HockeyBhoy - Comments

Having qualified automatically for the Finals in Switzerland thanks to a last day decider, we didn't have to contend with the play-offs. Instead we hosted a friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Wrexham. This is how we got on.

Tuesday 12 November 2024

The new look Wales Under 21 side took to the field in Wrexham for a friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovnia as they prepare for next summer European Under 21 Championships in Switzerland, the second time they have qualified. With four debutants in the starting eleven, and seven more on the bench, there was a sense of intrigue to see what they would do. Those worries would prove unfounded as the home nation strolled to a comfortable win against their visitors.

Wales took the lead as early as the ninth minute when John Eaton's left wing cross was superbly volleyed home by Dion Tipton of TNS. They would double the lead in the 20th minute when Tipton this time turned provider, his cross being headed into his own net by Bojan Vojvodic despite the frantic attempts of Aleksandar Gajic to save the day. The game was as good as over when the prolific Russell Burton got his customary goal after 41 minutes play. The goal coming from a nice cross by Manchester United's Lloyd Bellamy and the Cardiff youngster slid in to finish at the near post. That makes it 15 goals in 17 appearances for the 19 year old.

Duell opted to make a raft of changes in the second half as he made use of the full squad at his disposal. These changes saw the revised line up concede for the only time after 63 minutes, Mirza Hajdarevic scoring with a nicely placed effort. The three goal advantage was restored with 14 minutes to go when Jamie Cotterill threaded the ball through the away defence for Matty Williams to burst in and score his first international goal. Then with five minutes left, Wales went nap with another splendid goal. This time, Curtis Yates picked out Cotterill and the Carlisle winger blasted home an effort that went in off the underside of the bar.

Wales' attention now shifts towards to the end of November when they will learn which countries they will face in the Finals. One thing is for sure, it won't be easy.

Wales Under-21 manager Mark Duell today released his 23 man squad for their friendly international against Bosnia and Herzegovnia. There are a plethora of new faces as the squad is reshaped due to age restriction and injury. The full squad is as follows:.

Goalkeepers:
Scott Williams (Bury)
Gareth Ryan (Swansea City)
Adam Evans (Cardiff City)

Defenders:
Jamie McKinnon (Swansea City)
Dale Radford (Swansea City)
Jeff Lloyd (Cardiff City)
Tom McCarthy (Cardiff City)
James Bloom (Cardiff City)
Danny Ellis (Cardiff City)
Lloyd Bellamy (Manchester United)
Andrew Jones (Middlesbrough)

Midfielders:
Tommy Hill (Cardiff City)
Matty Williams (Burnley)
Dion Tipton (TNS)
Anthony Stevenson (Chelmsford City)
Curtis Yates (Sunderland)
Tim Tantram (Walsall)
John Eaton (Colchester United)
Cory Bond (Swansea City)
Jamie Cotterill (Carlisle United)

Strikers:
Michael Sadler (Newport County)
Phil Saunders (Connah's Quay Nomads)
Russell Burton (Cardiff City)

The game will be played at the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham, on 12 November 2024 with the draw for the Finals in Switzerland to be made on 30 November 2024.

Could Jake Collier be on the move?


Well if stories coming out of Glasgow are true, then maybe the young striker.

The 19 year old St. Helens born striker has attracted the attention Rangers manager Derek McInnes, who has admitted that he is keen to bring him to Ibrox. Coliier, who has four goals this season to his name, really broke through in last season's National League winning campaign and now has apparently got a host of clubs wanting him to sign for them.

Other clubs rumoured to be interested in signing the striker include Edinburgh rivals Hibernian and Heart of Midlothian as well as Championship big names Nottingham Forest, Sheffield Wednesday and West Bromwich Albion.

The striker signed a new deal this summer taking him to the summer of 2027 and is valued at £1.3 million by the Rovers although there's a reputed clause in that deal that might allow him to move for £725,000.

Rovers manager Mark Duell refused to comment on the story when we asked him; suggesting that he is unwilling to part with one of the best young talents at the Club in recent years.

Preview: November 2024 Fixtures

This is how the month of November is set to pan out.

After a 14 day break from our last outing against Bradford City, we start our Emirates FA Cup campaign against Darlington at Blackwell Meadows. I think we really underestimated them in pre-season when they came from behind to beat us 5-3 so there's not going to be a repeat. I'll be putting out a very strong side out against the Quakers for sure. Personally I want to make the Third Round stage again even if the board wanted just to be in the First. Don't think they, or the supporters, would be happy if we were the victims of a giant killing.

Once that's out of the way, we conclude our Checkatrade campaign for the season by going to Fleetwood. The home side have already qualified, we're already out...it's a proper dead rubber type of game to be honest. Now if we could finish on a high that would set us up nicely for the bread and butter of the league which comes next.

Three games in ten days round off November with a home game sandwiching two trips down to the South West. We first go to the real St James Park in my opinion and know full well that Exeter will give us a real good test. Our last trip there was a FA Cup First Round replay in the 2021-22 season, two Jayden Stockley goals seeing them through to the second round where Bury would in turn beat them.

Our sole home game is when Maidstone United come a visiting. They're in their second season back in the Football League since winning the National League in 2022-23, and finished 17th last campaign. We've won the last five meetings between the sides which would be a nice stat to keep going but like any team, we cannot underestimate them as they might want to put the record right from their side.

November ends with a second trip to the South West, this time to play Plymouth Argyle. Home Park is another stadium where we haven't done well recently, a 1-0 loss in August 2022 being our last trip and you have to go back even further to find out when we last actually won there. That being in February 2011 when we triumphed 3-1! With them in the promotion hunt, this will be another testing away encounter which we hope we can get something out of.

Let's see how it goes, eh?

Time to see who won what in the latest League Two Monthly Awards:

Manager of the Month:

Good things are worth waiting for, eh? At the third time of asking this season, I have managed to get my first ever League Two Manager of the Month award. As Bart Simpson would say: "Eat my shorts man!"

Player of the Month:

The skipper has been in inspired form during October and really deserves this award. I do wish he would sit down and agree a new contract with us, after he's gotta be delighted on how the club is doing now compared to when he put in his transfer request in May 2023

Young Player of the Month:

On loan from Bolton Wanderers, the striker gets it for his goals. Funny how he drew a blank when we played them...

