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Next up: Ebbsfleet (H)
Discussion started by Kenny_Crons (IP Logged), 02 February, 2018 19:51
Kenny_Crons
Kenny_Crons
02 February, 2018 19:51
As preparation for this review, I spent a bit of time trawling through the Total Tranmere annals to see what we were talking about when we played Ebbsfleet in September. Doom and gloom doesn't do it justice as we were right in the middle of our 'slump' and only managed a no scoring draw down in Kent.

In true cheerleader fashion, yours truly tried to gee up Rovers fans before the game with an ultra positive slant and reference to the Chicken Licken fairy tale. In hindsight I concede that using a childish story like that was not helpful and clearly had a negative effect on the team.

And anyway, we are more like The Ugly Dukling by Hans Christian Anderson.

Early season 'ugly' form was only disguising a inner beauty and as the winter starts coming to an end, we are gradually growing into a graceful swan and becoming the king of the duck pond.

Ebbsfleet sail into Prenton Park in a very healthy position in the National League and will certainly attempt to muddy the waters tomorrow. But the swan analogy also holds true when you think about our performances too. The classy performances in our recent run are born of a furious work rate that is often unseen and unnoticed, allowing quality bits of attacking play to finish opponents off.

No team is rubbish in this league and nobody turns up not ready to have a bit of scrap so the work rate needs to continue in every renaming fixture. But our quality players are on the point of all being available soon which adds a whole new dimension to the team.

So while loads of rival fans laughed at our 'ugliness' at the start of the season, grudging acceptance of our 'beauty' is gradually starting to be heard as awareness grows of who is the true apex predator of the National League.

The moral of this tale is that nothing else matters apart from our performances and it's time we started making everyone dance to our tune.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 10/02/2018 11:18 by mini_andy.

mini_andy
mini_andy
02 February, 2018 21:00
A great write up kenny!

As we’re at home, I’m going big, 6-0

Hardly Irons
Hardly Irons
02 February, 2018 21:03
I don't know why but I've got a horrible 1-1 in my sights...

Fiftyyearsarover
Fiftyyearsarover
02 February, 2018 21:06
Yes good one how about us being the gt white shark from jaws who got dobbed in and his mum came for revenge in Jaws 2 we are seeking revenge on those who dared to mock 3-0 for the big white shark 😀

chrisprover
chrisprover
02 February, 2018 21:59
I will also go for the 3-0 as we are at home and should be a good crowd, jennings Norwood and cook go on tranmere.

Cybertron
Cybertron
02 February, 2018 23:01
I was at the away game and the previous loss at Maidenhead, it seems a long time ago since those dark days. Their recent form isn't that good, one win this year, but they did get a draw at Aldershot. Thinking its going to be 2-0

Eric01 Tranmere
Eric01 Tranmere
02 February, 2018 23:15
3-0 home win

Borough Roaderd
Tranmere69
02 February, 2018 23:35
They seem to do better against the bigger clubs.Hopefully that won't happen tomorrow.
If they park the bus we will struggle so hopefully they will come to play.
Best result a1-0 win.Worst 1-1

MESSAGES->author
TranmereFan
03 February, 2018 00:03
We are in a nice bit of form right now, going for a 3-1 win.

mb53trfc
mb53trfc
03 February, 2018 00:34
I like the prose Kenny and echo your sentiments. I will be setting off tomorrow at 8.00am only slightly after the Ebbsfleet fans and they no doubt will believe they can get a result.
They have proved difficult to beat so far and will raise their game tomorrow. We know its going to be difficult but I feel we shall prevail. I fancy Tollit to make an appearance last 20 mins. Wallace two weeks away IMO.

AndyMase
AndyMase
03 February, 2018 07:14
3-1 and as I'm top of the league I must be right 😂😂

rossb07
rossb07
03 February, 2018 07:20
With our home record, got to be a win for me.

