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Next Up: Woking (H)


By Joe Torpey
August 8 2017

A look ahead to Rovers' opening home game of the season which sees Woking visit Prenton Park on Tuesday evening....

 

 

 

 

 

 

Torquay's most well know citizen, Basil Fawlty, famously warned visitors about over-expectations of their trip to the seaside town.  

I don't think the 492 Tranmere fans expected to see Krakatoa erupting or herds of Wildebeest sweeping by but their high hopes (and the thousands of us following the game at home) of an easy victory were equally over-ambitious.  The eventual point gained with only nine on the pitch was far from many people's predictions.

Due to the relentless nature of this League though, any lessons to be learnt and positives to be taken need to happen quickly as Woking arrive at Prenton Park on Tuesday. 

Woking will offer a similar challenge to Torquay as they also have got lots of new faces in their team and the average age of the squad is quite young.  They finished 18th last season so expectations are low (6/1 to go down this season) but a morale boosting 2-1 win over Gateshead in their first game has given the whole club an injection of positivity.

New signing Joe Ward impressed many, including celebrity fan Eamonn Holmes, with his tricky wing play and he topped off his performance with a goal on debut. 

Tranmere won the corresponding fixture comfortably last season with a 3-0 victory, and the bookies clearly think this will lead to an easy victory - the home win is at 2/5 and a Woking victory is 6/1 with Sky Bet. 

Tellingly perhaps, Andy Cook scored two in that 3-0 win and could be in line for a recall on Tuesday with James Norwood beginning his suspension.  Richie Sutton too will probably get a chance to stake his claim as a replacement for the other suspended player - Steve McNulty. 

Social media was awash on Saturday with jubilant fans from rival teams revelling in our 'demise' at Plainmoor.  Time then to send a message to our detractors with a confident and disciplined home performance at fortress Prenton. 

 

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Match discussion: Woking (H)
Discussion started by Total Tranmere (IP Logged), 08/08/2017 13:51
Total Tranmere
Total Tranmere
08/08/2017 13:51
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2017:08:13:23:42:15 by mini_andy.

mini_andy
mini_andy
08/08/2017 11:57
I think there will be a few changes in the starting 11, and a positive 3-0 win

roversoffspring
roversoffspring
08/08/2017 12:09
A win too! At home and cook starting should set the foundations right! For me when cook plays and crosses come in I always feel he'll either score or wreak havoc whereas Mangan with his 3 goals or Norwood missing his 1 v 1's I don't get that feeling! More positive when he plays jenno behind him id move Buxton centre give duggan a go RB maybe. 2-0

MESSAGES->author
hong kong rover
08/08/2017 12:35
c'mon the rovers, 3 pts tonight please.

MESSAGES->author
hong kong rover
08/08/2017 13:09
have just had a look on the woking club website, and quite a good write up in the preview for tonights match. the adjective they used to describe steve mc nulty was 'redoubtable' a word I haven't heard for a long time but nevertheless a complimentary one. they needn't worry about him tonight though. have to say I know nothing about their new manager other than he was recently coaching with the Southampton academy ( I think ex rovers boss rob Edwards is coaching the saints under 16s ) I wonder what has happened to former woking boss garry hill? I think he was very shabbily treated by woking at the end of last season.

roger mellie
roger mellie
08/08/2017 13:53
I have predicted a 3-0 again but fear the slow start to the season will continue.
Will not be impressed if Mangan is given the nod ahead of Cook.

MESSAGES->author
Phil65
08/08/2017 14:10
No excuses tonight, need to get the juggernaut on the roll! 2-0 win with Cook and Alabi on the scoresheet. I need a damn pick-me-up after Saturday!!

Hoots Mon
Hoots Mon
08/08/2017 14:35
Quote:
roger mellie
Will not be impressed if Mangan is given the nod ahead of Cook.

+1

DevonExile
DevonExile
08/08/2017 14:55
At the risk of upsetting some, I think that the defence could be stronger without McNulty whose lack of mobility pulls all deeper.
If Cook is not upfront then I would be very concerned, not just about our prospects but at the fact that it would show MM as flawed and possibly petty. I think that he is better than that but it does bother me that a player who would be an automatic starter at any other club is constantly left on the bench.
One poster on saturday said that Cook looked shattered after 20 minutes, I did not notice that and I thought he looked in better condition. His movement of the ball was far better than Alabi, whose movement was too often reactive rather than anticipatory.

i had already predicted a win tonight but I am not so sure after Saturdays very mixed performance when we had eleven against a moderate team

MESSAGES->author
Old Rover
08/08/2017 15:35
Quote:
Hoots Mon
Quote:
roger mellie
Will not be impressed if Mangan is given the nod ahead of Cook.

+1
*2

warren r
Wozza
08/08/2017 19:15
Quote:
Hoots Mon
Quote:
roger mellie
Will not be impressed if Mangan is given the nod ahead of Cook.

