Slowly but surely, the green shoots are appearing.
Sadly they’re far too late to affect this season, but it’s a minor positive, regardless.
The remembrance of Chris Barker was exceptional and well observed.
The rest? Hmm two very poor teams who couldn't hit a barn door. The ref was absolutely shocking for both sides.
Thats exactly how I saw it,A lot of effort, and for once a defensive performance which meant Tranmere weren't going to score, sadly, neither were we. Tranmere's instructions were pretty clear, if there was any danger deck the opposition player, waste as much time as possible, argue every decsion that goes against you and if the ref is lenient get away with blue murder. How Neil Danns stayed on the pitch is totally beyond me, but there you go. And if you are fighting for every point then we shouldn't be surprised if they do that lot. As for the penalty, well, it was a nailed on one, the keeper pushed Hopper in the back in the box and probably the only people that didn't see it were the ref and his assistants.
So after that have we improved? Well yes we have because we are fitter, harder to beat and now keep going for the full 90 minutes. Are we going to get much better? my jury is out on that as our inability to attack with purpose is one of the things that hasn't improved. Just leaves the man of the match award, and that goes to Sam Mantom who played his heart out the whole game. A special mention to the Ox who looked an ok keeper today, one block in the first half when their forward was in on goal was great to watch and he left their player poleaxed to boot, I liked that. He also caught balls in the area and generally looked sound. And finally a little mention for Kiernan, if only you had defended like that the whole season Ron we might not be in the ****e we are now in. Co-incidental that it's January obviously!
Obviously, Chris Barker has already been mentioned but I would re-itterate that the crowd, both sets, observed the minute's silence with respect and it was heartening that Tranmere joined in the minute's applause on 39 minutes. If you were watching Chris, that was for you mate. RIP
If that performance was in the middle of a 'normal', mid table season the main complaints would be the ref and our failure to see off a pretty negative oppo. I saw no evidence of players not trying or being the worst players ever to wear the shirt etc etc.
OK Tranmere aren't great but they were good enough to score 3 against a Prem team last weekend.
My brief views....
Oxley - couple of good saves from long shots and an excellent block on the edge of the area in the first half.
3 CBs. Solid, perfectly acceptable performances, Dieng was the pick.
Demi and Milligan kept Woodyard quiet and shut him down.
Mantom put in a decent shift.
Elvis and Macca - OK, no complaints.
Hopper worked hard and kept possession well at times
Humphrys. Nothing came off for him. There is ability in there somewhere.
Sol. I actually think the formation was right bearing in mind how Tranmere set up. Kelman for Humphrys was an understandable sub at the right time imo.
So not all doom and gloom.
This season is toast but I genuinely don't believe the squad is as poor as the horrendous results suggest.
Maybe there has been more going on than meets the eye.....!