How much, it'll be by 2 goals but i'd have to hope with a 2-0 to get a CS as the lads at the back should be learning from there mistakes.

aktrfc
aktrfc
03 February, 2018 07:48
If it clicks today is should be a cracker. A couple from both Nors and cookie. Just a bit concerned about duke street bridge, I mean Taylor. If they have done their homework, a few long range shots many be on the cards.

iagoapcen
iagoapcen
03 February, 2018 08:24
score two early goals, miss sitters, concede, get stressed, late extra 3-1 win

MESSAGES->author
Phil65
03 February, 2018 08:28
This from Ebbsfleet: [ebbsfleetunited.co.uk]

A 2-1 win for me.

ADD
ADD
03 February, 2018 11:01
This on paper should be a win and at this stage of the season has to be a win IMO if we are going to go up outright.
That said Ebbsfleet will as pointed out raise their game and despite their recent poor form will be looking to take a "scalp".
I am going for a 2-1 win. Norwood to score one and miss a one on one and the other from midfield. Would be great to see Tollitt on the bench and coming on if the score allows for a 15 minute cameo....

MESSAGES->author
hong kong rover
03 February, 2018 12:08
Ebbsfleets away form so far this season in the NL..

won 3
drawn 8
lost 4

they havent lost that many on their travels.

Cybertron
Cybertron
03 February, 2018 14:16
Quote:
ADD
Would be great to see Tollitt on the bench and coming on if the score allows for a 15 minute cameo....
...and so it came to pass that Tollitt would be on the bench

Mattc777
CaptainFriendly
03 February, 2018 14:25
Left Eddie out again. Thought we might be more attacking at home. Micky obviously knows best though

MESSAGES->author
TranmereFan
03 February, 2018 14:32
Quote:
CaptainFriendly
Left Eddie out again. Thought we might be more attacking at home. Micky obviously knows best though

Probs as Rides has done well since he’s been back

MESSAGES->author
hong kong rover
03 February, 2018 14:37
cmon the rovers lets get them 3 pts

MESSAGES->author
hong kong rover
03 February, 2018 15:15
1 up cookie

MESSAGES->author
hong kong rover
03 February, 2018 15:34
2 up get in

Shaumbra
Shaumbra
03 February, 2018 15:37
Wrexham are 1 nil up, and as it stands are now top

Shaumbra
Shaumbra
03 February, 2018 15:41
but then again, as it stands were 2 points off top stop.....loving it(Sm152)

Eva_Tranmere
Eva_Tranmere
03 February, 2018 16:11
Andy Cook! We love Andy Coooook!!!!

MESSAGES->author
hong kong rover
03 February, 2018 16:25
yesss 3 up.. norwoods 50th goal for rovers.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/02/2018 16:28 by hong kong rover.

Eva_Tranmere
Eva_Tranmere
03 February, 2018 16:35
Tollitt is back! 👍💪 gogogogooo Tranmere!

MESSAGES->author
hong kong rover
03 February, 2018 16:37
good luck to tollitt

MESSAGES->author
hong kong rover
03 February, 2018 16:58
Well done Rovers , great result and good to hear that Tollitt is back. those ovine fornicators go top of the table but we are only 2 pts behind them. Refreshing to hear that the referee seemed decent today, 8 home wins on the bounce now, Norwoods 50th goal in a Rovers shirt and a crowd of over 5,000 today.. happy days.. and now wirral radio are playing one of my fave tunes, steve miller-rock n me.. get in lol



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 03/02/2018 17:24 by hong kong rover.

MoanerLesser
Account Deleted FoaHsssleFreeLife
03 February, 2018 17:06
Interesting games coming up with Dover and Sutton, Aldershot and Macclesfield , Sutton and Wrexham, Wrexham and Aldershot , Bromley and Wrexham and of course Tranmere and Macclesfield.

So definitely all to play for.

MESSAGES->author
hong kong rover
03 February, 2018 17:39
Quote:
853OKG
Interesting games coming up with Dover and Sutton, Aldershot and Macclesfield , Sutton and Wrexham, Wrexham and Aldershot , Bromley and Wrexham and of course Tranmere and Macclesfield.
So definitely all to play for.

February 17th is gonna be a helluva weekend with all the tops sides playing against each other.