+1
+2

warren r
Wozza
08/08/2017 19:17
3-1 norburn cook 2

luckyseven
luckyseven
08/08/2017 19:22
Anyone know of a live stream? Can't make it up for tonight

chrisprover
chrisprover
08/08/2017 19:32
I have gone for two nil tonight and I think it will be interesting without Mcnulty and Norwood. Lets not have any handbags tonight and play football alabi and cook to score tonight,

MESSAGES->author
hong kong rover
08/08/2017 19:44
yer know yer know yer know yer know yer know yer know yer know yer know yer know yer know yer know yer know... just listened to jay mceverley being interviewed on wirral radio and completely lost count how many times he said that, must have been close on 50 times lol... went to bed early and set the alarm to listen to full match commentary, back to bed for about 3 hrs after the game. dave Higgins co commentator on wirral radio, best ever dave.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2017:08:08:19:47:31 by hong kong rover.

MESSAGES->author
hong kong rover
08/08/2017 19:44
cook playing good news, hat trick cooky

mini_andy
mini_andy
08/08/2017 20:04
1 down 2 to go.

Get in cookie lad!!

bheadlad
bheadlad
08/08/2017 20:05
1-0 Cookie

MESSAGES->author
hong kong rover
08/08/2017 20:05
Quote:
mini_andy
1 down 2 to go.
Get in cookie lad!!

yes get in

MESSAGES->author
hong kong rover
08/08/2017 20:15
2 up yesssss

Quote:
hong kong rover
yer know yer know yer know yer know yer know yer know yer know yer know yer know yer know yer know yer know... just listened to jay mceverley being interviewed on wirral radio and completely lost count how many times he said that, must have been close on 50 times lol... went to bed early and set the alarm to listen to full match commentary, back to bed for about 3 hrs after the game. dave Higgins co commentator on wirral radio, best ever dave.

No dout about dat....

Quote:
hong kong rover
2 up yesssss
Unfortunately the old bad habit of losing concentration near the end of a half has struck again. Awful goal to concede. Nice solo gosl by Cook and great shot by norburn.

MESSAGES->author
hong kong rover
08/08/2017 20:45
Quote:
853OKG
Quote:
hong kong rover
2 up yesssss
Unfortunately the old bad habit of losing concentration near the end of a half has struck again. Awful goal to concede. Nice solo gosl by Cook and great shot by norburn.

cheers, could have done without conceding that goal.. just had my name read out on wirral radio, get in.

trfc-boi
trfc-boi
08/08/2017 20:47
Cook scored a composed goal, Norburn cracker !!
Nice, short, touches, good passing.
Shame Woking scored on 43rd min, we need to Finnish teams off, instead of giving them a chance.

MESSAGES->author
hong kong rover
08/08/2017 21:03
3-1 get in

MESSAGES->author
hong kong rover
08/08/2017 21:42
well done rovers, we are on our way. sounded on the radio that jay harris came in from a bit of treatment from the woking players. the radio team voted him MOM.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2017:08:08:21:56:38 by hong kong rover.

mini_andy
mini_andy
08/08/2017 22:01
Just what the doctor ordered. Solid start so far!

trfc-boi
trfc-boi
08/08/2017 22:07
Should been 6-1, Dunn's header just wide post, Alabi just needed to toe-poke it inside 6 yard box, Mangan inside box, shot goes wide. Plenty of positives, well played lads !!

Higgosboots
Higgosboots
08/08/2017 22:17
Good result, but we need to stop conceding from nothing when in total control.

Kennel
Kennel
08/08/2017 22:24
"The three Musketeers",Harris,Norburn and Jennings were absolute class tonight....lets hope they stay free from injury...best midfield we've had for a long time. Cook had a great reception from the fans and it was good to see MM clapping him off..got to be first choice now, Imo.

Jack of all Trades
Jack of all Trades
08/08/2017 22:28
As you say plenty of positives.

I thought generally Ritchie Sutton and Jay McEveley dealt with Effiong who looked massive!! very well but, failure to stop the cross cost us the goal.

Cooky showed why he should be the first name on the team sheet, Ollie Norburn reminded me of a young James Wallace circa 2013.

I am sorry to have to comment on the referee (Karl Evans)who again IMO, was very poor, yet another blatant penalty missed (foul on Jack Dunn first half)the defender was the last man by a good way and just a booking for the terribly late tackle on Jay Harris (who I thought was back to his best)

Still room for improvement but a very good team performance.

Uglybob
Uglybob
08/08/2017 22:35
Thought Hughes had a great game tonight playing in the deeper role . His holding and distribution was spot on .

