Stockport County 0-0 Tranmere Rovers

[SCooperSomersaults]

Not a bad game for a 0-0, full of incident and chances, for both sides. First half I felt Rovers sat off too much and allowed Stockport players all the time and space on the ball, but some good defending kept the ball at bay and no real shots in that first half for the home team shooting towards us behind that goal.

The second half and the game opened up immensely, Rovers closed down much better and were dangerous on the break, although yet again, didnt test the keeper enough imo. A few shots just wide, and a scramble in the box which looked to be handled from where I was right in front of it. They hit the bar, but I dont recall Coyne having a save to make all game really.

The red card was a joke. First yellow wasn't even a foul and he got booked, their lad ran into the back of him and went down like a sack of spuds. I could have put up with a free kick to them, but to top it with a yellow card... ridiculous. But then stupidly Taylor flew into a tackle on the winger, and it was far away but he could have stayed on his feet, moments after being booked it was stupid of him. 2nd yellow and cheerio.

All in all I'll take away from the game a much better workmanlike second half display, feeling extremely cold even with multiple layers on, and Bas Savage failing to spot Shukes free in the box towards the end then extremely overhitting a cross instead! Frustrating, but the lads worked hardbut lacked a bit of wquality especially in the part of the pitch where it matters most - their penalty box.

Decent point though, extends the unbeaten run and we havent conceded a goal in however long it is now! Over 6 hours anyway.

I'll leave you all with 2 questions, will Taylor's ban be one game (MK Dons?)? and who can cover at left back? btw - Goodison limped off toward the end not looking incredibly healthy (pray boys and girls!).

 

[roverstillidie]

A solidish performance from Tranmere. It was freezing cold and the football in the first half matched it. Stockport's only chances in the first half came from a series of corners which Tranmere eventually cleared, Rovers only real chance was a run and shot from Jennings. Rovers hardly touched the ball in the first half!

In the second half it opened up a bit and Stockport hit the bar twice, Goodison was clearing nearly every set piece. Savage should have scored when the ball came across the box but he didn't even stick his foot out, Edds also could have hit the target but scuffed it wide. The Taylor sending off was ridiculous! His first booking came from their player diving and for the second the ref should have used his common sense and told him to calm down. His second booking probably was a booking but it shouldn't have led to a sending off as he shouldnt have been booked for the first 'foul'.

Rovers never really looked like scoring and rode their luck a bit when Stockport hit the bar twice, but it was a good solid draw, however they need to improve if they want to get anything away at Franchise.

I'm not sure when Taylor's ban starts, hopefully Creswell might get a chance although I can see Ronnie sticking Antwi at left back](*,)](*,)

It's too early to say whether Goodison will be fit or not, he was moving a bit more easily when he went down the tunnel and may have been subbed to avoid having to wait for the chance for him to come back on whilst defending with nine men.

Man of the match for me was Goodison, solid throughout and cleared set piece after set piece. His hitch kick that went straight up and off the pitch having travelled hardly any distance at all was brilliant! Chorley was also very good at the centre of the defence. Edds was awful again and Barnett looked pretty good when he came on.

 

[Boz]

The match stats show Stockport only committed 4 fouls. A team of faries would offend more, so was the ref a bit of a homer? Doesn't seem to have been card happy until the Taylor incidents. Sounds like a good point. On the SCoops questions, 2 yellows and 1st sending off should be 1 match ban. If it were a home game wouldn't mind a 3-5-2. At Franchise, can't see Ronnie risking that. Cresswell won't start, RMs track record shows experience gets the nod over a youngster in position. Antwi didn't look comfortable either at full-back or central defender, but can do less damage in the former. On balance, would prefer Goodi, if fit, to stay in the centre.

 

[SonkORLY?]

0-0 away at stockport is a good result - don't think any teams in this league would turn their nose up at it. interesting to hear criticism of edds, as it sounded like he did ok in the commentary; if perhaps lacking in a final product, he at least seemed to get on the ball and influence the game a bit more than he did vs crewe. i look forward to seeing more of barnett though, even if for now it's a 10 minute cameo appearence off the bench.

ronnies track record regarding the selection issue of youth vs experience does indeed suggest that antwi would get preference in andy taylor's absence...but what about goodison? as i see it, in the absence of two of our regular back four he either has no option but to play cresswell (as well as antwi) unless he moves shotton to center back and edds/kay out right (which i doubt because he won't want to shuffle round an improving defence any more than he has to)...or kay could even play alongside chorley...its difficult to know what will happen, because ronnie has said before he doesn't like to change his side drastically to fit players in after an injury, but this is his only option if he doesn't have the confidence to give cresswell his debut.

we've some really hard games coming up so let's hope goody isnt out for long :shock:

 

[SCooperSomersaults]

Ref was a homer imo yes. Lots of "falling over" from their players got free kicks when from what I saw weren't merited, got some decisions wrong on other issues too. But its all opinions, he probably thought he had a great game. Taylor was stupid to go to ground seconds after being booked, although sure their players didnt really help his cause surrounding him and the ref begging for the 2nd yellow!

As for replacement, I would like to see Aaron given a chance, seen him a couple of times with the youth team last season and he looked promising and tough tackling. But agree experience will likely win over. Expect (god help us) Antwi starting left back I think #-o.

 

[Ian]

Ronnie's post-match interview mentioned Goodison having problems with his hamstring. "He might miss the game on Saturday".

He's a tough cookie, I think he'll be OK.

 

[TheBunnyBellEnd]

All in all a good away point, no goals conceded and it keeps the unbeaten run going......am a happy man. Keep up the good work lads!