Goal of the Month: Graham Woodward (Blackpool)

And it's a double for him, Chester's goalkeeper must not have been concentrating to let him score from 30 yards out no matter how powerfully he struck the ball.

Welcome to the second part of October's review.


After the impressive away showing, we entertained Chesterfield next at Prenton Park and what a thriller it was. We took the lead in the 25th minute of the game when a low cross from carlo Banks found Aaron Pressley on the edge of the six yard box and the son of "Elvis" spun and turned his marker on the proverbial sixpence before firing in a low shot that caught the keeper leadenfooted. This after Chesterfield had had a goal of their own disallowed for offside in the opening minute and we had lost Neco Williams to a badly twisted ankle which would keep the former Anfield trainee out for a month. Things got better either side of half time as we sailed into a three goal lead. First of all Pressley bagged his second of the game with a real poacher's effort from close range after Yann Songo'o headed a Paul Mullin corner down to him. Then with the second half just four minutes old, we went 3-0 ahead. Banks was tripped in the area by O'Keefe and Mullin stepped forward to convert the perfect spot kick.

Yet the Spireites were tough opposition all game and always looked dangerous in attack. The wonderfully named Iké Ugbo, born in London to Nigerian parents, reduced the arrears in the 53rd minute to 3-1 and then we had to endure a nervy finish too. That was because George Moncur scored with a deflected effort from distance with just four minutes left on the game clock. Yet we held on like our lives collectively depended on it for a very important three points.

Team: Dewhurst; Williams, Graham, Mbulu, Richards; Songo'o; Matthews, Murray ©; Carlo Banks, Mullin, Pressley. Substitutes: Nicholls (for Williams 13), Tee (for Murray 60), Sea (for Mullin 70), Ward, Collier, Reynolds, Scott.
Goalscorers: Pressley (25, 43), Mullin (pen 49)
Man of the Match: Aaron Pressley(Tranmere)
Attendance: 8605 (666 away)


More battling qualities were needed in our next league game as we recovered a two goal deficit to take a point from our trip to the Wham Stadium in Accrington. Stanley surprised us with a goal in their first chance of the game, Price's cross from the right found Jenkins in space and he made no mistake from close in. They added a second in the 34th minute, nine minutes after that opener. Some absolutely criminal defending by us allowed Sameron Dool to plant home a free header from a set piece which had been such a very useful weapon for us previously. Yet we regrouped and would go into half time just 2-1 down when Mullin sent Pressley and the young Scot strode on to finish with aplomb for his fourth of the season.

Harsh words were said at the break and it seemed to do the trick as we were back on parity at the hour mark. Young Les Matthews, whom I've given a bit of a run in the side, teed up his skipper Jon Murray at the edge of the area and his shot swerved away from the keeper to nestle into the bottom corner. Despite having the better of the play, we couldn't force a winner but maybe in hindsight one point is better than none at all. Another blow was that we lost Jake Nicholls to a gashed leg early in this game, meaning both the first and second choice right-backs are now injured!

Team: Dewhurst; Nicholls, Graham, Mbulu, Richards; Songo'o; Matthews, Murray ©; Carlo Banks, Mullin, Pressley. Substitutes: Reynolds (for Nicholls 17), Scott (for Carlo Banks 55), Tee (for Graham 88), Ward, Durrant, Collier, Sea.
Goalscorers: Pressley (43), Murray (60)
Man of the Match: Philip Price (Accrington)
Attendance: 2056 (628 Rovers)


Football is one of those games that if you take your chances then you'll definitely go on and win and so it proved against the Bantams. With both Williams and Nicholls out injured I was forced to draft Goerge Alfieri into the starting eleven at right-back despite the young Irishman being well short of match fitness and the fact Ryan Reynolds (yes, ol' Deadpool himself) told me he hates playing full back. But despite this we finished the month as we started it; with a win. We took the lead after 27 minutes when Matthews found Mullin in space and his fierce shot crashed into the net via the underside of the bar.

Two more goals followed in the second half to garner three more useful points. In the 58th minute, some neat play allowed skipper Murray to pick out the top corner with an arrowing effort for his third of the campaign. Then the points were secured 18 minutes from time when a corner from Mullin was met with a powerful header from Christian Mbulu and it was past the keeper in a flash for game over.

Team: Dewhurst; Alfieri, Graham, Mbulu, Richards; Songo'o; Matthews, Murray ©; Carlo Banks, Mullin, Pressley. Substitutes: Collier (for Pressley 37), Scott (for Carlo Banks 68), Tee (for Songo'o 75), Ward, Durrant, Sea, Reynolds.
Goalscorers: Mullin (27), Murray (58), Mbulu (72)
Booked: Alfieri (3), Songo'o (33), Richards (90)
Man of the Match: Paul Mullin (Tranmere)
Attendance: 9984 (2103 away)

So these are the current standings now October is out of the way:


Analysis: So ends what was another good month for us as we continue to defy the odds and stay atop of the division. Colchester are clinging onto our coat tails so to speak, ready to pounce if we slip up but the team are playing really well indeed. The fact we have a ten point gap over third is pleasing even if it is only October with fourth place a further three behind them. We've seemingly made a good start but good starts mean nothing if you can't keep the train rolling. Many a club has had a great start then fallen away like Devon Loch, we have to make sure that this does not happen to us if we want a second successive promotion. Can't complain about our attendances either, we're averaging almost 8500 a home game which is a sign to the board that if the team on the pitch are doing well then the people will come and watch.

One side note: We lost to Wycombe in game three this season, now look where they are in the table. Funny old game this football isn't it?

Quakers test for Rovers

Rovers today found their opponents in the First Round proper of this season's Emirates FA Cup.

We will be on our travels to the North East for a trip to Blackwell Meadows to face National League newcomers Darlington.

The two sides met in pre-season when the Quakers came from 2-0 down to eventually win 5-3 in a fascinating encounter. This tie will be played on Saturday 9 November 2024 with a 3:00pm kick off and away tickets will be on sale soon from the Ticket Office..

Welcome to the first part of October's review.