Jack of all Trades
Jack of all Trades
08/08/2017 22:37
Fair comment about Hughes who has come in for some stick in recent games.

trfc-boi
trfc-boi
08/08/2017 22:49
Defence looked good tonight (-goal conceded), full backs got forward, to support.
Midfield sprayed some great passes, mixed it up with short, sharp passing when needed.
Forwards had chances, Cook starts next game for me, menace upfront, Dunn played just off him, pacey, just needs more match time.
Everyone looked Good tonight, everyone's got a place to fight for. Subs must be looking thinking I need to do better than him.
Only comment get inwinging crosses from corners, got the 3rd goal off it. Need freekick taker to at least hit target, make keeper work.Good 3 pts...onwards !!

Borough Roaderd
Tranmere69
08/08/2017 22:49
On hols. Couldn't get any coverage !!! Aaaagh! Well done lads. SWA

jonesy792
jonesy792
08/08/2017 22:53
Entertaining game.

Norburn my man of the match. Great movement , passing and scored a cracker.

Impressed with Hughes in deeper role.

Great composed finish from Cook, and with Dunn and Jennings either side (both were a handful) I thought we looked good all over the park.

I would say that's our strongest XI but with Tolitt in for Dunn and McNulty for Sutton

Robbie126
Robbie126
08/08/2017 22:57
Quote:
Uglybob
Thought Hughes had a great game tonight playing in the deeper role . His holding and distribution was spot on .
Have to agree with this and I owe him an apology after my earlier comments, let's hope he can keep this up. Norburn was class, Harris was a little fighter & between the 2 of them gave Hughes that bit more time. Whole defence looked solid. Only slight negative was Dunn, seemed reluctant to take on defenders, maybe needs more game time. Great 3 points and thoroughly deserved

MESSAGES->author
Yiggsy
08/08/2017 23:18
was thinking at 2=0 that the score could end up like Solihull at then end of last season.
Woking just weren't pressing at all. Hughes got time on the ball and was majestic. He was also excellent in tight situations.
Norburn excellent first half but faded slightly second half imo.
From where I was sitting in the Bebington Paddock Cook's goal resembled Ricky Villa's in the cup-final at Wembley!
Norburn's shot was ferocious.
Jennings superb and great to see Harris back in good form.
McEverly's goal was a cracker... it's amazing what can happen from a corner if you have good runners and a decnet ball in instead of @#$%& around like they did in the first half.
All round very good performance but, and I hate to say it, Woking will likely get relegated on that form. All credit to TRFC though. You can only beat what's in front of you and we did it in decent style today.

Hoots Mon
Hoots Mon
08/08/2017 23:49
Quote:
Higgosboots
Good result, but we need to stop conceding from nothing when in total control.

Theirs was a good goal.Superb cross and good glancing header into the corner. Hard to blame the defence. It was a dampener at the end of the first half but that's all.

kennyspint
kennyspint
09/08/2017 00:00
Great performance from Rovers. Dont think Woking were that bad just couldn't live with us tonight. But they were horrible in their fouling and time wasting until they went two down.

Hoots Mon
Hoots Mon
09/08/2017 00:07
Quote:
Jack of all Trades
As you say plenty of positives.
I thought generally Ritchie Sutton and Jay McEveley dealt with Effiong who looked massive!! very well but, failure to stop the cross cost us the goal.

Cooky showed why he should be the first name on the team sheet, Ollie Norburn reminded me of a young James Wallace circa 2013.

I am sorry to have to comment on the referee (Karl Evans)who again IMO, was very poor, yet another blatant penalty missed (foul on Jack Dunn first half)the defender was the last man by a good way and just a booking for the terribly late tackle on Jay Harris (who I thought was back to his best)

Still room for improvement but a very good team performance.

It wasn't a foul on Jack Dunn-their defender got the ball first.Dunn should have shot earlier .
I was told by somebody sitting behind me that refs are instructed to check the severity of any injury before administering a card if appropriate. With the tackle on Jay Harris,there was a very loud sound of foot hitting ball.though whose foot and how much of the ball,is debateable.

The last man scenario-you are right but the refs eyeline may have been distracted by a defender who was sort of level but a good few yards further over the pitch but there was no way he'd have got across to tackle/stop Dunn

I thought that Mr Evans by the standards that we have seen in his previous performances,did better than normal. As far as I'm aware,apart from the Bromley game where he sent Buxton off,we have won every game that he has officiated in.

It was an excellent team performance-some of the passing and movement was as good as any seen at PP for a long time and we could have had a good few more. Woking had a good go when they were 3-1 down and Davies had to make two or three excellent saves. Same team on Saturday please.

Norburn for me was the outstanding player in the first half although he faded a bit in the second. Jay Harris was very good too. Cook did very well up front on his own but naturally ran out of steam after about 65 minutes.

But they all played well.Effiong and McEveley were almost seemingly draped over each other at times but our central two dealt with him well.

MESSAGES->author
Matt34
09/08/2017 00:31
Quote:
jonesy792
I would say that's our strongest XI but with Tolitt in for Dunn and McNulty for Sutton

I would expect Tollit to feature at some point, as he made a great impact last season and had a scoring touch as well.

