually begin to create chances, as they would have to if they were to have any hopes of turning things around.

As the game passed the half-hour mark, the game reached its first flashpoint with Cole Stockton taking his chance well to compose himself and slot past Jake Cole, putting Tranmere in front to a raucous reception and giving Rovers a 4-0 margin on aggregate.

With Tranmere coming close to doubling their lead on the day through a fine attempt by Lois Maynard, it seemed like Aldershot's chances of making a grand comeback were dead in the water, but Bernard Mensah changed that perception with a superb strike from outside the area right into the corner of Rovers' net. The equaliser at least made Aldershot's challenge a bit more realistic, but the away side would still have a mighty task on their hands to salvage anything in the second half.

Tranmere nerves really started jangling at 54 minutes when Matt McClure pounced on a ricocheting ball following a corner for The Shots and made it 2-1. Suddenly, with the aggregate score at 4-2, one more Aldershot goal could have set up a grandstand finish, though extra time would have still been required if they had completed the big comeback.

Aldershot had some great chances shortly thereafter and Tranmere looked shaken for a period, before Rovers began to settle things down and take control of the game again. Still, despite some close calls for the home side, it was Aldershot who almost got another goal when Scott Rendell headed it towards the net from mere centimetres, and Scott Davies pulled off a superb, and hugely important save.

After that, Aldershot were unable to come so close to reducing the overall deficit again, and Tranmere officially settled the tie when James Norwood scored in the 94th minute for a 2-2 draw on the day and a 5-2 aggregate win. Cue huge celebrations and a pitch invasion, which began before the final whistle.

So, Tranmere are heading to Wembley, and it's no less than they deserve after a strong showing all season, and having looked particularly impressive in the last few months. Aldershot, to their credit, had a real go of it, and Rendell's headed chance might have changed things if not for Davies' save. Nevertheless, it's Tranmere who are celebrating, and only 90 minutes and a trip to the capital separate Rovers from a return to the Football League.

Man Of The Match: Cole Stockton. Tight, high-pressure matches need somebody to step up and produce some magic, and Stockton once again rose to the occasion with a vital goal. A mention for Scott Davies, too, whose late save effectively killed Aldershot's hopes of a miraculous comeback.

Monday 24 April 2017

Tranmere Secure Second Against Southport

A comprehensive win for Tranmere
over their local rivals Southport.
Written By: Mark Armstrong

Result: Tranmere Rovers 4-1 Southport
Date: Saturday April 22 2017
Competition: National League
Venue: Prenton Park, Tranmere
Attendance: 6,159

Tranmere Rovers officially confirmed a second-place finish, giving them an advantage heading into the Play-Offs, as they defeated local rivals Southport 4-1.

Lincoln City had confirmed their title win earlier in the day with a 2-1 win over Macclesfield Town, but it was still imperative for Tranmere to head into the forthcoming Play-Offs on the front foot by securing the highest possible position in the meantime.

Tranmere had previously drawn 1-1 with Southport, and claimed a 1-0 win last season from a James Norwood penalty, and it would be Norwood who shone again here on a day where sunshine met a cold breeze at Prenton Park.

After a fairly slow start, and a near-miss when Andrai Jones almost capitalised on a defensive mix-up, Rovers took the lead on 25 minutes, when Norwood slotted home a hard drive from inside the penalty area. He went down in the aftermath with a slight knock, cutting short his celebrations, but he ploughed on as Tranmere looked more buoyant after taking the lead.

Southport, who were already relegated yet had held their own for the most part, began to struggle to cope with the more vibrant home side, and one became two on 46 minutes as Norwood came up with a superb, if somewhat cheeky, lob over goalkeeper Chris Cheetam. If the first goal was important, the second goal was crucial, as it gave Tranmere a cushion and a chance to sit back a bit. Tranmere looked much more comfortable from that point on, and Connor Jennings added a third with a fine curling effort on 50 minutes.

As good as Tranmere looked, they suffered a big set-back on 54 minutes when Spencer Myers, who only joined Southport on loan from Fleetwood Town a few weeks ago, came flying in with a hard challenge on Lee Vaughan. The Tranmere defender went off on a stretcher after several minutes of treatment, and the news that both he and fans feared has since come out that he suffered a broken leg. Well-wishes to Vaughan, as Tranmere now have to find an alternate defensive strategy for the Play-Offs.