Two goals in five minutes in the closing stages proved to be enough for us as we completed a second win over the Seasiders and send their tower tumbling down. We took the lead in the 82nd minute when from a Myles Kenlock cross, substitute Cedwyn Scott saw his header parried by the keeper but the winger made no mistake at the second time of asking. It was Cedwyn's second goal of the season which has yet to catch fire like last season. The clincher came five minutes later when skipper Jon Murray clipped in a free kick, and Yann Songo'o stole a yard on his marker to volley into the roof of the net. Ben Beechey pulled one back for the home side with what was the last meaningful action of the game but three points are ours despite the home boss claiming we didn't deserve it. Sour grapes Keith!.

Team: Dewhurst; Nicholls, Graham, Mbulu, Kenlock; Songo'o; Durrant, Murray ©; Carlo Banks, Mullin, Sea. Substitutes: Collier (for Sea 57), Ofoborh (for Durrant 66), Scott (for Carlo Banks 74), Ward, Reynolds, Pressley, Williams.
Goalscorers: Scott (82), Songo'o (87)
Man of the Match: Yann Songo'o (Tranmere)
Attendance: 7630 (761 Rovers)


We had to work hard for the points against Cheltenham in our next game as they persistently tried to upset our traditional rhythm of free flowing football. In the end, one goal decided matters and it came early on too. Only four minutes had been played when we were awarded a free kick out on the left. Skipper Murray delivered as per, and this time it was left back Kenlock on hand to steer the ball into the net for his first goal for the Club. The Swindon loanee has certainly been a consistent performer since arriving in the summer. No further goals ensued so on we march with another win but Colchester keep matching us.

Team: Dewhurst; Nicholls, Reynolds, Mbulu, Kenlock; Songo'o; Durrant, Murray ©; Carlo Banks, Mullin, Sea. Substitutes: Scott (for Carlo Banks 59), Collier (for Sea 69), Ofoborh (for Durrant 77), Ward, Reynolds, Pressley, Williams.
Goalscorer: Kenlock (4)
Man of the Match: Myles Kenlock (Tranmere)
Attendance: 8136 (210 away)


This was potentially one of the hardest games of the season at such an early stage in the campaign as Alex are one of the teams fancied for promotion. Yet it proved to be a comprehensive away performance that had me purring with delight. We opened the scoring as early as the fifth minute, skipper Murray lashing from twelve yards for his first of the season after a corner from Carlo Banks had landed at his feet. Two goals just after the hour added the gloss. The first came in the 61st minute, Murray turning provider this time for Songo'o to head across the keeper at the far post for the midfielder's third of the season. Then Neco Williams capped an impressive performance by creating the third in the 67th minute, his right wing cross being finished calmly at the back post by Paul Mullin for his second goal of the campaign. Job done again!

Team: Dewhurst; Williams, Graham, Mbulu, Kenlock; Songo'o; De Boer, Murray ©; Carlo Banks, Mullin, Pressley. Substitutes: Matthews (for De Boer 55), Tee (for Murray 73), Collier (for Pressley 78), Ward, Ofoborh, Scott, Carlo Banks.
Goalscorers: Murray (5), Songo'o (61), Mullin (67)
Man of the Match: Neco Williams (Tranmere)
Attendance: 4663 (505 Rovers)

So these are the current standings:


Analysis: So the month of October has started pretty well indeed and Colchester being held to a goalless draw at Shrewsbury, makes it even sweeter. We might not have a goalscorer that's ripping the division apart but we're actually scoring from all parts of the team which is pleasing in itself. Three more games to go this month, can we keep it going?

The conclusion of the qualifiers.


Go for it was the message as we kicked off the first of the final two qualifying games, and we improved our goal difference no end with a mauling of basement dwellers Malta at the Cardiff City Stadium. The scoring was opened after just two minutes when Sion Pulis was Johnny-on-the spot to fire home after the Maltese keeper could only push a Jeff Lloyd shot direct to him. We then added two more in the seventh and ninth minutes; first Chelmsford City's Anthony Stevenson headed in a John Eaton cross and then the third came from Cardiff's Russell Burton who directed a Pulis effort into the net. Burton then would complete his hat trick with two more within 60 seconds of each other. After 20 minutes, he headed in a Stevenson cross to make it 4-0 and then another header this time from a Tom McCarthy (on for the injured Jonathan Letheren) centre.

Four minutes after Burton had completed his treble, Stevenson had his second of the game. Pulis whipped in a free-kick to the far post and the winger headed in to make it 6-0. Just after the half hour, he would complete a well taken treble with yet another header from a Lloyd cross this time out. We would score only one more in the second half but it was certainly the pick of the bunch for sure. A Dion Tipton free kick from wide on the right was headed out to Burton 20 yards out, and the striker produced a tremendous volley that just ripped into the net and had everyone applauding in the stadium.


With Greece winning against Azerbaijan whilst we mauled Malta, it was down to a final day shootout to see who would qualify automatically and who would suffer the agony of falling into the play-offs with Israel waiting to see if either of us would slip up. We came away with another seven goal blast which would take us to an astonishing 35 goals! The opening goal came after 11 minutes when Burton converted from the spot after Stevenson had been obstructed as he prepared to shoot. Two minutes later and we had a second, John Eaton volleying home after a superb piece of vision from skipper Letheren. Another set piece would lead to our third in the 17th minute, Tipton's free-kick being headed in by central defender George Armstrong. A close range finish from Stevenson would make it 4-0 after 22 minutes

In the 27th minute, we scored a fifth thanks to a deflected strike from Burton before the Cardiff striker completed another hat-trick a couple of minutes later. scoring at the second attempt after the keeper had parried his initial effort. That strike from Burton was his 14th in 16 appearances and it broke Ched Evans national record at this level. Who knows what he can finish up with, considering he's just 18! Pulis headed in the seventh of the match from a couple of yards out with the home nation's defence all at sea. But would it be enough?.

8 October 2024

Our second game in the Checkatrade Trophy saw Neil Critchley's Liverpool Under 23 side make the short trip across the Mersey. Surprisingly for us, no away fans travelled which made for a very eerie atmosphere indeed. The away side took the lead after just three minutes when former Bournemouth midfielder Lewis Cook headed in from close range. Try as we might we could not break down the red wall in opposition but went close a few times. The nearest we got was when Cedwyn Scott, on a rare start, hit the post with a well struck left foot effort and Dimitri Sea being denied by David Raya in the Reds goal. They added a second midway through the second half when Curtis Jones scored after a goalmouth scramble. Carlo Banks went close to getting a consolation but Raya denied him too and our Checktrade Trophy campaign is over after just two games

In the other game, a Mallik Wilks strike after 68 minutes was enough to see ten-man Fleetwood Town overcome Peterborough United at London Road and book their place in the next round already.