Fiftyyearsarover
Fiftyyearsarover
03 February, 2018 17:46
Tollitt back ,excellent news and more important MM only gave him 15 minutes not rushed him back like last time .a couple more sub appearances just to make sure good luck Ben you deserve some luck ,another good win

MoanerLesser
Account Deleted FoaHsssleFreeLife
03 February, 2018 17:57
and Taylor kept a clean sheet

and Cook and Norwood are joint third in the top scorer league for NL

MESSAGES->author
TranmereFan
03 February, 2018 18:49
Solid performance today, least attacking away side ive seen at PP this season. We are looking very capable at the minute 👏

mini_andy
mini_andy
03 February, 2018 19:14
Another good result today. Prenton Park is becoming a fortress again. Away teams must dread coming here.

Pleased for Nors and Cook who seam to have a good understanding of each other.

2 points off top now. I don’t care where we are in the league, who is above us or how many games in hand they have. As long as we focus on our own game, I fully believe we’ll get there.

As an added bonus, we now have an almost fully fit squad!

Loyden1
Loyden1
03 February, 2018 19:23
Good all round performance and after being critical of goalie he made 2 very good saves

Loyden1
Loyden1
03 February, 2018 19:25
Quote:
TranmereFan
Quote:
CaptainFriendly
Left Eddie out again. Thought we might be more attacking at home. Micky obviously knows best though

Probs as Rides has done well since he’s been back
what happened to Buxton I thought his name was on teams heel any1 know

MESSAGES->author
TranmereFan
03 February, 2018 19:28
Quote:
Loyden1
Quote:
TranmereFan
Quote:
CaptainFriendly
Left Eddie out again. Thought we might be more attacking at home. Micky obviously knows best though

Probs as Rides has done well since he’s been back
what happened to Buxton I thought his name was on teams heel any1 know

Got injured just before KO

mini_andy
mini_andy
03 February, 2018 19:28
Quote:
Loyden1
Quote:
TranmereFan
Quote:
CaptainFriendly
Left Eddie out again. Thought we might be more attacking at home. Micky obviously knows best though

Probs as Rides has done well since he’s been back
what happened to Buxton I thought his name was on teams heel any1 know

I read that he pulled his calf in warm up, but I can’t find it now.

Hollins
Hollins
03 February, 2018 19:29
A tight calf in the warm up

Loyden1
Loyden1
03 February, 2018 19:30
Quote:
mini_andy
Quote:
Loyden1
Quote:
TranmereFan
Quote:
CaptainFriendly
Left Eddie out again. Thought we might be more attacking at home. Micky obviously knows best though

Probs as Rides has done well since he’s been back
what happened to Buxton I thought his name was on teams heel any1 know

I read that he pulled his calf in warm up, but I can’t find it now.
sounds like a wrexham fan !

ADD
ADD
03 February, 2018 19:39
Thought we did ok today against very limited opposition. Three well taken goals on a sticky pitch.Norwood again a constant threat and missed a couple of good chances to make it a hat trick. The first 10 minutes was poor with no real shape though we obviously did grow into the game and but for their keeper making a couple of great saves would have been a real pasting. Great to see Tollitt back. A little bit off the pace naturally but still some great touches and bits of trickery. If he can stay fit we should be well placed for the run in!

Hoots Mon
Hoots Mon
03 February, 2018 20:00
Quote:
Loyden1
Good all round performance and after being critical of goalie he made 2 very good saves

He did-but he also spilt one when it was 2-0 and tried to claim that their player fouled him which he hadn't.

HardlyYardley
HardlyYardley
03 February, 2018 20:15
Good result against weak opposition. Cook and Norwood going well. Great to see Tollitt back. Hope to see Wallace back too. Credit to Ridehalgh : in the last few games, he's played left back, centre half and now right back - he may not be our best player, but he's a valuable member of the squad. Other teams have games in hand, but we're all playing each other so, if we can keep on winning....



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/02/2018 20:20 by HardlyYardley.

Hardly Irons
Hardly Irons
03 February, 2018 20:29
The ref missed so much today, Norburn was battered within eyeshot and ignored every time.

I don't know how it's never happened in the past two years but cook and Norwoods chemistry now is wondrous to see.

I've got good feelings for how this season will pan out.