Myers was lucky not to see red for his rash challenge and home fans were not pleased that he remained on the pitch, so they were incensed when Myers stepped up to slot past Tranmere keeper Scott Davies on 61 minutes, although it was merely a consolation at that point for the 160 travelling supporters. That was underlined when Tranmere wrapped it up by making it 4-1 on 71 minutes, with James Wallace setting up Jennings nicely to put it in, albeit with a slight deflection to guide the ball home.

So, Tranmere will head into the Play-Offs in the strongest position possible, aside from the injury to Vaughan. Given their perseverance and sheer effort this season, it's a shame that they weren't able to catch Lincoln for the title, but if the Super White Army still have a promotion to celebrate on May 14, nobody will be complaining, and this victory was another big step towards Tranmere's biggest couple of weeks in a long time.

Man Of The Match: James Norwood. Another strong display from Tranmere's number ten, who never gives up in tracking the ball down and trying to create chances, and he came up with two big goals to add to the dozen he'd already scored this season.

Monday 10 April 2017

Tranmere Looking Fine And Scoring Nine

That scoreline says it all:
Tranmere Rovers 9-0 Solihull Moors.
Written By: Mark Armstrong

Result: Tranmere Rovers 9-0 Solihull Moors
Date: Saturday April 8 2017
Competition: National League
Venue: Prenton Park, Tranmere
Attendance: 5,001

Tranmere Rovers delivered their biggest win of the season, and their biggest margin of victory in many years, as they demolished Solihull Moors 9-0 to keep up the pressure on Lincoln City.

With five wins in a row, and with the dramatic last-minute 3-2 home win over Sutton United fresh in mind, it was imperative for Tranmere to continue the momentum, and the huge scoreline suggests that they are up for the challenge as the final few weeks of the season approach.

Ironically, it was Solihull who could have taken the lead first, albeit in unusual circumstances. Solihull started slightly stronger before Tranmere came into the game with a few opportunities, but a defensive mix-up saw Tranmere captain Stephen McNulty head the ball over his own goalkeeper Scott Davies. Solihull's Omari Sterling-James tried to capitalise on the good fortune, but the ball trickled out past the post just in time to avoid Tranmere's blushes.

Fortunately for the home side, things began moving moments later when, on 20 minutes, Cole Stockton headed home from close range following a perfectly-timed cross by James Norwood. 1-0 became 2-0 just a few minutes later when Stockton delivered a fine curling effort from outside the penalty area.

A chance for Stockton to get his hat-trick in pretty short time was denied when Solihull shot-stopper Danny Lewis saved Cole's penalty attempt, but right on half-time, Stockton slid in to convert for both his and Tranmere's third goal.

It was only three minutes into the second half before a low-range effort by Connor Jennings boosted the score-line and effectively ended Solihull's hopes of a stunning comeback. Jennings headed in his second goal off a corner to make it 5-0 just two minutes later, but whilst the pace slowed down from there as Tranmere looked to concentrate on their defensive game, just to make sure that they maintained a clean sheet, they were back scoring on 68 minutes as Andy Cook slotted home off a cross by Lee Vaughan.

At that point, it seemed that Tranmere's work was done for the day, but with a significant goal difference margin between them and Lincoln to attempt to trim down, Rovers went in for the kill: Liam Ridehalgh curled in a fantastic top-corner free kick on 84 minutes, Jennings became the second Tranmere player to net a hat-trick when he delivered a stunning curler of his own right on 90 minutes, and Aaron Collins completed the scoring in stoppage time for a quite frankly incredible 9-0 victory.

Tranmere were rampant, and their fans were jubilant and excited at just how ruthless the home side had been. Solihull, for their part, were swept aside akin to a tornado heading through a busy city, such was the futility of any potential resistance. Not that this changed the gloom amongst the players or for the 85 fans who admirably stayed for the whole match despite the massive scoreline, nor for manager Liam McDonald who held a post-match team talk on the pitch in front of the away support.

The only downside to the day's activities was that Lincoln had claimed a fairly late win over Eastleigh to keep hold of top spot. However, although Lincoln have a game in hand over Tranmere, the ruthless manner in which Rovers went about business will send a shiver down Lincoln spines; if they slip up at any point, Rovers will be right there to capitalise. The race for the National League title appears to be an intriguing and unpredictable one that will go right down to the wire, but if this 9-0 destruction is any indication, Tranmere have what it takes to push Lincoln all the way to the finish line.

Man Of The Match: A rare three-way tie. Cole Stockton could have had four when all was said and done, and Connor Jennings' own hat-trick cannot be ignored. However, James Norwood was superb all afternoon in chasing the ball down and setting up several goals before being substituted to a huge ovation.