.
Team: Ward; Nicholls, Reynolds, Joseph, Richards; Sowah; Tee, Anderson; Carlo Banks, Scott ©, Sea. Substitutes: Ofoborh (for Joseph HT), Collier (for Sea 58), Pressley (for Scott 68), Dewhurst, Kenlock, Williams, Ollie Banks.
Goalscorers: None
Man of the Match: Curtis Jones (Liverpool Under 23's)
Attendance: 9098 (0 away)

Joy as Duell pens contract extension

Tranmere Rovers are delighted to announce that first team manager Mark Duell has signed a contract extension here at Prenton Park.

The highly coveted 42 year old has agreed terms on a one year extension which will take him up to the end of the 2025-26 season, and is great news for supporters ahead of tomorrow's home game against Cheltenham Town.

Duell had this to say: "I'm delighted with this new deal. We're building something really special here and this is just the beginning of it. I'm absolutely loving it here and it was a no-brainer to commit to staying for even longer."

Wales Under-21 manager Mark Duell today released his 23 man squad as they conclude their qualifying campaign against Malta and Azerbaijan. There is just one change from the squad that featured against Israel and Moldova. That change sees Burnley's Matty Williams receive his first call up at the expense of the unfortunate Shane Stevenson who is sidelined with a torn pectoral muscle. The full squad is as follows:.

Goalkeepers:
Scott Williams (Bury)
Jack Jackson (Cardiff City)
Adam Evans (Cardiff City)

Defenders:
Jamie McKinnon (Swansea City)
Jonathan Letheren (Swansea City)
Jeff Lloyd (Cardiff City)
Tom McCarthy (Cardiff City)
George Armstrong (Portsmouth)
Nathan Pritchard (Barry Town United)
Anthony Stevenson (Chelmsford City)
Nick Clayton-Curran (Dartford)

Midfielders:
Tommy Hill (Cardiff City)
Matty Williams (Burnley)
Dion Tipton (TNS)
Darren Hewitt (Unattached)
Connor Coyne (Wrexham)
Sion Pulis (Morecambe)
John Eaton (Colchester United)
Cory Bond (Swansea City)

Strikers:
Ian Branch (Cardiff City)
Dewi Coates (Connah's Quay Nomads)
Sam Hall (Stoke City)
Russell Burton (Cardiff City)

The permutation is simple for the Young Dragons: better the results achieved by group leaders Greece. Do that, and they will qualify automatically for the finals in Switzerland. Fail to do it, and it will be the play-offs again or at worse, miss out completely.

Preview: October 2024 Fixtures

So this is what we have to contend with in October.

We begin October with a midweek trip to Blackpool, and it's not to visit the landmark Tower! The only tower that needs toppling is the home side, and they're bound to be smarting after our second string line up sent them out of the Carabao this season. With them having a less than impressive start, we can't go there with the thought we've won the game. This is a real banana skin of a match.

After this, it's back to back home games. The first is when we host a Cheltenham Town side who have had the best of us in previous encounters. Of the last six, we've just won the once! Time to redress that record methinks. Then we face the Anfield Under 23's in the Checkatrade. They're the current holders but they lost their opening group game in their defence this season. If we lose this then we've as good as out but is anyone really bothered about this tournament?

Once that Checkatrade business is over and done with, it's back to the bread and butter of the league campaign and a tough assignment at Crewe. They're tipped by many to go up this season so this will be a real test of the promotion credentials if we're thinking that way. They lie mid-table as we start the month, but only two points off the play-offs. Another tough test comes straight afterwards, who said this would be easy, as Chesterfield are in town. It's the return to Prenton Park for winger Luca Connell who spent a half season loan here before I arrived the following summer. He'll be one we'll have to monitor for sure.

We finished October's assignments with a trip to Accrington to face Stanley. They're punching above their weight so far this considering most have them in a relegation battle. Managed by the Mad Dog himself, Martin Allen, I'm sure he'll have them well fired up to face us. The final game is against Bradford City here on the Wirral, a team we've not faced in league action since the final game of the 2013-14 season when they grabbed all three points with a 2-1 win. Let's not repeat this. They're also managed by Scott Brown, no not Broony if you were asking....

So by the time these league games are finished with, we will have played 17 league games already. Considering that we play 46 in the regular season, that's crazy fixture scheduling but if we can stay in the top three at the end of it then I'll be more than happy. Even better if we can establish a bit of a lead at the top, right?

Time to see who won what in the latest League Two Monthly Awards:

Manager of the Month:

That was a tough decision for the panel to make eh? Three managers with identical records, but they decided instead to plump for the former Derby defender. That makes two second places, third time lucky in October?

Player of the Month:

None of the boys got considered despite having an unbeaten month. Remember the winner though from his days in the blue and white of Hartlepool United

Young Player of the Month:

Again not a mention for any of ours. Know the winner though, he stars on the wing for my Welsh Under 21 side and has a decent future ahead of him if he's willing to progress.

Goal of the Month: Teddy Bishop (Forest Green Rovers)

Ready, Teddy, Go! Another set piece expert, came through the fabled Ipswich youth set up and has spells at Bradford City and Rotherham United from whom he joined Forest Green from in the summer.

Welcome to September's review.


The top two clashed in the first league game of September 2024, with Colchester leading on goal difference. By the end, the placings had been reversed and the U's had suffered their first league loss of the campaign. The only goal of the game came as early as the 4th minute when skipper Jon Murray sent in an arcing free-kick and winger Carlo Banks directed his header into the far corner. The defence were immense that day with Swindon Town loanee Myles Kenlock particularly outstanding in defence and attack.