Cybertron
Cybertron
03 February, 2018 21:13
Quote:
Hardly Irons
The ref missed so much today, Norburn was battered within eyeshot and ignored every time.
I don't know how it's never happened in the past two years but cook and Norwoods chemistry now is wondrous to see.

I've got good feelings for how this season will pan out.
From the games I saw last season and this Cook and Norwood were each 'playing for themselves' not 100% what the full history was but it appeared that Norwood was p!$$ed that he might not be No1 striker and Cook was overly keen to prove himself. You could see in games that Cook wouldn't pass to Norwood and visa-versa, I think much of it also goes back to the 'full and frank' discussion they had about who was going to take a penalty. It is very noticeable that the dynamic has changed and there is as you say a real chemistry there, I would add Jennings to those two, the three of them are a formidable strike combination.

ADD
ADD
03 February, 2018 21:18
Quote:
Hoots Mon
Quote:
Loyden1
Good all round performance and after being critical of goalie he made 2 very good saves

He did-but he also spilt one when it was 2-0 and tried to claim that their player fouled him which he hadn't.
Agree hootsMon Taylor looks exceptionally shaky on the high ball and simply doesn't command his area or look at all confident.
Hopefully Davies will be back very shortly.

MESSAGES->author
Matt34
03 February, 2018 21:29
A great result today and when the second one went in I just had a feeling Tranmere could go on an win the game.

Only 2 points off the top spot now and I feel more vindicated to stick by Micky Mellon now.



Then I ate his Liver.......... with some baked beans and a can of coke.

Hoots Mon
Hoots Mon
03 February, 2018 22:10
Quote:
ADD
Thought we did ok today against very limited opposition. Three well taken goals on a sticky pitch.Norwood again a constant threat and missed a couple of good chances to make it a hat trick. The first 10 minutes was poor with no real shape though we obviously did grow into the game and but for their keeper making a couple of great saves would have been a real pasting. Great to see Tollitt back. A little bit off the pace naturally but still some great touches and bits of trickery. If he can stay fit we should be well placed for the run in!

Their keeper was a bit eccentric but made some excellent saves.

kennyspint
kennyspint
03 February, 2018 23:36
Their keeper gave us a corp at the end and he was mental but did very well. Another performance where we stood up to physical opposition with a dodgy ref. Welcome back Ben you add to an effective team

kennyspint
kennyspint
03 February, 2018 23:37
Their keeper gave us a corp at the end and he was mental but did very well. Another performance where we stood up to physical opposition with a dodgy ref. Welcome back Ben you add to an effective team

Borough Roaderd
Tranmere69
04 February, 2018 00:11
A solid performance and a good result.Welcome back Ben Tollitt.One jinking run and shot showed us what.you are all about and what we've been missing.Also a well done to Rhys Taylor for a much improved performance.SWA

MESSAGES->author
Phil65
04 February, 2018 00:45
You'd struggle to see a better finish at this level than the three strikes today. Despite our dominance I felt we weren't at our best (some people are never happy!), yet we could/should have won by at least a couple more. Ebbsfleet possibly the least effective (trying to be diplomatic) side that have visited PP this season. A stereotypical National league side who came to nullify us and try to rough us up in the first half which lead to one or two reactions, noticeably from Norburn and Norwood; thought Norwood was a little reckless with his elbow and lucky he didn't catch their player and receive a straight red. Mickey did motion to him to think and calm down. If the referee had done his job the players wouldn't need to take things into their own hands; thought ref was generally poor today, particularly in the first half. Cook lead the line well and his and Norwoods work rate in closing their defenders down was first class; Ginneley chipped in well too. Ridehalgh settled well at right back as the game went on. Clarke had a quiet game today and mis-judged a few headers; still a bit to learn on his defensive duties. Apart from one stray pass at the beginning of the game, McNulty was a colossus. Despite it not being the "perfect" performance, to dominate and win convincingly against a team who are in a healthy league position, speaks volumes of our self-belief, application and quality. Long may our terrific home record continue and let's sneak some away wins to go up as champions of this damn league! Just a final word and kudos to a decent away following considering the distance and stature of Ebbsfleet.

the kav
the kav
04 February, 2018 01:09
Until today torquay were the worst side id seen this season

rossb07
rossb07
04 February, 2018 09:07
Happy with that overall performance, one or 2 complacency moments when we were 2 up but we dealt with it just in time to prevent anything coming from it.