Great result in the end, although I was a little concerned after their goal, as I was hoping there wouldn't be a second half 2 point steal, but credit to the team McEveley scored a great header and put the result to bed.

I had good hopes for him and I think he'll be a really good added ingredient in the mix, but all round can't really fault the team performance and hopefully it is the catalyst for some momentum that will see the team top the table and more importantly, goals from everywhere which will be a necessary hing as the season wears on.

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

MESSAGES->author
Old Rover
09/08/2017 01:46
Quote:
jonesy792
Entertaining game.
Norburn my man of the match. Great movement , passing and scored a cracker.

Impressed with Hughes in deeper role.

Great composed finish from Cook, and with Dunn and Jennings either side (both were a handful) I thought we looked good all over the park.

I would say that's our strongest XI but with Tolitt in for Dunn and McNulty for Sutton
Agree with Tollit but not McNulty

DevonExile
DevonExile
09/08/2017 07:39
I do wonder whether McNulty results in the back line having to sit deeper to accommodate his game. The link between defence and midfield seemed better although Wokings willingness to stand off may have been a contributory factor
Last night showed the value of Cook and he worked hard so putting constant pressure on defenders. It may be too soon to judge Alabi but not too soon to judge that Cook is of greater importance

Higgosboots
Higgosboots
09/08/2017 08:31
Quote:
Hoots Mon
Quote:
Higgosboots
Good result, but we need to stop conceding from nothing when in total control.

Theirs was a good goal.Superb cross and good glancing header into the corner. Hard to blame the defence. It was a dampener at the end of the first half but that's all.

It was a good goal, we just seem to have a habit of it, up until then they created a bit but didn't look like scoring in so much as the defence had it under control, but the defence did switch off.

roger mellie
roger mellie
09/08/2017 08:49
Not a big fan of 4-3-3. A bit Brabin-esque. One striker; Cookie isolated; no width; and Jennings out of position. But once we scored we controlled the game and played some of the best passing/keep possession football you are likely to see at this level. Carved them open on numerous occasions - shame we weren't more clinical in front of goal - it could have been a rugby score.

Quote:
Higgosboots
Quote:
Hoots Mon
Quote:
Higgosboots
Good result, but we need to stop conceding from nothing when in total control.

Theirs was a good goal.Superb cross and good glancing header into the corner. Hard to blame the defence. It was a dampener at the end of the first half but that's all.

It was a good goal, we just seem to have a habit of it, up until then they created a bit but didn't look like scoring in so much as the defence had it under control, but the defence did switch off.

It was poor defending.

MESSAGES->author
2 the moon
09/08/2017 12:19
Quote:
roger mellie
Not a big fan of 4-3-3. A bit Brabin-esque. One striker; Cookie isolated; no width; and Jennings out of position. But once we scored we controlled the game and played some of the best passing/keep possession football you are likely to see at this level. Carved them open on numerous occasions - shame we weren't more clinical in front of goal - it could have been a rugby score.
fully agree. He looked isolated and early on we looked like we were missing Nors. But like you said once we scored....

MESSAGES->author
hong kong rover
09/08/2017 12:50
I see that leyton orient had an attendance of 4,411 last night for their first ever home game in the NL. A little bit less than the prenton gate last night.. ourselves, wrexham and orient battling for best attendance figures this season.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2017:08:09:12:52:43 by hong kong rover.

MESSAGES->author
Phil65
09/08/2017 12:54
An excellent performance in a game we dominated. Some quality passing which gave Woking the run around; they did try to close down, but seemed to give up such was the strength of our inter-play. Definitely one of our best performances for a long time with regards to keeping possession and being creative with the possession. If we continue in that vein I'm confident we will go up. Yes, we can bemoan their goal; it was a good finish, but it was a free header; just feel this shouldn't over-shadow the very pleasing performance. Norburn and Mceveley look excellent acquisitions. Cook must lead the line in my eyes, great goal and ran himself into the ground for the cause. McNulty and Norwood missing the game might be seen as a blessing in disguise, but I still feel they'll play an integral part if we are to have a successful season. Our midfield looks so much more energetic and our fitness in general looked good. Thanks for the tonic Rovers and bring on Sutton!

MESSAGES->author
sparky100
09/08/2017 13:25
I thought Sutton was playing Phil!!!

Borough Roaderd
Tranmere69
09/08/2017 13:31
Good to read so many positive comments from you all.Won't see a game until B'Wood !SWA

Hoots Mon
Hoots Mon
09/08/2017 14:14
This is the report in the Woking local paper. Pretty fair and accurate[apart from 49th minute incident wrong player] compared to many others:-

Adam Leary - 8th August 2017

One goal not enough when 3 is the impressive Rovers' return Tranmere Rovers 3 Woking 1
Vanarama National League
8th August 2017

Tranmere Rovers lived up to their billing as favourites to win the National League with a strong display which saw Woking slump to their first defeat of the season in Wirral. Charlie Carter’s header towards the end of the first half looked to have given the Cards a lifeline back into the contest, but a header from former Scotland International Jay McEveley midway through the second half ensured victory for the home side.

