League Two Tranmere (1) v Colchester (1)

[Ian]

Probably best to move on quickly from the disappointing Bradford performance as Rovers play host to Colchester on bank holiday Monday. I'd expect a little more rotation as Adkins appears to be experimenting with different player combos now Rovers don't have much to play for in the remaining five games. Walker is still out but hopefully Turnbull returns to the side after a brief illness.

Colchester are fighting for their lives down at the bottom of the table. Currently 3rd from bottom and will be desperate to climb away from the bottom two. FGR looked doomed again after three consecutive defeats so the last relegation place will go to either Sutton, Colchester or Grimsby with only three points seperating the teams. The U's haven't lost for three games and come to Prenton Park off the back of an excellent 2-1 win against Newport. I think we'll be too strong for Colchester but it's a potential banana skin.

 

[Sparky]

No idea how this one will go. We have zero to play for and Colchester are fighting to stay up, got a good win yesterday and have capable management in the Cowley’s. Since they took over they haven’t won many but have been hard to beat.

I’d rest Norris and whilst I want a strong side out, some rotation may make sense. Personally I’d start Hawkes on the left and give Dennis a game. Put Merrie in midfield

 

[bring back the cowshed!]

Sorry chaps, I’ve voted away win. Colchester have something to play for, we haven’t. They are in reasonable form, we are inconsistent. We have a few key players out. I think most players know their fate so no one is fighting for a new contract. But I hope I’m wrong and pleasantly surprised.

 

[ONIGP]

I've gone for the home win, although missing this match. Not with much conviction, though. In a league of fine margins the extra % generated by having something to play for could well prove the difference.

 

[Boz]

It's a difficult game and the Cowleys seem to like visiting Prenton Park, having won here with Braintree and Lincoln. Colchester seem to have a lot of big lads in their line-up and we'll need to put out a physically strong side. The Newport goal in their 2-1 defeat to the Us came from a ball over the top, the kind of thing Luke Norris can convert from. He should have been given some rest yesterday but we'll be needing him Monday. Assuming Turnbull is over his illness, it wouldn't surprise me to see a reprise of his left-back role given Wood's continued absence and the struggles of the makeshift left-backs. I think Colchester will pose more of a threat down their right than Bradford did. Might also see the return of McAlear and/or Lewis because of their height and in Reece's case physicality.
One other negative, the referee. I wasn't at the Salford game, but a number of regulars on here were critical of Scott Tallis' officiating that day. Well he's back.

 

[O4anotherplayoff]

Any team of Cowley’s, and especially one fighting for their lives, will be no pushover. And any team with a soft centre, like us, will have problems with them.

We should still have the quality to win, but I reckon it’ll be a disappointing draw. Mind you, if that point ends up relegating FGR come the end of the season I’m sure I‘ll cope!

 

[bigmart]

With them having all too play for I think they will win 2 1.

 

[Am on mobile]

Hi all from the sunny Cyprus its only been fkn cold for the last few days not at all happy no sun jist bloody rain and 12 degrees. Oh sorry was dreaming of being back home 30 degrees for the last 4 days a beautiful place to be. God guys hope that shower of dodo turn up and play for you today not happy with friday but this is Tranmere and it will never change

 

[Sparky]

Pike and Yarney both drop out for the squad as Turnbull and James Norris start. Saunders dropped so CJ will play further forward and McAlear alongside Hendry.

 

[Ian]

Should be interesting. Hoping J. Norris has a good game defensively. Good to see Davies and Turnbull back as a pair. I think the battle in midfield will be interesting. If we can control the middle, we should be able to cause them problems.

 

[Sparky]

Once again I’m scratching my head at selection a bit.

Luke Norris looked like he needed a rest on Monday so why not give Taylor a game alongside Connor or even Dennis.

 

[Boz]

James Norris will get more protection with Morris in front of him, but Colchester still look dangerous down that side. Wonder if Yarney has picked up a knock, as not on the bench. A bit disappointed Saunders doesn't start as bigger opponents can struggle against someone who's small and quick.

 

[Sparky]

Colchester have decent attacking players in harry Anderson plus hopper and mcgeehan.

Grimsby currently winning against that really out of form side Bradford with 5 minutes to go

 

[ADD]

James Norris will get more protection with Morris in front of him, but Colchester still look dangerous down that side. Wonder if Yarney has picked up a knock, as not on the bench. A bit disappointed Saunders doesn't start as bigger opponents can struggle against someone who's small and quick.

Suspect the "illness/ (Covid?)" being mentioned Turnbull had might be affecting other players. Robson is sub GK rather than Joe also I noted which suggests he is also ill?

 

[bigmart]

Morris puts us ahead only for them to equalise a minute later

 

[Boz]

Both decent goals though could argue we left them too much space for the equaliser.

 

[Sparky]

We’re playing well but need to be more clinical. Created several half decent chances but been a bit wasteful

 

[bigmart]

Level at the break, been on top for most of the half but haven't taken our chances, they nearly took the lead close to half time but good keeping kept them out.

 

[dollar'sbloke]

That double save was the first time they had possession in our box. The value of Norris is to be seen, the 20 keeps him in sight and leaves Morris to step inside for his header. Should be home and hosed by now. Apter will cause a red

 

[dollar'sbloke]

Suspect the "illness/ (Covid?)" being mentioned Turnbull had might be affecting other players. Robson is sub GK rather than Joe also I noted which suggests he is also ill?

Joe sat on bench