Three weeks ago this game could have had huge implications on the outcome of Tranmere`s season. The Rovers were still in with a shot at making the playoffs and it was looking more and more likely the final playoff place would be left open until the last day of the season. Unfortunately though, Tranmere`s form didn`t resemble that of a team chasing promotion via the playoffs and the light shining through the trap-door to the Championship was ever dwindling. Eventually, the door was closed and Tranmere were left playing for pride.
Vital Quotes:
Ronnie Moore has spoken to Radio Merseyside about Saturday`s fixture and also commented on the team`s showing through out the season away from home. According to Moore, the team`s away form is what is leaving the short of the playoffs which they have been striving for. ‘We have improved as a team and we are a match for anybody. We need to tighten up when we go away from home, and I’ve said that for the two years I’ve been here.”
Moore also expanded on his initial point to say that the goal count away from home has been The Rovers` main downfall on the road and that their away form should match their impressive home form. ‘I think if you score 19 goals away from home you are going to be a bit short in your points tally. I think it`s just a matter of tinkering with that and putting that right.
‘Consistency is what everybody wants and needs. If you want to go up, you need that consistency. What we need to do is be more hard to beat away from home.’
Tranmere Rovers Team News:
For the last three games, Tranmere have been without winger Jennison Myrie-Williams and striker Calvin Zola through injury. It seems that neither of these two will feature again this season and Myrie-Williams could have played his last game in a Rovers shirt. Shane Sherriff is a doubt with a hamtring injury. This means that it is likely that Steven Davies will be starting on the left. With Paul McLaren having served his two match ban for receiving 10 yellow cards for the season, there will be a selection problem of a nice nature for Ronnie Moore with regards to the Centre of the park. Also, Tranmere have a plethora of players trying to secure a contract for next season as well as Ronnie Moore and Peter Shirtliff also trying to show their credentials as a management team able to secure Promotion for Tranmere.
Player to watch: Antony Kay
Ronnie Moore has spoken publicly about Kay as a player. He has commnted that, although employed as a defender, Kay could be Tranmere’s answer to the lack of goals being supplied form the midfield. I wouldn’t be too surprised if Kay weighs in wth a goal from his new, advanced position.
Northampton Town Team News:
Simon Gray has some selection problems heading into Saturday`s clash. There is some doubt hanging over the fitness of Town ‘keeper Mark Bunn`s fitness. Bunn has a bruised hip which he sustained whilst training with Manchester City`s squad during the week. His two day training session was cut short after the first day when he was sent back to Northampton for the injury to be monitored. Ian Henderson and Brett Johnson will be missing with an Achilles injury and medial ligament damage respectively. Mark Hughes is also out with a thigh strain.
Player to watch: Giles Coke
Giles Coke was a new addition to the Cobblers’ squad in the summer when signed from Mansfield town. Unfortunately for Town, he was subject to a nasty injured towards the end of his time at Mansfield. This meant that he did not make his debut until January. Admired for his ability to make something out of nothing and for his exceptional long-shot, Northampton Town is expected to be a stop off on Coke’s way to better things.
Match Facts & Stats
Ref Watch:
Gavin Ward from Kent is refereeing Saturday’s encounter. He has officiated (albeit as a Linesman) at a UEFA Cup match so he is clearly viewed as competent by F.As. He has officiated in a Tranmere game alread this season and has also presided over League Two and Chamionship games this season.
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