3 points for me from the game were that Kedwell must think himself some sort of a brute, not one challenge in the air or even along the ground was he contending for the ball. Always eyes on the player.

Secondly, i like to give praise were it's due. Rides may not have shone out as the key performer but he moved over to that right side and although didn't have too much to worry about just got stuck in and showed that he has a right foot.

Lastly, Nors 1 on 1 anyone? Chuffed for the guy and hopefully it'll increase his already high confidence levels.

Never doubted the lads and MM through the 'darker days' of this season and knew we'd be up or abouts come this time of the year. We keep them all fit and in-form then this should be ours for the taking!

aktrfc
aktrfc
04 February, 2018 09:22
Thought cookie was exceptional. Won every ball. By a mile the best striker in this league.

Jack of all Trades
Jack of all Trades
04 February, 2018 10:03
Not at our very best today but, a very good team performance all the same.

I put some it down to a pathetic referee who, if he had shown some authority, could have stopped the Ebbsfleet shall we politely say "over zealous" tackling in it's tracks.

The initial tackle on Jay Harris was worthy of a yellow and that player (who was at it all game) didn't receive a yellow until well into the second half.

The most concerning thing for me was the amount of late or off the ball incidents he missed or chose to ignore which, could have resulted in serious injury or retaliation by a Rovers player.

As I have said before home form should be fine, we need the away wins!!!!

DevonExile
DevonExile
04 February, 2018 14:48
Quote:
Hardly Irons
The ref missed so much today, Norburn was battered within eyeshot and ignored every time.
I don't know how it's never happened in the past two years but cook and Norwoods chemistry now is wondrous to see.

I've got good feelings for how this season will pan out.

I am sorry I think that this is a totally unfair comment.I thought the ref had a good game.He let the game flow and he was consistent in his responses.There has been some poor referees this year but yesterday's was,in my opinion a more than comment official. I may not have agreed with every decision but but that would be the case in any game and is not the yardstick for judging officiald

Jack of all Trades
Jack of all Trades
04 February, 2018 15:06
As usual, it is all about opinions, suffices to say in this instance I totally agree with Hardly Irons.

As posted before, IMO, he was not in control of the game at any point yesterday and certainly was not by any stretch of the imagination a competent official.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/02/2018 15:14 by Jack of all Trades.

Hardly Irons
Hardly Irons
04 February, 2018 15:53
The linesman falling on his ar5e was a fantastic moment though, turned it round brilliantly!

Jack of all Trades
Jack of all Trades
04 February, 2018 16:26
I forgot about Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum (the two Assistant Referee,s) and the clown of a fourth official totally shown up by the Electronic Subs Board on almost every occasion.

Surely, they are trained how to use them?

rossb07
rossb07
04 February, 2018 16:40
Quote:
Jack of all Trades
I forgot about Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum (the two Assistant Referee,s) and the clown of a fourth official totally shown up by the Electronic Subs Board on almost every occasion.
Surely, they are trained how to use them?

I should've found it hilarious with the Fourth Official but as you say what a clown, it didn't work when he put it up so he gets it working and then holds it the wrong way.

Should be taught which way is forward before being able to use any utensils.

SmartRover
SmartRover
04 February, 2018 19:45
Thought Cookie was immense yesterday and at half time I actually thought there’s nothing wrong with Taylor in goal then he reverts back to script with a dodgy second half. Great to see Ben get a run out and Eddie the full match, he offers so much more especially in the second half bombing down the wing with Ebbsfleet players dead on their feet. Watched the referee closely yesterday and it was clear he was moving onto the second phase too quickly and missing the foul tackles and not just the odd one or two, had a laugh when I read on Twitter that someone said he had a good game, laughed more though at the linesman doing his best dancing on ice impression. Good away following and a drummer in tow, must be catching. Corner routines have improved lots since first few months. Massive game next weekend but every game is massive now.

