Rovers Through to Next Round of the J.P.T
By Mark Ridgway
October 6 2008
Rovers beat Crewe Alexandra 1-0 at Prenton Park tonight to progress to the third stage of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy as substitute Chris Shuker netted with just four minutes left to avoid a penalty shootout which would have left Rovers fans having their doubts.
Tranmere 1 - 0 Crewe Alex
Shuker 86
Rovers beat Crewe Alexandra 1-0 at Prenton Park tonight to progress to the third stage of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy as substitute Chris Shuker netted with just four minutes left to avoid a penalty shootout which would have left Rovers fans having their doubts.
Rovers moved back to a 4-4-2 formation for this match, with Chris Greenacre replacing George O'Callaghan from Saturday's starting line-up. That meant that the team looked like this.....
Coyne
Shotton, Chorley, Goodison, Taylor
Moore, Kay, Jennings, Sonko
Savage, Greenacre
The first half-chance of the game came when Steve Jennings shot over, but the first real chance came to Calvin Zola making his return to Prenton Park, he had a clear sight of goal, but his weak side footed effort was straight at Coyne.
Crewe could then have scored from a corner. Dennis Lawrence won the header but it was cleared off the line by little Eddy Sonko, and Ian Goodison eventually got the ball away.
Tom Pope then beat Goodison to the ball and his volley clipped the post and went behind. Savage, Greenacre and Kay all had half chances as the first half came to a close.
Half Time: Tranmere 0 - 0 Crewe
The first chance of the second half fell to Chorley but his header from Taylor's corner was kept out between the post and O'Donnell with players and fans claiming a goal to no avail.
Kay then headed over Shotton's throw as Rovers began to dominate and you felt a goal would come sooner rather than later.
Kay then nearly bundled the ball over the line only for Collis to keep it out and sooner after Kay tested Collis again, this time from long range.
With 15 minutes remaining Edds and Shuker replaced Jennings and Sonko as Ronnie Moore tried to freshen things up.
O'Connor volleyed wide for Crewe with a rare second half chance for them and Andy Taylor curled a free kick just over before Bas Savage then powered a header over as the chances kept going begging.
The breakthrough finally came in the 86th minute as Bas Savage did well and the ball fell to Chris Shuker his powerful effort took a deflection and found the Crewe net to the delight of the Rovers fans.
Ian Moore then nearly made it 2-0 as Rovers played the clock down in the corner, and the game ended 1-0, a win and a clean sheet for Rovers. Well done lads!
Full Time: Tranmere 1 - 0 Crewe
Ian Goodison
Nobody really stood out but seeing as this game was moved forward mainly for Ian I'd give it to him. He was solid as always and calm on the ball.
Good luck with Jamaica Ian!
Thought we gifted them too many chances early on, especially Chorley and Goodison, but the full-backs played well and I thought after being second best first half, we shaded the second and probably deserved the win.
Jennings was dissapointing yet again but Ian Moore was terrific.
Bring on Rochdale.
Bas seemed more lively than in recent games (he looked tired before he was subbed on Saturday).
I assume the draw is this Saturday. I said at the start of the season I felt we could go all the way for some reason and I hope that comes true now!
I think that the decision to drop O'Callaghan for Greenacre and play the same side that faced Colchester was poor, despite the result, George adds a little depth to the middle of the park, and gives us that extra movement and it helped us to dominate Carlisle at the weekend, with Ian on the wing, or even Bas with Greenacre in the centre, we don't really need to play 2 up front, because both press into the centre as well as playing down the lines, even Sonko provides a bit extra in the box when we need it, he just lacks a bit of composure and confidence which a couple of scrappy goals would bring back. I would probably prefer to see Bas down the right and Moore or Greenacre in the centre as his delivery is usually spot on, but still, we managed to get through and that's the important thing, 3 home games from our next 4, and an away game against Orient who have been conceding for fun recently. It would be nice to see us pick up maximum points, I know it is slightly unrealistic, but not impossible, 9pts is a more realistic target. Hopefully Moore will stick with the 4-5-1 at Orient as well, then I might start to feel more optimistic about our chances again this season.
Wouldn't mind avoiding them in the next round although Leeds may also get through if they beat Rotherham tomorrow and they would also be worth avoiding.
Rochdale would be good as I haven't been there yet and same with Darlinton although that is a hell of a trek on a Tuesday night.
being on leicester away!GRAVY
this must be the first time in my entire life iv got a little excited about this comp. Most the big boys are gone!
anyone see shanes goal yesterday? class!!!
though so were the other 6 lol