Anthony Limbrick made just one change from the opening day win over Gateshead, with Charlie Carter replacing the injured Fabio Saraiva, whom he came on for during the second half at Kingfield. Jordan Wynter was added to the bench.

Tranmere, who went into the season following a 2016/17 double whammy of runners up spots - to Lincoln City in the league and then Forest Green Rovers in the Wembley play off final, have made no secret of their desire to go one better this season. Rovers boss Mickey Mellon made three changes from the side which earned a goalless draw at Torquay on Saturday. Two enforced changes, with Ritchie Sutton and Andy Cook replacing Steve McNulty and Oliver Norwood, who both saw red in the season opener. Elsewhere, Jack Dunn, formerly of Liverpool, came in for James Alabi, who Cards fans will remember lining up against them for Chester last season.

The first effort of the game came from the home side, with Connor Jennings shooting sharply from distance and forcing Baxter into a smart save, given the slick playing surface caused by pre match drizzle. This effort notwithstanding, Woking started this match brightly, looking to implement a high pressing game with an attacking midfield triumvirate of Joe Ward, Charlie Carter and Bobson Bawling all looking to press the Rovers backline into errors. Louis Ramsey also showed some encouraging signs of being able to burst forward well from right back.

At the other end, Nathan Baxter was called into action when a long diagonal ball came into the box from Ridehalgh, aiming for Andy Cook - so prolific last season. Baxter judged the cross well, meeting the ball with a firm fist under pressure from the former Barrow front man. Woking had their first attempt on goal in the 15th minute, Bawling linking up well with Carter, who let fly from the edge of the box. Unfortunately, the shot went high into the Bebington Kop behind the goal.

After 16 minutes, Tranmere nearly took the lead. Cook and Dunn linked up well, and just as Dunn looked set to shoot Nathan Ralph made a fine last ditch tackle. The loose ball fell to Cook, who was then denied by a sturdy block from Orlu.

2 minutes later, Rovers did take the lead, and Woking will be desperately disappointed with the way the goal came about. An innocuous ball down the Woking right saw first Josh Staunton, and then Richard Orlu, fail to deal with a bouncing ball under pressure from the combative Cook. The Tranmere striker advanced into the box, dummied to shoot leaving Baxter grounded, and then slotted home past the goalkeeper and despairing lunge from Ralph. Orlu and Staunton protested to the referee about a handball in the build up, but the official waved away the protests. The new central defensive pairing for Woking will feel they should have dealt with the threat, regardless of any perceived infringement.

The goal rocked the visitors and boosted the home side, who started moving the ball with increased confidence. Woking struggled to get the ball up to Inih Effiong whilst Chez Isaac and Joey Jones struggled with the pressure applied by the Rovers midfield.

After 30 minutes the home side doubled their lead. Ollie Norburn cut in from the right hand side and unleashed a fierce low drive from outside the box. Baxter, diving to his left, got a hand to the ball but could only divert it in off the post.

It was important for the Cards to avoid the concession of a third goal in the remaining minutes of the half. Just when they seemed to settle for capping their ambitions accordingly, they fashioned some attacking pressure of their own. Ward showed some good skill to beat Buxton on the left flank, the winger appearing to be fouled, however the referee Mr. Evans decided not to award a free kick. Rather than sulk, Ward opted to channel his frustration to fine effect, fashioning a yard of space and whipping in a teasing right foot cross from the left. The cross was met by a perfectly-timed run from Charlie Carter, who burst into the box and headed the ball superbly past the outstretched left arm of Scott Davies. A fine header, finishing a fine cross after 42 minutes.

The timing of the goal would have likely changed the tone of Anthony Limbrick’s half time team talk, as to that point Woking had largely been second best.

Half-time: Tranmere Rovers 2 Woking 1

Neither manager made any changes at half time. Woking started the half on the back foot and in the 49th minute were given a let-off from the referee. Staunton, who had a difficult night, hesitated again and failed to collect a loose ball just inside the Woking half. The ball was seized upon by Cook who ran towards goal. Staunton lunged for the ball but missed it, cleaning out the Rovers striker. The official reached for his pocket and elected to show Staunton a yellow card, to the chagrin of the home support.

In the 59th minute Limbrick made the first Woking change, with Kane Ferdinand replacing Chez Isaac, who struggled with the fluency and movement in the Tranmere midfield. A minute after the substitution, the Cards conceded a corner. The ball was delivered by Dunn and met by the head of Jay McEveley who had evaded the Woking markers to plant his header into the net.