Team: Dewhurst; Williams, Reynolds, Mbulu, Kenlock; Ofoborh; Durrant, Murray ©; Carlo Banks, Mullin, Pressley. Substitutes: Songo'o (for Williams 40), Sea (for Mullin 59), Collier (for Pressley 72), Ward, Graham, De Boer, Scott.
Goalscorer: Carlo Banks (4)
Man of the Match: Myles Kenlock (Tranmere)
Attendance: 3999 (460 Rovers)


Struggling Shrewsbury made it hard for us when we hosted them the week after the Colchester win, but we earned three points thanks to another late winner. That goal came just two minutes from time when Neco Williams sent Banks away down the right. The winger played the ball in towards Dimitri Sea, and although Grant got a vital tackle in, the ball rolled to Sam Durrant who potted in his third of the season from 12 yards out.

Team: Dewhurst; Williams, Reynolds, Mbulu, Kenlock; Ofoborh; Durrant, Murray ©; Carlo Banks, Mullin, Pressley. Substitutes: Scott (for Mullin 55), Sea (for Pressley 66), Collier, Ward, Graham, De Boer, Nicholls.
Goalscorer: Durrant (88)
Booked: Ofoborh (5)
Man of the Match: Nnamdi Ofoborh (Tranmere)
Attendance: 8745 (836 away)


Better late than not at all is what I can say after the trip to South Wales. Just as it looked we were set for our third loss of the season, we popped up with a dramatic equaliser. I reshuffled the pack as I felt that some players weren't doing their jobs and we could utilise the large squad we have at our disposal. It didn't start too well with the home side taking the lead after nine minutes when a right wing corner was headed down to Crookes to volley in off the post. It was a goal that we've scored many times ourselves before. Yet we were the better side all game, and we deservedly got an equaliser in the second minute of injury time at the end of the game. Jake Nicholls crossed form the right, and Jake Collier pulled away from his marker to take a touch and then place a shot out of the reach of Burge for his fourth of the season, sparking huge celebrations.

Team: Dewhurst; Nicholls, Reynolds, Mbulu, Kenlock; Ofoborh; Durrant, Murray ©; Williams, Mullin, Pressley. Substitutes: Collier (for Pressley 19), Scott (for Williams 54), Carlo Banks (for Durrant 72), Ward, Graham, Songo'o, Sea.
Goalscorer: Collier (90+2)
Booked: Williams (36)
Man of the Match: Adam Crookes (Newport County)
Attendance: 3967 (436 Rovers)


A five goal thriller saw us finish the month of September unbeaten. We took the lead in the seventh minute when Murray fooled the away defence by pulling the ball back to the edge of the area instead of swinging in the free kick. It landed at the feet of Paul Mullin, who was to have an eventful game, and the inside forward took two touches before drilling in a low effort from 20 yards. Three minutes later, he created the second when his deep left wing cross at the far post was met by Williams who lashed in a well struck volley into the top corner. They reduced the margin in the 56th minute, a risky pass by Mullin in defence went straight to Okenabirhie and he made no mistake from close range.

Midway through the second half, we regained a two goal advantage when a corner from Mullin was met by a powerful header from Yann Songo'o for the versatile player's first in Tranmere colours. They scored again with eight minutes through Lowery but we held on for three more than welcomed points.

Team: Dewhurst; Nicholls, Graham, Mbulu, Kenlock; Songo'o; Durrant, Murray ©; Williams, Mullin, Pressley. Substitutes: Sea (for Pressley 62), Reynolds (for Kenlock 67), Collier (for Mullin 75), Ward, Ofoborh, Scott, Carlo Banks.
Goalscorers: Mullin (7), Williams (10), Songo'o (66)
Man of the Match: Paul Mullin (Tranmere)
Attendance: 8033 (168 away)

So after two months, these are the standings:


Analysis: That was a much better month with no additional losses on the record, although it could have been much more different if it wasn't for that late equaliser in Newport. The lead might be only a point but we're doing alright it has to be said. I have had to change the squad around as I felt that some players weren't worthy of a start, and others need a chance to prove themselves here. Unfortunately this has meant that some of last season's title winning squad aren't guaranteed places in the starting eleven and might have to settle for places either on the bench or not in the matchday squad at all.

More tests await, and we might need every body available to us if we are to mount an unexpected promotion challenge as some are tipping already.

3 September 2024

We started off our Checkatrade Trophy adventure, hosting League One side Peterborough United at Prenton Park. The small crowd saw our much changed line up take the lead after just quarter of an hour when Carlo Banks crossed from the right and Aaron Pressley headed in his first for the club from close range. But that was as good as it was for us as the Posh dominated proceedings throughout. They levelled with a wonderful free-kick from André Green three minutes after the interval, and had us on the back foot constantly. Two additional goals clinched the win, one from Peter Phillips (no, not the Queen's grandson) and then in time added on from Michael Hyem. In the other group game, Charlie Dowling's 24th minute effort was enough to help Fleetwood defeat current holders Liverpool Under 23's. So we're bottom, as expected.

Team: Ward; Nicholls, Graham, Songo'o ©, Kenlock; Sowah; Tee, De Boer; Carlo Banks, Sea, Pressley. Substitutes: Mullin (for Sea 57), Matthews (for Tee 62), Williams (for Nicholls 74), Passant, Joseph, Davies, Sanders.
Goalscorer: Pressley (15)
Man of the Match: André Green (Peterborough United)
Attendance: 1355 (28 away)

24 September 2024

After the giant killing against Leeds United in the previous round, there was hope that we could do it again when we hosted Championship side Reading in the Third Round. A strong side, captained for the first time by Ryan Reynolds took on the Royals from Berkshire. We were, predictably, on the back foot from the very start and they went ahead in the 32nd minute when striker Shane Zambra headed in off the bar from a Eduard Sobol corner kick. The Ukrainian full back doubled the lead just after the hour mark, scoring at the second attempt after Marcus Dewhurst parried his initial effort. Yet we kept plugging away for a breakthrough, and pulled one back in second half injury time when Dimitri Sea.scored his second of the season with a low shot into the far corner. But it proved to be too late, and our Carabao Cup dreams are over for another season.

Team: Dewhurst; Nicholls, Reynolds ©, Graham, Kenlock; Songo'o; Durrant, Sowah; Carlo Banks, Mullin, Pressley. Substitutes: Collier (for Pressley 53), Sea (for Mullin 68), Scott (for Durrant 68), Ward, Mbulu, Ofoborh, Williams.
Goalscorer: Sea (90+5)
Booked: Durrant (46)
Man of the Match: Eduard Sobol (Reading)
Attendance: 11677 (205 away)

Back to the qualifiers, it's getting tense as you will see.


