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The original motto of Tranmere Rovers, adopted from the Birkenhead coat of arms, could have been written for the U’s this season. Sadly, after falling to defeat on Good Friday at home to Oldham, any faith that we might sneak the play-offs has finally been extinguished – and even Durham would have to agree. As with much of this season, we were unlucky, but we were up against an efficient and organised team who do their job well, even if arguably we were the better footballing team on the day.
In the first half Oldham were basically comfortable, and happy to soak up what little pressure we could generate after they took the early lead (and yes, a set piece). The second half, by contrast, we were so much better, and for a decent spell Oldham really struggled to contain us. Lisbie could have already scored earlier in the half when he flicked Jack Payne’s curling cross over the arms of Hudson, and at the time we were all over them.
However, the defining moment was yet to come, with Arthur Read’s long range effort ping-ponging around the penalty area to fall kindly for Lisbie. He was onside, he had time, he had space, he just couldn’t direct his effort anywhere but straight into the grateful arms of a mightily relieved Hudson. And that was that, with time running out Taylor glanced home a perfectly placed effort to restore Oldham’s lead, and deep in added time a weak headed clearance from Macey fell kindly for Fondop to square to Drummond who made no mistake to give Oldham a very flattering 3-1 win, and finally end any hope of the play-offs.
It is what it is, but I wouldn’t want the faithful’s disappointment to descend to recriminations – by any measure we’ve had a good season really, and nobody could argue we haven’t been dogged by injuries and dreadful officiating throughout. Last season we finished in 10th place on 67 points. With HMS Playoffs already sailed, it would be nice if we could get at least close to that by the end of this season.
First up in that quest for 13+ points from the last six games is a trip to Tranmere Rovers on Easter Monday. For all the disappointment we may be feeling, be thankful we’re not going through what Tranmere have been this season. A proper football side, arguably playing at a level below where they really should be, this season has so far been a disaster. After a run of ten defeats in 11 games, Andy Crosby was sacked a month ago with Rovers in 19th place and eight points clear of relegation.
Under Pete Wild until at least the end of the season, they have actually gone backwards and are now in 21st place and only three points clear of relegation. Including the tail-end of Crosby’s tenure, they have taken a single point from the last nine games and are in serious risk of dropping back into non-league. I doubt there will be many neutral observers who’d prefer to see Tranmere relegated ahead of Barrow or Harrogate, I certainly wouldn’t, but unfortunately the table doesn’t lie, and if you are that poor, you will deserve it. We must be professional on the pitch though – we may not have the play-offs to aim for, but our travelling faithful will expect, and indeed deserve, a comfortable victory at Prenton Park.
There are a few notable connections between Tranmere and the U’s that I’m aware of, not least former U’s manager John McGreal who played over 200 games for Tranmere Rovers. Chuck Norris (always a favourite of Durham) was on their books up to last summer, then released to Boreham Wood, and Shamal George had a loan spell at Prenton Park before joining us in 2020. Connor Wood was also at Tranmere at the same time as Norris, and he likewise has dropped out of the EFL now, currently at Peterborough Sports I believe. From back in the day, Warren Aspinall stands (metaphorically) head and shoulders above the rest, with Josh Thompson and Eddie Bishop (not that one) also appearing for both.
As to our line-up, assuming Samson is still out, the only change I’m expecting is Bishop back in for Hunt, who’ll drop to the bench. I assume there was a good reason not to have Chamberlain named as a reserve keeper, so I’ve stuck with seven outfield players on the bench for this one. It worries me though, given the only outfield player with any even vaguely relevant goalkeeping credentials is Samson, who might not even be on the bench.
Substitutes: Akachukwu Back Barbrook Hunt Edwards Goodwin Kuffour
If we remember to pack our shooting boots, on paper this should be a comfortable three points, and by a reasonably emphatic scoreline. That being said, we are quite good at being the run-busters in these situations, and I really shouldn’t be surprised if Tranmere somehow get a point or even sneak a win. However, I’ve got to stay positive, so 3-0 to the U’s, with Jack Payne opening the scoring in the first half, and Tucker and Read finishing things off in the second, much to the delight of nearly 400 traveling supporters.
It should be a lovely afternoon on the Wirral tomorrow, with patchy cloud and sunny intervals, a comfortable 13 degrees when you’re out of a moderate southeasterly breeze, and not much chance of rain – perfect conditions for Bank Holiday football.
Thanks for picking this one up wessex, it's much appreciated. Let's hope the performance matches the preview and we can get a much needed win after Friday's disappointment.
"Where there is faith there is light and strength" on 12:37 - Apr 6 by RSCOSWORTH
Thanks for picking this one up wessex, it's much appreciated. Let's hope the performance matches the preview and we can get a much needed win after Friday's disappointment.
CheeRS
No worries RS, happy to do so. Goodwin starts instead of Williams, and Chamberlain is back on the bench instead of Back. Still no sign of Samson. With our play-off hopes gone, the conspiracy theorist in me wonders whether he's being protected ahead of a sale in the summer?
Tough game so far. The U's had a positive first 15 minutes, but Tranmere are fighting for their lives, and showing it, despite our dominant possession. We're going to have to raise our game if we want to win this.
Not as emphatic as I predicted, but on the second half performance, thoroughly deserved. Credit to Tranmere, they had a decent go, but just short of any real quality. Also, Payne with our first goal - that'll do for me in the prediction leagues.
"Where there is faith there is light and strength" on 18:34 - Apr 6 by wessex_exile
BTW, not sure who got our MoM award, but it should have been Edwards, he made the difference.
Dire game, but the Tranmere Pop-up real ale bar had put us in good spirits.
My MOM was Macey as he kept us in the game. The outfield (both teams) looked terribly leggy and until Edwards came on it was pedestrian. I don’t think we should underestimate how punishing this schedule has been. Can we recover before Friday’s fixture?
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"Where there is faith there is light and strength" on 21:14 - Apr 6 with 1206 views
"Where there is faith there is light and strength" on 19:21 - Apr 6 by noah4x4
Dire game, but the Tranmere Pop-up real ale bar had put us in good spirits.
My MOM was Macey as he kept us in the game. The outfield (both teams) looked terribly leggy and until Edwards came on it was pedestrian. I don’t think we should underestimate how punishing this schedule has been. Can we recover before Friday’s fixture?
Fair enough, it's all about opinions after all, but I will give Macey credit for less wayward kicks and more bowling it out to keep the impetus going. Hope your journey home is going well?
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