Rovers bounce back for defeat in style

Last updated : 17 September 2006 By Matthew Jones
Zola's first of the season starts ball rolling at Sixfields for Tranmere
After losing 2-1 midweek at Rotherham, Tranmere bounced back from defeat in style, beating John Gorman's Northampton Town 3-1 at Sixfields to move within a point of Nottm Forest at the top of League One.

Ronnie Moore was forced to make two changes to the side that lost at Millmoor on Tuesday, with Shane Cansdell-Sherriff and Chris Greenacre not fit to play. This meant that Calvin Zola started for the first time this season, whilst Carl Tremarco slotted in at left-back. Youngsters Mike Jones, Steve Jennings, Steve Davies and Ollie James all sat on the bench with John Achterberg.

Rovers started much the brighter, with Calvin Zola having a shot saved after just two minutes, following a good, quick counter attack involving Gavin Ward and Chris Shuker.

Minutes later, Northampton had their first chance, with Andy Kirk, their leading scorer, heading over from eight yards.

Gavin Ward's kicking was almost Rovers downfall on eight minutes, the complete opposite to what it was two weeks ago. The goalkeeper's clearence was sent straight to Kirk who controlled the ball and but shot straight at Ward, with Goodison clearing before he could react a second time.

Rovers took the lead on 14 minutes, with Calvin Zola netting his first of the season. After Taylor's flick on, Ellison centred the ball to Zola, who brought the ball down well, before muscling his way through the defence and curling the ball round the 'keeper from just outside the area.

However, the goal celebration was cause for some concern, as Kevin Ellison was poked in the eye by Calvin Zola and had to be replaced by Steve Davies on the left-wing.

On 23-minutes, Chris McCready made the tackle of the season so far, lunging when all looked lost to put the ball out for a corner in the penalty area, before Ward smothered the resulting corner after some slight confusion.

At this time, another Tranmere substitute was made, as Paul McLaren limped off to be replaced by Steve Jennings in the centre of midfield.

On 34-minutes, Rovers increased their advantage to two goals, after another well worked move. Calvin Zola heald up Chris McCready's long ball from defence, before playing it out wide to Shuker. The nippy winger played in an inch perfect cross which was headed home at the far post.

With a two goal lead, Rovers were now controlling the game, and pushing for a third goal before half time. John Mullin headed just wide from a Stockdale cross whilst Steve Davies had a shot deflected over for a corner on 44-minutes.

With seconds of the half left, Northampton had their best chance of the game so far, but Gavin Ward saved well when called into action from Jason Crowe's header.

At the start of the second half, Northampton looked revitzlised, as they pushed for a goal to get them back into the game.

The Cobblers had numerous attacks and chances, with the best chance falling to Scott McGleish just four yards out, who some how cleared the cross bar with his shot.

On 57-minutes, Rovers scored the goal which should have been curtains for the Cobblers. After build up play involving Zola, Mullin and Jennings, Steve Davies crossed in and the ball was handled, with the referee awarding Tranmere's first penalty since 28th December 2005, when Tranmere defeated Yeovil 4-1.

The ball bounced out to John Mullin, who collected it and put it on the penalty shot. After alot of fuss from the referee, Mullin was eventually allowed to take the penalty, sending the keeper the wrong way as he placed the ball low into the bottom left, infront of the travelling 525 Tranmere fans.

However, Northampton werestill pushing for a goal, and it was left to Gavin Ward to pull off a fine one handed save from Luke Chambers at his near post.

On 74-minutes, The Cobblers pulled one back, thanks to leading scorer Scott McGleish. A pin-point pass was played through the defence, and McGleish, after beating the off-side trap, passed the ball past Ward into the bottom right.

Northampton looked as if they could get another back to make a real game of it, but their best chance fell to Andy Kirk, who's shot was defleted on to the post and out for a corner by captain for the day Ian Goodison.

Much to the relief of the Rovers fans, the referee blew his whistle after what seemed like six or seven minutes of injury time, as Tranmere earned another three points on the road.

Ronnie Moore must understandably have been delighted with the performance, as Tranmere won despite having four senior players in McLaren, Ellison, Greenacre and Sherriff missing for most if not all of the game.

Moore would have been even moore delighted, as Carlisle United heald Nottm Forest to a draw, meaning Tranmere moved within a point of the league leaders, and four points ahead of third placed Bristol City after Port Vale lost.

Jones' Man Of The Match: Everybody played well again, but Calvin Zola excelled upfront in his first start of the season. The striker took his goal magnificently, something that perhaps he would not have done last season. He showed strength when on the ball and his first touch looked hugely improved from the player who went by the same name at Tranmere last season.