Tranmere 4-0 Oldham

Last updated : 12 August 2005 By Matthew Jones
Oldham came to Prenton Park with a 100% record so far in League One this season, having just won 3-2 away to Swindon. But they found it hard going at Prenton Park, where an un-forgiving Tranmere side capitalized on every Oldham mistake (nearly if you count a couple of Sky-High shots from Iain Hume out!) and Rovers eventually eased to a 4-0 going.

However, Tranmere didn't have it all their own way. Only 1-0 up at half-time through a fantastic acrobatic effort from Chris Greenacre, netting with an over head kick from a Sam Aiston cross minutes before half time.
This was about Tranmere's only shot on target in the first half. Iain Hume had three chances, of which the hardest went on target, although it was easily saved. Hume's two other efforts were put high into the Cowshed, occupied by around 1,500 travelling Oldham fans.
Tranmere had their lucky moments in the first half aswell as Oldham. Andy Liddle, should he have been selfish, could have (and probably would have) netted to put Oldham 1-0 up midway through the first half and Jason McAteer was lucky not to get sent off, after having a fit (and quite rightly) with the referee. However, Captain Jase only recieved a yellow card for his troubles.

The second half was much more exciting, finally getting the Rovers faithful chanting more than those travelling from Lancashire.

Sam Aiston and Gareth Roberts on the wings getting the better of Oldham full-backs, Sam Aiston putting in possibly his best performance in a Rovers shirt. Devistating runs and crosses were frustrating Oldham, espessially the Oldham right-back, Tierney, who got yellow carded. Then offended atleast 10 more times yet the poor referee didn't send off the mass-fouler.

Tranmere's first of three second half goals came from center back and rare-appearer on the score-sheet, Ian Sharps. Sharps netted a superb header from around the penalty spot from a corner, then left-back Gareth Roberts netted the goal of the game. Iain Hume spotted the Welsh international free on the edge of the area, and played a almost perfect ball to Roberts. "Robbo" collected the ball, and from a tight-angle netted one of his specials, clsoing the curtains on any Oldham comeback.

With ten minutes left, pre-season star Steven Davies made his Rovers debut, and didn't dissapoint. A crunching tackle made his arrival clear to Oldham left-back Forbes, and almost got him booked, before he did get booked for not taking a corner, as he wanted Jennings to take it.
Minutes later, Davies should have won a penalty, after being tripped in the box, but seconds later Greenacre was fouled and awarded a penalty. Greeancre dispatched the penalty to put Rovers 4-0 and give them their first win of the season.


Jones' man of the Match: Tonight I give the award to Chris Greenacre. Some fantastic one touch football, brilliantly taken goal (plus a penalty) and amazing awareness were showed in a brilliant performance, earning him the award, which was closely contested tonight between Gareth Roberts, Sam Aiston and a suprisingly good performance from Ian Goodison (yet his passing and crossing were still poor).