No Valedictory Flourish for Rovers

Tranmere failed in their attempt to restore some pride to an other wise ordinary season as they suffered defeat at the hands of Northampton in a thoroughly entertaining game at Sixfields. Akinfenwa scored early on for the home side, before Greenacre scored with a magical overhead kick on the stroke of half time. However midway through the second period a Paoul Hubertz effort ensured all 3 points went to Northampton.

Both sides entered the game with nothing but pride to play for as many other crucial games went on around them. However, that did not stop an enjoyable end to end game being played out. This was highlighted in the third minute of the game when Akinfenwa converted a cross from the left with a lovely header, leaving Coyne stranded. This set the tone for an enthralling half and it was evident that there was no pressure on either side.

The two sides exchanged chances through Kay and Akinfenwa, before Stockdale fired a deflected shot narrowly over from 20 yards. The resulting corner fell to Stockdale again, however this time his connection wasn`t so great as he sliced the ball miles over. In a carbon copy of the previous week`s winner against Southend, Sherriff whipped in a delightful ball from the left which Kay connected beautifully with and was unlucky to see his volley scrape the wrong side Cobblers bar. Immediately play swung in the other direction with Northampton creating two openings as Goodison did well to block Larkin`s attempt and a Dyer Shot deflected off Kay for a corner.

Minutes later the two teams exchanged two more great chances as Chorley showed his defensive prowess with a magnificent block from another Dyer shot, and Ian Moore`s scuffed shot was cut out. Larkin sent another effort just wide shortly before Andy Taylor forced Dunn into a good save after a good run down the left hand side.

As half time quickly approached, Tranmere won a vital corner which was cleared but only as far as Shuker, who lofted a header back into the danger Area. Greenacres`s natural striking ability was on display for all to see as he chose to use a bicycle kick to beat Dunn. A magnificent goal, that should answer a lot of his critics. The half time whistle was a disappointment to both sets of fans ears as it brought to a close a wonderfully entertaining half football.

The first meaningful action of the second half was a good run down the left hand side by Andy Taylor, who was blatantly tripped by Larkin. However, Mr. Ward, No relation to our goal scoring keeper, decided against a free kick.

Tranmere were the first team to twist bringing on Jennings to replace Stockdale with Kay moving to Right back, the first choice central midfield pair being re-united for the first time in a good long while, and possibly the last. Despite Kay`s move to right back, he continued to be Tranmere`s main attacking threat with a 25 yard shot narrowly going wide. Shortly after, Dan Jones hit a beautiful free kick narrowly wide for Northampton.

Both sides were clearly pressing for the win and Tranmere brought on Davies to replace Shuker, whilst the Cobblers replaced Coke with the ever impressive Hubertz. Davies didn`t manage to touch the ball at 2-1 though, as Hubertz quickly influenced the game with Towns seconded headed goal of the game. A delayed reaction to this goal saw Curran replacing Sherriff ten minutes later. For the second time a Tranmere substitution preceded a telling moment in the game. Goodison was shown a laughable second yellow card and was given his marching orders. A tussle evolved between Ryan Gilligan and the big centre back, which ended with Goodison gaining possession. Both players seemed happy with the way in which the ball was won. However, Mr. Ward decided action was needed, producing a second yellow for Goodison for the brief moment of man on man action (no double entendre intended) for which the phrase, six of one half a dozen of the other was surely invented. The game petered out after this baffling decision, and the season ended as it started for the super whites, with a Greenacre goal in a 2-1 defeat.

Player Ratings

Danny Coyne
6

Robbie Stockdale
6

Ian Goodison
6

Ben Chorley
7

Andy Taylor
7

Chris Shuker
6

Anthony Kay
8

Paul McLaren
6

Shane Sherriff
7

Chris Greenacre
7

Ian Moore
6

Steve Jennings
6

Steve Davies
5
5

Manager Rating
5 – A lot of re-suffling at every substituion. Not good for team structure, even at this late stage in the season.

Opponent Rating
7 – An inspired, if not obvious decision to bring on Hubertz, but this game was really played on the pitch.