Terrible, absolutely terrible. In a game we needed to take the three points, we were absolutely rank rotten. They stunned us with two goals in the first 19 minutes and left us with a mountain to climb, Bar Hazan scoring in the 16th and then Ido Kashtan netting the second three minutes later. I couldn't believe what I was witnessing from the touchline. A minute from half time, Colchester's John Eaton reduced the deficit when he cut inside and unleashed an unstoppable shot into the far corner of the home goal. Yet we could have gone into the interval 3-1 behind but Jack Jackson produced a brilliant one handed save to keep out Daniel Elmaliach's penalty kick in time added on at the end of the first half. We pushed for an equaliser but couldn't break through; and so with three minutes to go they scored a third and clinching goal thanks to Ran Shabat's volley.


We needed a bounceback in Moldova to ensure we could stay in touch and we got that in spades. After 11 minutes, John Eaton netted his second goal in as many games to hand us the lead. This was doubled immediately afterwards when Sion Pulis directed home a header from a Dion Tipton corner kick. It got even better in the 23rd minute as we bagged a third to put the game to bed so early on, some great inter-passing saw right back Jonathan Letheren cross for Russell Burton to score his seventh international goal in 14 appearances via the post. Who's complaining about that eh? Tipton drilled in our fourth of the game after 51 minutes and we were definitely home and hosed. Cravcescu scored a consolation with seven minutes to go but that was just about it for the home nation. With Greece and Israel sharing six goals in a thriller whilst we won, it's all to play for on the final round of games next month as you will see below:

This is how Group 1 stands. A proper dogfight between three nations:

Time to see who won what in the first League Two Monthly Awards:

Manager of the Month:

Despite having a better win percentage, I missed out on the managerial gong for the opening month. Guess the fact they are without a loss this season, influenced the decision. Mark my words though, I will not be denied.

Player of the Month:

He's made a terrific start to the season for his season, but was pretty anonymous when we faced them. Was nice to see Christian Mbulu get recognised for a good start back in League Two, he picked up third place. Now if only he would sign a new contract with the Club!

Young Player of the Month:

Not a mention for anyone here. I think if he had been a bit more consistent and scored a few more goals then maybe Jake Collier could have been in with a shout.

Goal of the Month: Kilsmahn (Plymouth Argyle)

Scorer of a thumping 30 yard free-kick apparently. Guess we will have to keep this gadgie quiet when we play the Pilgrims?

Preview: September 2024 Fixtures

Another busy month of league and cup action for us.

We start September with our opening group game in the Checkatrade Trophy against League One side Peterborough United. It's a competition we're not expected to progress in and the group itself is a tough one indeed. To keep my star players fresh, then I might blood the youngsters again and we all know what some of them can do. Football is definitely a squad game these days, right?

After that, it's a trip down to Essex to face Colchester in a first versus second encounter. The U's are expected to be one of the teams challenging for promotion this season so to see them unbeaten at the moment is no surprise whatsoever. Our last trip there saw us slip to a 2-0 loss so we'll be looking to right that particular ship for sure. Struggling Shewsbury Town arrive on the Wirral the week after the Colchester away game. They're a team who are expected to finish mid-table but have yet to find any form. The squad has former Burnley winger Dwight McNeil in their ranks and we'll have to keep him quiet as part of the plan to avoid a third home league loss of the season.

An away game in Cas'newydd (Newport) is our penultimate league game of September. The Exiles have started the new season very well, considering they're expected to be fighting against relegation. I was actually overlooked for their job after leaving Ilves so maybe it's about to prove a point to their board that I should have been their choice instead of Mark "The Magic Hat" Warburton then. They're now managed by former Burnley keeper Tom Heaton so it'll be interesting to see how he sets them up. We then host Reading in the Third Round of the Carabao; and after beating Leeds in Round Two then maybe a place in the last sixteen is not beyond us.

We conclude the month by hosting Sutton United on the Wirral. They're a team we've endured mixed fortunes against but if we can pick another home win then that'll be just grand indeed.

Hope everyone likes the new format, I thought I'd try this new layout. Comments always welcomed .

Welcome to the second part of the review of August's games for Tranmere Rovers FC.


It was a tough game at Glanford Park against Scunthorpe with both sides not prepared to give the other a chance. The decisive goal came in the 22nd minute when Myles Kenlock sent Paul Mullin scampering away down the left. The inside forward crossed to the near post where Jake Collier arrived on cue to blast home his third of the season from just inside the six yard box. The Iron did try to break down our defence but Ryan Reynolds was a barrier they couldn't break down. A perfect bounceback after that 0-1 home reverse against Wycombe.

Team: Dewhurst; Williams, Reynolds, Mbulu, Kenlock; Ofoborh; Durrant, Murray ©; Scott, Mullin, Collier. Substitutes: Sea (for Scott 71), Nicholls (for Williams 82), Pressley (for Collier 82), Ward, Graham, Songo'o, Tee.
Goalscorer: Collier (22)
Booked: Ofoborh (2)
Man of the Match: Ryan Reynolds (Tranmere)
Attendance: 3319 (877 Rovers)


Rovers went to the top of the League Two table with a determined backs to the wall performance against former leaders and local rivals Chester. The Blues had the best of the game but found the home defence in no mood to concede for the second game in succession. Rovers winning goal came in typical set piece fashion just after the hour. A Mullin corner was nodded by Reynolds to defensive partner Christian Mbulu and he planted his header wide of the keeper into the far corner. Simple but effective.

Team: Dewhurst; Williams, Reynolds, Mbulu, Kenlock; Ofoborh; Durrant, Murray ©; Scott, Mullin, Collier. Substitutes: Tee (for Durrant 54), Sea (for Collier 67), Songo'o (for Murray 79), Ward, Graham, Nicholls, Pressley.
Goalscorer: Mbulu (32)
Booked: Murray (71)
Man of the Match: Christian Mbulu (Tranmere)
Attendance: 10659 (1007 away)


A complete away performance would be the answer and allow Rovers to record their third successive win and yet another clean sheet. After a goalless first half which they dominated, Rovers took the lead midway through the second half when Neco Williams saw his cross be deflected goalwards by a home defender. Although keeper Brad Collins prevented the own goal, he could only parry into the path of Dimitri Sea who the easiest task of putting away the rebound with no defender in sight/ It was the former Aston Villa man's first goal for his new club.