1983SWA
1983SWA
04 February, 2018 19:47
The ref actually did us a favour mid way through the first half, Nors went for a headed challenge with their number 14 and clearly lead with his elbow and it was quite blatant, I honestly thought he would see a straight red. In a way it backs up the opinion that the ref was useless.

mb53trfc
mb53trfc
04 February, 2018 19:59
We have a great chance with Cook and Norwood in this form. It was brilliant to see Tollit back on the pitch and the chance he made for for himself would have been so sweet had it gone in.

MESSAGES->author
TranmereFan
04 February, 2018 21:11
Quote:
SmartRover
Thought Cookie was immense yesterday and at half time I actually thought there’s nothing wrong with Taylor in goal then he reverts back to script with a dodgy second half. Great to see Ben get a run out and Eddie the full match, he offers so much more especially in the second half bombing down the wing with Ebbsfleet players dead on their feet. Watched the referee closely yesterday and it was clear he was moving onto the second phase too quickly and missing the foul tackles and not just the odd one or two, had a laugh when I read on Twitter that someone said he had a good game, laughed more though at the linesman doing his best dancing on ice impression. Good away following and a drummer in tow, must be catching. Corner routines have improved lots since first few months. Massive game next weekend but every gam
e is massive now.

Thought Taylor did well yesterday, made a world class save in the first half. Fumbled one in the 2nd. But hey ho a very good clean sheet.

Uglybob
Uglybob
04 February, 2018 22:26
Quote:
TranmereFan
Quote:
SmartRover
Thought Cookie was immense yesterday and at half time I actually thought there’s nothing wrong with Taylor in goal then he reverts back to script with a dodgy second half. Great to see Ben get a run out and Eddie the full match, he offers so much more especially in the second half bombing down the wing with Ebbsfleet players dead on their feet. Watched the referee closely yesterday and it was clear he was moving onto the second phase too quickly and missing the foul tackles and not just the odd one or two, had a laugh when I read on Twitter that someone said he had a good game, laughed more though at the linesman doing his best dancing on ice impression. Good away following and a drummer in tow, must be catching. Corner routines have improved lots since first few months. Massive game next weekend but every gam
e is massive now.

Thought Taylor did well yesterday, made a world class save in the first half. Fumbled one in the 2nd. But hey ho a very good clean sheet.
I thought he made two great saves first half . One he got down quick to his right hand post ( for which McNulty applauded him ) and the dive to push it right . Also I think his distribution is spot on . Knows when to play it from the back or play it long and when he does mostly finds a white shirt . No real complaints from me .

roger mellie
roger mellie
05 February, 2018 10:22
I thought the Ebbsfleet keeper was top class. Not only did he do everything really well, but a character and a hair cut to boot. If he played for us he would be a cult figure.

Higgosboots
Higgosboots
05 February, 2018 21:08
Ref the Norwood one on one, he only took one touch, didn’t leave himself time to think, great finish.

MESSAGES->author
TranmereFan
05 February, 2018 21:13
Any actual facts of Buxton injury out today?

rossb07
rossb07
05 February, 2018 21:50
Only thing i've heard or seen is he felt something in his calf.

Normally just a precautionary thing but Buxton seems to bounce off rough challenges so hopefully it's nothing serious at all as he's been a class act all season.

Hoots Mon
Hoots Mon
06 February, 2018 16:07
Quote:
roger mellie
I thought the Ebbsfleet keeper was top class. Not only did he do everything really well, but a character and a hair cut to boot. If he played for us he would be a cult figure.

Absolutely agree-a real character and showman. And he made some great saves too.

nwindsor
NickNotTheGreek
07 February, 2018 12:36
Quote:
Hoots Mon
Quote:
roger mellie
I thought the Ebbsfleet keeper was top class. Not only did he do everything really well, but a character and a hair cut to boot. If he played for us he would be a cult figure.

Absolutely agree-a real character and showman. And he made some great saves too.

Would shift a fair few shirts in the Club Shop too I reckon. So he would please both the team and the bean counters.

This is based solely on a single 10 minute highlights clip, so admittedly not the most exhaustive scouting report.


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