Rovers destroy the Valients

Last updated : 01 April 2006 By Matthew Jones
Last night Tranmere destroyed Port Vale to complete the double over The Valients after a superb 3-0 win at Prenton Park.

Goals from Calvin Zola, Steven O'Leary and then a first home league goal for Steve Davies claimed Rovers a vital three points to put them almost safe from relegation.

Brian Little changed from 5-3-2 to 4-3-3, replacing an injured Matt Murray with Steve Wilson whilst Ian Goodison dropped out for Delroy Facey. Steve Davies replaced Wilson on the Bench.

Rovers managed their first shot on five minutes, when Greenacre crossed to Zola who's shot didn't have enough power to beat Vale 'keeper Mark Goodlad.

The pressure continued from Rovers, David Raven's drive blocked by Pilkington after a neat pass from McAteer.

Steve Wilson then pulled off a fantastic save from a Michael Cummins 25-yard drive, pushing the ball round the post for a corner.

On 13 minutes Rovers had another shot, as Steven Jennings broke into the area one on one with Goodlad after a great passing move involving Roberts, McAteer and Greenacre.

On 15 minutes Rovers had their best chance of the game yet. Facey crossed into the box after whistling past his man. On the end of his cross was Greenacre and when you would have put money on him scoring he hit well over from just a couple of yards.

Then just two minutes later, Greenacre had another chance to make it 19 goals for the season. After hard work from Zola, Greenacre found the ball at his feet and shot first time, just wide of the far post.

After another effort from Greenacre, Goodlad saved a low Facey shot on his line then a powerful 25-yard drive from Steven Jennings was just held on to by the Valients 'keeper.

on 28-minutes, Rovers finally got themselves a deserved goal. Zola found Greenacre on the wing who carried the ball before crossing to the Congolease striker who netted past Goodlad at his near post with his first touch.

Vale had their second chance of the game shortly after the re-start but Smith's shot was straight at Wilson who held on comfortably.

However, it was back to the continued Rovers pressure minutes later, Zola's shot saved by Goodlad after the striker had maded a powerful run from half-way.

At half time, Rovers were cruising, although it was only 1-0. Port Vale never really looked like scoring whilst Tranmere really should and could have been four, five or six ahead.

Ian Goodison replaced Ian Sharps at half time, as the strong defender had a thigh injury and Rovers continued where they'd finished the first half.

Goodison's substitute appearence appeared to be a brief one (almost as brief as a four minute appearence by Kieth Gillespie for Newcastle a few years ago!) after a powerful Nathan Lowndes hit Goodison square in the face from just a couple of yards away. It took a couple of minutes for the Jamaican to move but eventually he was back on his feet.

On 54 minutes, Gareth Roberts was brought down on the edge of the area, Jason McAteer took the free-kick but struck it straight at the wall whilst minutes later from the same position Jennings hit inches wide of Goodlad's post.

On 59-minutes, Rovers finally made their possession and shot count matter as Steven O'Leary struck a second.

After a brilliant run down the right, Delroy Facey crossed to Calvin Zola at the far post.  Zola, who was almost on his knee's as he was being tugged down by two Vale defenders put a perfectly weighted header back to O'Leary who finished cooly to take his Rovers goal tally to three.

Five minutes later Greenacre had another chance but his 20 yarder went high and wide into the Kop, but Rovers build up play to this shot had been particually patient.

A faultless Calvin Zola was perhaps harshly replaced for Steven Davies with little over 20 minutes to go and it was an acrobatic clearence by Davies in his own 6-yard box which cleared Port Vale danger after Goodison had cleared off the goal-line.

On 74 minutes Facey had a chance on the right but went for power instead of accuracy and his shot almost broke the post in two.

On 79 minutes Rovers finally got a well deserved third.  Steven Jennings, not for the first time, burst through the Valients defence and instead of shooting he squared the ball to Steve Davies.

Davies round a Vale defender and from just outside the area struck a low shot, which beat Goodlad at his near post when he probably should have done better. 

The goal from Davies was indeed his first competative goal for Tranmere at Prenton Park since he burst onto the scene last summer and it is perhaps a sign of things to come and a reminder to Brian Little of what the 18-year old can do.

Rovers could have grabbed a fourth and perhaps fifth in the final minutes as Raven hit the side netting from the right wing and then Greenacre surprisingly hit a volley which Goodlad tipped over.

However, it remained 3-0 to Rovers when they could have had five or six.  The score line looks as comfortable as it was for Rovers as Vale never really threatened which is why they are in trouble like Rovers.

Jones' Man of the Match:  A game where every single player was worthy of the award for outstanding performances, but for the second week running I shall give the award to Steven Jennings.

A fantastic performance in the middle of the park from the young midfielder, who made some fantastic tackles, passed brilliantly and in all did barely anything wrong on the night.