Woking made a second substitution shortly after, Jamie Philpot replacing the goalscorer Carter, and taking up his position just behind Effiong. The Millwall loanee looked bright and made a difference to the Cards attack, linking up well with Bawling after a quick free kick. Bawling’s deep cross was kept alive at the far post by Ralph, who looked to square for Effiong who was then penalised for a high foot.

Bawling forced Davies into a decent save when he cut in from the right and fired a left foot shot across the face of goal, the resultant ball back in from Ward fell to Philpot, who couldn’t fashion a shot at goal.

As Woking tried to find a way back into the contest, there were inevitably opportunities for Tranmere to create chances of their own. On 74 minutes a fine move from the home side, involving the impressive left back Ridehalgh, saw a firm cross headed wide from Cook from 10 yards. The home side then made a couple of changes, underlining the attacking options at the disposal of Mickey Mellon, with James Alabi and Andy Mangan introduced.

Woking did their best to create some openings and apply pressure, asking Bawling and Ward to switch flanks. A few crosses into the box from Ward and Ralph offered hope, but in truth it was Tranmere who posed the greater threat. Mangan forced a fine save from Baxter following a right foot volley, and Ridehalgh, excellent on the night for the home team, fired wide after an excellent one-two with Mangan.

Three minutes of stoppage time offered little of note other than a late booking for Louis Ramsey, before the referee drew the match to a close. Tranmere, on this form, will take some beating in the National League this season. For Woking, they will take comfort in putting a tough fixture behind what is still a young team finding its feet in the company of top National League opposition.

Tranmere Rovers: Scott Davies, Adam Buxton, Liam Ridehalgh, Ritchie Sutton, Jay McEveley, Jay Harris, Andy Cook (James Alabi 75), Connor Jennings, Ollie Norburn, Jack Dunn (Andrew Mangan 75), Jeff Hughes ©

Subs not used: George Waring, Evan Gumbs, Luke Pilling

Goals: Cook (18), Norburn (31), McEveley (60)

Bookings: None

Woking: Nathan Baxter, Louis Ramsay, Nathan Ralph, Joey Jones, Josh Staunton, Richard Orlu, Bobson Bawling, Chez Isaac (Kane Ferdinand 58), Inih Effiong, Charlie Carter (Jamie Philpot 62), Joe Ward

Subs not used: Jordan Wynter, Sam Mason, Matt Young

Goals: Charlie Carter (43)

Bookings: Staunton, Philpot, Ramsey

Attendance: 4,698

My MOTM: Nathan Baxter. Whilst the young stopper will be disappointed at failing to stop Norburn’s strike, he generally coped well with the physical threat posed by Cook and made some good stops which kept Woking in the game in the second half.

MESSAGES->author
hong kong rover
09/08/2017 14:25
thks for that hoots, bobson bawling, that's some name

MESSAGES->author
hong kong rover
09/08/2017 14:59
Bobson Bawling v Nortei Nortey lol

RonnyBE
RonnyBE
09/08/2017 22:18
Satisfactory game. We can't expect not a single mistake being made, the Woking striker had too much space on the goal (and scored nicely) but as mentioned before, there's plenty of good stuff to remember. Thumbs up to Cookie, he looked very relieved upon the goal - let's hope he can confirm it against Sutton but the drive certainly is there. At the other hand, a moment of my thoughts for Alabi as well; his minutes looked unfortunate but we'll need him this season so let's hope he can snap into it.

Quote:
853OKG
Unfortunately the old bad habit of losing concentration near the end of a half has struck again. Awful goal to concede. Nice solo gosl by Cook and great shot by norburn.

I did a small check on the goals we took in last year in the League and if there's a problem it's in the start of the half, not in the end. Took in only 2 of the 39 in between minute 30 and 45 whilst we had 5 against in the first five minutes and four against in between 45 and 50...

Quote:
RonnyBE
Satisfactory game. We can't expect not a single mistake being made, the Woking striker had too much space on the goal (and scored nicely) but as mentioned before, there's plenty of good stuff to remember. Thumbs up to Cookie, he looked very relieved upon the goal - let's hope he can confirm it against Sutton but the drive certainly is there. At the other hand, a moment of my thoughts for Alabi as well; his minutes looked unfortunate but we'll need him this season so let's hope he can snap into it.
Quote:
853OKG
Unfortunately the old bad habit of losing concentration near the end of a half has struck again. Awful goal to concede. Nice solo gosl by Cook and great shot by norburn.

I did a small check on the goals we took in last year in the League and if there's a problem it's in the start of the half, not in the end. Took in only 2 of the 39 in between minute 30 and 45 whilst we had 5 against in the first five minutes and four against in between 45 and 50...

Fair enough. Still a lack of concentration and an opportunity to improve either side of a half.

P.s. that doesnt mean i didnt appreciate the positive play. Just an area that needs tweeking.