The points were secured eight minutes from time when skipper Jon Murray weighted a pass into Sam Durrant whose effort crashed in off the crossbar for the midfielder's second of the season.

Team: Dewhurst; Williams, Reynolds, Mbulu, Kenlock; Ofoborh; Durrant, Murray ©; Scott, Mullin, Collier. Substitutes: Graham (for Kenlock HT), Sea (for Collier 64), Nicholls (for Williams 72), Ward, Songo'o, Tee, Pressley.
Goalscorers: Sea (66), Durrant (82)
Man of the Match: Sam Durrant (Tranmere)
Attendance: 3688 (545 away)


Tranmere Rovers relinquished their top spot with a 3-1 home loss by fellow promoted side Bromley at Prenton Park. After a goalless opening half, Bromley took the lead two minutes into the second half when James Jones sent Andy Sims clear and the striker applied a confident finish beyond Marcus Dewhurst. A second goal arrived just before the hour, Marc Rice's corner being glanced into the net by full-back Tom Hamer. Rovers halved the deficit four minutes later when a Mullin corner was headed down by Mbulu to Dutch schemer Kees De Boer who lashed an unstoppable effort into the top corner.

Bromley secured the points in the 74th minute when Quigley was fouled in the area by Reynolds. Up stepped Jones, and he produced the perfect penalty to give Dewhurst no chance whatsoever.

Team: Dewhurst; Williams, Reynolds, Mbulu, Kenlock; Ofoborh; Durrant, Murray ©; Scott, Mullin, Collier. Substitutes: Sea (for Scott 59), Tee (for Durrant 73), Songo'o (for Murray 82), Ward, Joseph, Nicholls, Pressley.
Goalscorer: De Boer (63)
Booked: Scott (33), Collier (77), Kenlock (79)
Man of the Match: Kees De Boer (Tranmere)
Attendance: 7953 (82 away)

So after the opening month, these are the early standings:


Analysis: So not too bad an opening month to be honest, but galling to throw away the leadership when we couldn't make our chances count against a team we had faced just last season. Jake Collier continues to find the net at this level as does Sam Durrant. Just waiting for both Paul Mullin and Cedwyn Scott to start doing their magic from the wings. That said Mullin's unhappy that we haven't apparently added more depth to the midfield: he's wrong of course as five of the fifteen new faces are all midfielders. Hopefully he'll change his mind and it won't derail the good things that we are doing here.

Both Mbulu and Murray still want away but I'm not getting bids for them. They're two players I want to keep here, as they have a vital role in what we are building. A good start, but can we maintain it?

Wales Under-21 manager Mark Duell today released his 23 man squad as they resume their qualifying campaign against Israel and Moldova. There is just one change from the squad that took on Cyprus and Sweden in the summer friendlies. That change sees left-back Sam Edwards drop out with a hip injury which is set to side-line the young full back for around 3-4 months. His replacement is Cardiff City's Jeff Lloyd. The full squad is as follows:.

Goalkeepers:
Scott Williams (Scunthorpe United)
Jack Jackson (Cardiff City)
Adam Evans (Cardiff City)

Defenders:
Jamie McKinnon (Swansea City)
Jonathan Letheren (Swansea City)
Jeff Lloyd (Cardiff City)
Tom McCarthy (Cardiff City)
George Armstrong (Portsmouth)
Nathan Pritchard (Barry Town United)
Anthony Stevenson (Chelmsford City)
Nick Clayton-Curran (Dartford)

Midfielders:
Tommy Hill (Cardiff City)
Shane Stevenson (Peterborough United)
Dion Tipton (TNS)
Darren Hewitt (Unattached)
Connor Coyne (Wrexham)
Sion Pulis (Morecambe)
John Eaton (Colchester United)
Cory Bond (Swansea City)

Strikers:
Ian Branch (Cardiff City)
Dewi Coates (Connah's Quay Nomads)
Sam Hall (Stoke City)
Russell Burton (Cardiff City)

With the young Dragons leading their qualifying group on a marginal goal difference of just one goal better off, these could be crucial games as they aim to make their second Finals. The 2025 Finals are to be held in Switzerland from 17 June 2025

Royals next up in the Cup

After sensationally knocking out Leeds United last night; the Third Round draw for the Carabao Cup was made this morning.

Rovers will fancy a further upset in the Third Round as they are to host Championship side Reading at Prenton Park.

The teams have never met before in the League Cup so new ground is being broken in this encounter. The game will be played Tuesday 24 September 2024; and like the Leeds match: it will again be a 7:45pm kick off time.

13 August 2024

We started off our Carabao Cup adventure with a tie against fellow League Two side Blackpool. Due to the fixture list being what it is, I opted to completely reshuffle the side for the Seasiders visit with only Christian Mbulu in the side that had lost to Wycombe just three days. This meant full débuts for Dimitri Sea, Yann Songo'o, Kees De Boer and Dimitri Sea who had made substitute starts in the league and a first look at Calum Ward, Jake Nicholls and new loanee signing from Leeds United Harvey Davies. We took the lead in the 9th minute when a cross from Caleb Richards was flicked on by James Booth for Carlo Banks to volley home from six yards out. They levelled eight minutes from the interval when Graham Woodward got onto the end of a through ball to angle a shot out of the reach of [Ward/b].

[b]Sea wasn't having the best of games, he must have hit the woodwork a good two or three times and missed a few open goals before I decided to substitute him on the hour. We would then hit our visitors with a couple of goals in as many minutes to give ourselves a bit of breathing space. In the 65th minute, Booth laid the ball into the path of De Boer who scored his first goal for the club with a nicely placed effort into the corner. Then in the 67th minute, we made it 3-1 when a Banks corner was headed in by Joseph Joseph (he who is that good that his parents named twice) from the edge of the six yard box. Ben Beechey would make it an interesting finish with Blackpool's second goal three minutes from time. But we held on.

