Hartlepool v Tranmere - LDV Preview - who cares?

By Albatross
October 22 2002

It's time for the competition that nobody seems to care about: the LDV Vans Trophy. It's a chance to renew our acquaintance with Tranmere after our Worthington Cup tie; but are any Poolies too bothered? Nevertheless, Albatross previews the game.

Since we lost at home to Tranmere in the Worthington, their form has to say the least been mixed. Seven league games have seen three wins and four defeats; one of those defeats came at Mansfield, where despite having been 1-0 ahead at Half Time they managed to lose 6-1. This came in the same week as their second round Worthington tie at Southampton, where they also lost 6-1.

It's probably fair to say that their defence is vulnerable, but they have been performing a lot better at Prenton Park than away from it. Their last away win was at Pools, since then they have lost five in a row including the Southampton game; but at home, they continue to be a hard side to beat. So far Wigan have been the only side to win at Tranmere.

Last Saturday saw a 1-0 win over Barnsley, but the performance was poor according to most Rovers fans. They took the lead through defender Graeme Allen on 3 minutes, and with recent signing Gary Jones (no, not that one) playing up front - for the last part of the match as a lone striker - held on without impressing too many in the ground.

Tranmere fans are hoping to see some of their younger players in action tonight, so names such as Ryan Taylor, Danny Harrison and Paul Robinson might be expected to feature; but it seems like Rovers Manager Ray Mathias has other ideas. With confidence low at Prenton Park, he's been talking about fielding a strong side for the game in the hope of a morale-boosting victory. So look out for the likes of Stuart Barlow and Micky Mellon; leading scorer Simon Howarth is however serving a four match ban after receiving two red cards this season and won't start.

In contrast, Pools are likely to be resting a number of players and fielding some of the younger and fringe players tonight. Although the Youth Team are playing, the likes of Matty Robson and Tony Sweeney are ineligable for the Youth Cup tie at Chester-le-Street and may find themselves instead lining up at Prenton Park. Jim Provett may well be set for his first team debut, and we may see starts for the likes of Gordon Simms and Paul Arnison.

This has to be the right decision. With the division looking very tight at the moment - York are only six points behind Pools, but are 12th in the league - and with the next league game coming up a day earlier than normal, it makes sense not to risk some of the regulars, and instead to give our fringe players a run out - especially given there's no reserve game this week. Provett for example is our number two keeper and has yet to make an appearance for the first team; tonight gives him the opportunity to find out what it's all about. Promotion is our primary aim, and the only value that this match really has is as an opportunity to blood a few players in case they are needed later in the campaign.

Tranmere on the other hand find themselves in mid-table and out of form. A win for them may boost confidence and a good run in this competition could be a high point in their season.

Under the circumstances, it's hard to see anything but a defeat for Pools. And it's a damning criticism of the LDV Vans Trophy that to be honest, I don't really care. 3-1 to Tranmere then, with Matty Robson to hit a cracker.