If the team wants to be champions....



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2017:08:09:23:46:02 by 853OKG.

MESSAGES->author
Matt34
10/08/2017 00:23
Quote:
hong kong rover
I see that leyton orient had an attendance of 4,411 last night for their first ever home game in the NL. A little bit less than the prenton gate last night.. ourselves, wrexham and orient battling for best attendance figures this season.

I can still see Tranmere topping that table at the end of the season, although I'd rather Tranmere finish first and go up with the second best attendances, than finish second and lose in the playoffs but have the best attendances.

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

MESSAGES->author
hong kong rover
10/08/2017 15:10
just viewed the 12 min highlights of the woking game on you tube. some of our passing looked decent and we put a couple of decent balls into the box. it sure looked like the woking no 5 was the last man when he brought dunn down in the 2nd half, shouldn't that have been a red card? I noticed the andy cook goal celebration when the rovers players were jumping on his back, cooky looked pumped up and angry. was this his anger to MM and a statement from cooky to say come on gaffer u should be picking me every week? anyway great result rovers.

Uglybob
Uglybob
10/08/2017 15:35
Quote:
hong kong rover
just viewed the 12 min highlights of the woking game on you tube. some of our passing looked decent and we put a couple of decent balls into the box. it sure looked like the woking no 5 was the last man when he brought dunn down in the 2nd half, shouldn't that have been a red card? I noticed the andy cook goal celebration when the rovers players were jumping on his back, cooky looked pumped up and angry. was this his anger to MM and a statement from cooky to say come on gaffer u should be picking me every week? anyway great result rovers.
The thing with the tackle on Dunn ( which was right in front of us in the lower Kop ) was , in my mind anyway , that their No5 actually took the ball before contacting with Dunn . And if that was the case then it wasn't a foul. Could be wrong though .

MESSAGES->author
hong kong rover
10/08/2017 15:52
Quote:
Uglybob
Quote:
hong kong rover
just viewed the 12 min highlights of the woking game on you tube. some of our passing looked decent and we put a couple of decent balls into the box. it sure looked like the woking no 5 was the last man when he brought dunn down in the 2nd half, shouldn't that have been a red card? I noticed the andy cook goal celebration when the rovers players were jumping on his back, cooky looked pumped up and angry. was this his anger to MM and a statement from cooky to say come on gaffer u should be picking me every week? anyway great result rovers.
The thing with the tackle on Dunn ( which was right in front of us in the lower Kop ) was , in my mind anyway , that their No5 actually took the ball before contacting with Dunn . And if that was the case then it wasn't a foul. Could be wrong though .

ive had another look at it again bob, looks like he brought him down to me but I could be wrong though, lol.. it was a lazy n casual pass back from the woking no2 which the no 5 wasn't anticipating thus putting him in trouble and dunn was able to pounce on the mistake. I think the argument is that if he was the last man then why did the ref only brandish a yellow. back to the cooky goal celebration was his anger directed at MM or Ollie norburn who was climbing on his back?



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 2017:08:10:16:02:44 by hong kong rover.

Uglybob
Uglybob
10/08/2017 16:23
Quote:
hong kong rover
Quote:
Uglybob
Quote:
hong kong rover
just viewed the 12 min highlights of the woking game on you tube. some of our passing looked decent and we put a couple of decent balls into the box. it sure looked like the woking no 5 was the last man when he brought dunn down in the 2nd half, shouldn't that have been a red card? I noticed the andy cook goal celebration when the rovers players were jumping on his back, cooky looked pumped up and angry. was this his anger to MM and a statement from cooky to say come on gaffer u should be picking me every week? anyway great result rovers.
The thing with the tackle on Dunn ( which was right in front of us in the lower Kop ) was , in my mind anyway , that their No5 actually took the ball before contacting with Dunn . And if that was the case then it wasn't a foul. Could be wrong though .

ive had another look at it again bob, looks like he brought him down to me but I could be wrong though, lol.. it was a lazy n casual pass back from the woking no2 which the no 5 wasn't anticipating thus putting him in trouble and dunn was able to pounce on the mistake. I think the argument is that if he was the last man then why did the ref only brandish a yellow. back to the cooky goal celebration was his anger directed at MM or Ollie norburn who was climbing on his back?
I think HKR that is was a bit of Tiger Woods fist pumping . Don't think it was anger at MM or Norburn . Just a bit of ' Touch for that ' !