The only downside was that Banks got injured again during the game; I'm getting a bit worried about the kid's injury proneness. It's stopping him from becoming a real good player for the Club.

28 August 2024

After playing a second string team in the opening round, I opted for a full strength side for our televised game against Premiership Leeds United. Not many people gave us a hope but Cup games are always a different beast. The teams went into the interval goalless but we had given a good account in that opening 45 which gave optimism that something special could really happen. After 55 minutes we were awarded a penalty when Paul Mullin was impeded in the area. Up stepped the highly rated Jake Collier but the young striker's effort from twelve yards thudded against the post. It really shook the kid's confidence as a result so much so Sea was introduced shortly afterwards.

Sea would have a hand in the goal that gave us the lead sixteen minutes from time. A tricky run down the right by the Frenchman saw him cross for Cedwyn Scott to strike his initial effort against the same post which had thwarted Collier. However, the winger was alert to head the rebound home and right in front of the away support. What a moment for the former Huddersfield Town trainee. Leeds threw everything at us after that but we repelled it with some determined defending for a famous triumph. It's now Round 3 here we come!

Team: Dewhurst; Williams, Reynolds, Mbulu, Richards; Songo'o; Durrant, Murray ©; Scott, Mullin, Collier. Substitutes: Nicholls (for Richards 38), Sea (for Collier 57), De Boer (for Songo'o 78), Ward, Tee, Joseph, Pressley.
Goalscorer: Scott (74)
Booked: Songo'o (38)
Man of the Match: Christian Mbulu (Tranmere)
Attendance: 13657 (1517 away)

Leeds to come to town

Tranmere Rovers today learned of their Second Round opposition in the Carabao Cup.

Visiting the Wirral are none other than Premiership big name Leeds United, and a big crowd is expected inside to see Mark Duell's side take on Graham Potter's team. Leeds won this particular tournament in 1968, when a Terry Cooper goal was enough to see off Arsenal. However, they weren't as successful in 1996 when they were defeated 3-0 by a Savo Milosevic inspired Aston Villa.

Leeds last faced Rovers for the only time in 2000 when Rovers triumphed in the Third Round 3-2 after extra time. The scorer of that winning goal was none other than current Rovers Under 18s Manager Andy Parkinson, Parkinson scoring his second of the game in the final minute of the 30 minute extra time period.

The game will be played at Prenton Park on Wednesday 28 August 2024; with a 7:45pm kick-off time. Sky Sports have also announced that the game will be one of their two live ties of the round.

Welcome to the first part of the review of August's games for Tranmere Rovers FC.


We started off life back in League by taking all three points from our trip to Edgeley Park. One goal would decide it, Sam Durrant latching onto a Jake Collier flick to beat the advancing keeper when it looked like we were going to shake hands on a draw. Can't complain about taking an opening day win however/

Team: Dewhurst; Williams, Reynolds, Mbulu, Kenlock; Ofoborh; Durrant, Murray ©; Scott, Mullin, Collier. Substitutes: Songo'o (for Murray 63), Sea (for Mullin 71), Richards (for Kenlock 80), Ward, De Boer, Carlo Banks, Pressley.
Goalscorer: Durrant (83)
Man of the Match: Jake Collier (Tranmere)
Attendance: 6128 (515 Rovers)


Our first home game of the season was against Forest Green Rovers, and we would come off the pitch very happy indeed after making it two wins from two. In windy conditions, we took the lead when skipper Jon Murray spotted Collier making a typical burst forward. The youngster collected the searching pass, got the other side of his marker before striking a left foot shot into the corner from just inside the area. Jacob Brown would equalise four minutes before the interval when Marcus Dewhurst could only parry a Mason Bloomfield header out to him.

Yet we stepped up our game in the second half and were rewarded. We regained the lead with a typical set piece goal from the training ground, created and finished by two players who still want away despite promotion back at the first attempt. Murray clipped in the free kick from out on the left, and Christian Mbulu headed in at the far post. Midway through the half, we secured the win when Durrant repaid the favour from four days earlier with a cute pass into Collier who scored his second of the season: this time with a right foot finish.

Team: Dewhurst; Williams, Reynolds, Mbulu, Kenlock; Ofoborh; Durrant, Murray ©; Scott, Mullin, Collier. Substitutes: Sea (for Scott 60), Songo'o (for Ofoborh 71), De Boer (for Durrant 80), Ward, Richards, Carlo Banks, Pressley.
Goalscorers: Collier (31, 65), Mbulu (46)
Booked: Reynolds (77)
Man of the Match: Jake Collier (Tranmere)
Attendance: 6431 (101 away)


Could we make it three from three when we hosted Wycombe Wanderers in our next fixture? Alas after starting brightly, we fizzled out like a flat bottle of pop to fall to our first defeat of the season. The only goal came just before the half hour when Stephen Walker was given all the time in the world to collect Alex Samuel's pass, turn and then pick his spot with Dewhurst caught leadenfooted. A little bump in the road but we've made a more than reasonable start, there's no reason for panic.

Team: Dewhurst; Williams, Reynolds, Mbulu, Kenlock; Ofoborh; Durrant, Murray ©; Scott, Mullin, Collier. Substitutes: Richards (for Kenlock 57), Sea (for Collier 59), Songo'o (for Williams 73), Ward, De Boer, Carlo Banks, Pressley.
Goalscorers: None
Man of the Match: Ross Collins (Wycombe Wanderers)
Attendance: 7298 (229 away)

So after three games, these are the early standings:

County midfielder Andy Halliday had his heart set on a move south of the border but was left scuppered when the Staggies refused to let him move.

The 32 year old had been a target for English League Two side Tranmere Rovers having hardly featured in pre-season, but it wasn't to be.

"I had hardly had a sniff in pre-season and when Tranmere came in for me then I thought that this could be a good short term move for me to get some game time under my belt. They're an ambitious lot down there and have one of the UK's best young managers leading them.

However, County wouldn't let me go and I'll have to battle back to try and get a place in the manager's thoughts. However, I haven't ruled out a move away to Tranmere fully so maybe it might happen sometime. We'll just have to wait and see."

The Staggies are back in the top division this season, but lost their league opener 3-0 to Aberdeen on Saturday with Halliday not included in the 18 man squad.