Match Report: Tranmere Rovers 3-1 Portsmouth

What a terrific win 3- 1 for the Rovers!   Garry Owen reports as Rovers finally secure a win in League Two for the first time in over three months thanks to goals from Shamir Fenelon, James Rowe and Max Power......

On a typical November afternoon Tranmere were looking for their first home league win since their 2-0 defeat of Morecombe in August.  Since the arrival of Micky Adams there has been an air of confidence which needed to be transferred on to the pitch and into results.  Six points adrift at the start of the game, three points were desperately needed.  Tranmere made three changes from their home defeat against Southend, Fon Williams in goal, Holmes back in for Holness and Rowe coming in for loan player Jahraldo so the starting formation was loosely 3-4-1-1.

Rovers started on the front foot and took the lead in the second minute when after confusion in the Portsmouth box, Fenelon was on hand to stab the ball into the Portsmouth net.  Tranmere continued to have the better of the play with Jennings giving a master class in his position just in front of the back three.  Some good midfield passing and movement was also matched by some good interplay between Stockton and Fenelon up front.  Clearly the message from the manager was to shoot on sight as there was number of long range efforts throughout the half.  On the downside Aimson was carried off after a nasty collision and was given a good ovation from supporters around the ground.  Portsmouth throughout the first half played some good football without ever looking dangerous.  They had two chances one from a header when their centre half was left at a corner and the other a long range effort that Fon Williams tipped over the bar.

The second half started with Portsmouth on the front foot and after a period of pressure they where given a needless corner through poor defensive play.  From the corner the ball was cleared only to Wallace who hit a deflected shot into the Rovers net.  With the atmosphere changing it was Tranmere who managed to take the lead when after another good passing move, the ball fell to Rowe in the box who took a step to his right and rifled the ball into the top of the net.  The goal buoyed Tranmere who continued to press and after another good passing move involving Power and Fenelon, Fenelon’s cross saw Ridehalgh being pushed in the back in the penalty box. Penalty awarded!  Step up Max Power to fire in the rebound after the Portsmouth keeper made a good save.

Tranmere at 3-1 up played out the remaining minutes without too much difficulty.  A good display, a great win and my Man of the Match goes to Jennings who apart from the first fifteen minutes of the second half was excellent and kept taking the team forward.  At the final whistle there was relief and joy around the ground on this performance it looks as though the manager is starting to perform some magic.

Tranmere Rovers: Fon Williams, Holmes, Donacien, Aimson (Holness 21), Ihiekwe, Ridehalgh, Power, Jennings, Rowe (Laird 80), Stockton (Odejayi 83), Fenelon. Substitutes: Pilling, Koumas, Jahraldo-Martin, Madjo. 

Portsmouth: Jones, Whatmough (Chorley 27), Wallace, Taylor (Lee Holmes 54), Storey, Robinson, Bean (Ricky Holmes 75), Westcarr, Fish, Hollands, Butler. Substitutes: Chorley, Ertl, Shorey, Poke, Atangana.

Referee: Carl Boyeson 

Yellow Cards: Tranmere - Jennings (51) Portsmouth - Wallace (75)