Uglybob
Uglybob
10/08/2017 16:26
Quote:
Uglybob
Quote:
hong kong rover
Quote:
Uglybob
Quote:
hong kong rover
just viewed the 12 min highlights of the woking game on you tube. some of our passing looked decent and we put a couple of decent balls into the box. it sure looked like the woking no 5 was the last man when he brought dunn down in the 2nd half, shouldn't that have been a red card? I noticed the andy cook goal celebration when the rovers players were jumping on his back, cooky looked pumped up and angry. was this his anger to MM and a statement from cooky to say come on gaffer u should be picking me every week? anyway great result rovers.
The thing with the tackle on Dunn ( which was right in front of us in the lower Kop ) was , in my mind anyway , that their No5 actually took the ball before contacting with Dunn . And if that was the case then it wasn't a foul. Could be wrong though .

ive had another look at it again bob, looks like he brought him down to me but I could be wrong though, lol.. it was a lazy n casual pass back from the woking no2 which the no 5 wasn't anticipating thus putting him in trouble and dunn was able to pounce on the mistake. I think the argument is that if he was the last man then why did the ref only brandish a yellow. back to the cooky goal celebration was his anger directed at MM or Ollie norburn who was climbing on his back?
I think HKR that is was a bit of Tiger Woods fist pumping . Don't think it was anger at MM or Norburn . Just a bit of ' Touch for that ' !
The Refs decision seems to me to be non decisive . If it was a foul then the No5 was the last man so it should have been a red . If it wasn't a foul he shouldn't have booked him at all.

MESSAGES->author
hong kong rover
10/08/2017 16:34
Quote:
Uglybob
Quote:
Uglybob
Quote:
hong kong rover
Quote:
Uglybob
Quote:
hong kong rover
just viewed the 12 min highlights of the woking game on you tube. some of our passing looked decent and we put a couple of decent balls into the box. it sure looked like the woking no 5 was the last man when he brought dunn down in the 2nd half, shouldn't that have been a red card? I noticed the andy cook goal celebration when the rovers players were jumping on his back, cooky looked pumped up and angry. was this his anger to MM and a statement from cooky to say come on gaffer u should be picking me every week? anyway great result rovers.
The thing with the tackle on Dunn ( which was right in front of us in the lower Kop ) was , in my mind anyway , that their No5 actually took the ball before contacting with Dunn . And if that was the case then it wasn't a foul. Could be wrong though .

ive had another look at it again bob, looks like he brought him down to me but I could be wrong though, lol.. it was a lazy n casual pass back from the woking no2 which the no 5 wasn't anticipating thus putting him in trouble and dunn was able to pounce on the mistake. I think the argument is that if he was the last man then why did the ref only brandish a yellow. back to the cooky goal celebration was his anger directed at MM or Ollie norburn who was climbing on his back?
I think HKR that is was a bit of Tiger Woods fist pumping . Don't think it was anger at MM or Norburn . Just a bit of ' Touch for that ' !
The Refs decision seems to me to be non decisive . If it was a foul then the No5 was the last man so it should have been a red . If it wasn't a foul he shouldn't have booked him at all.

yes I agree , exactly bob

MESSAGES->author
hong kong rover
10/08/2017 16:51
it was good to see a couple of telling crosses from rovers down the left hand side, one sent over from Jennings and the other from ridelagh. that's what we all want to see and with cooky on the end of them too. wide play and good balls into the box is what puts NL defences in all sorts of trouble and under pressure.

Uglybob
Uglybob
10/08/2017 17:03
Quote:
hong kong rover
it was good to see a couple of telling crosses from rovers down the left hand side, one sent over from Jennings and the other from ridelagh. that's what we all want to see and with cooky on the end of them too. wide play and good balls into the box is what puts NL defences in all sorts of trouble and under pressure.
Yeah , I think Alabi is gonna put defences under pressure as well with his presence , he seems a powerful lad .

rover87
rover87
10/08/2017 22:20
Interesting quotes from MM after the game talking to Matt Jones saying he wasnt happy with Cooks fitness levels last year 'I dont think he covered enough grass for the jobs i needed' sounds like tough love to me goes on to say hes pleased with the way hes conducted himself pre season long may it continue best goal scorer weve had in years SWA

roger mellie
roger mellie
11/08/2017 11:25
Horses for courses.
Cook is a 30 goal a season striker.
Goals = promotion.
Who cares if he doesn't run around like he is possessed.
I think managers sometimes need to look beyond the pages of their FA coaching manual and be more pragmatic

MESSAGES->author
Matt34
11/08/2017 23:58
Quote:
roger mellie
Cook is a 30 goal a season striker.

I think he has the potential to be so, but to say he is when he scored 23 last season, is a little overzealous and I mean no ill to you by saying that.

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

MESSAGES->author
Phil65
12/08/2017 07:59
Quote:
Matt34
Quote:
roger mellie
Cook is a 30 goal a season striker.

I think he has the potential to be so, but to say he is when he scored 23 last season, is a little overzealous and I mean no ill to you by saying that.

Without his injury and without falling out of favour, I've no doubt he would have hit the 30 mark.

the kav
the kav
12/08/2017 13:25
Quote:
hong kong rover
thks for that hoots, bobson bawling, that's some name

Dont forget oliver norwood

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