Footballblog of Fjeld

Player of the season is......?

2007-05-07T13:51:00.001-07:00

As the season is now finished, it's time for announcing footballblog of Fjeld's player of the season... After counting all the man of the match picks, the result were as following:

1st place with 7 moms
Ian Goodison

2nd place with 4 moms
Chris Shuker

3rd place with 2 moms
Chris Greenacre
Paul McLaren
John Mullin
Calvin Zola

7th place with 1 mom
John Achterberg
Craig Curran
Jason McAteer
Gareth Taylor
John Thompson
Gavin Ward

Also, there were as many as six games were I didn't pick any moms, mostly because noone deserved one... :)

Anyway, my player of the season is IAN GOODSION. Well deserved!

Congratulations Ian!

Tranmere - Brentford 3-1 (3-1)

2007-05-07T13:18:00.000-07:00

Prenton Park, 05.05.07
Att: 6 529

So, once again the season is over, it seems like yesterday I attended my first game of the season, but now my first full season following Rovers live is over. Wonder if I ever will have a seasonticket again...?
Anyway, Rovers finished 9th but finished with a convincing victory over already relegated Brentford. I have to say from christmas on Rovers haven't been comvincing at all and didn't deserve to be in the play offs, but it's always nice to finish the season on a high :) Rovers fielded a few youngsters and especially one of them, Craig Curran, had a good game. Just 17 years old and he managed a hattrick! That's nice... His first one was a real poachers goal. He received the ball from Zola 6-7 yards out with his back to the goal, he turned quickly and volleyed home. The second goal came just two minutes later and again Curran was credited the goal, although this time his shot from the edge of the area was deflected into the net. Rovers calmed down a bit after their second and let Brentford come into the game after many consecutive cornerkicks. On the third corner they managed to pull one back. That was only fair as Ian Goodison almost scored an own goal on the previous two corners (!) As Brentford thought they were in with a shot for a point, Rovers stroke again! This time a lovely goal by Curran as he lobbed the Bees goalie from the edge of the area. A good first half from Rovers and some good football. Second half didn't live up to the first, and it was very dull to be honest. I guess that reflects Rovers season. They have never managed to play good football for more than maximum of 45 minutes... That is one thing we have to improve on during the summer...
All in all, a good victory, and a much improved season compared to the last one, when we almost got relegated to the basement division... Next season we'll be up there, for certain!
MOM: Craig Curran! 17 years old and three goals!

Manchester City - Liverpool 0-0 (0-0)

2007-04-24T07:54:00.000-07:00

City of Manchester Stadium, 14.04.07
Att: 45 883

What a brilliant stadium! I've been to Man U, Newcastle, Liverpool, Tottenham, but no one can compare to this magnificent stadium. Simply a masterpiece of a buildingconstruction! For this game it was nearly a sell out, only a couple of thousands free seats, the seasons highest gate for City so far. It was just a brilliant day out. A norwegian mate of mine, Thomas, came over from Norway and we travelled together with my mate Phil on a glorious sunshine day to Manchester. Finally I could go to a game just enjoying the experience, and not be concerned about the result... We went through the turnstiles over an hour before kick off, and found out we were sat in the sunshine :) Couldn't be better...
Errr, maybe the match could have been better, cause the play the two teams produced was very dull, not much exitement there... But the experience and the day was so much better, so the game didn't ruin a thing for me. The best chance in the game went to the hometeam when they hit the crossbar with a shot from 18 yards out.
I might fancy to come again, cause - again - that was a magnificent stadium!!!
MOM: The sun! :)

Tranmere - Brighton 2-1 (0-1)

2007-04-09T10:38:00.000-07:00

Prenton Park, 09.04.07
Att: 5 528

Nine points behind the play offs and 15 left to play for. This is probably too much too ask for Rovers, and they only have themselves to blame. But maybe we could finish the season on a high...
Against Brighton Rovers started quite good and nearly had a goal inside the first five minutes when Goodison headed narrowly wide after a corner. But after that Brighton came into the game, and they did get their noses infront after 11 minutes when Goodison unfortunately put the ball into his own net after a good cross from their left midfielder. Rovers didn't do anything special for the rest of the game, they did have some halfchances, but just couldn't find good finishes from their attacks. Brighton also had som decent efforts on target, but Ward was up for them.
After half time things didn't change very much. Ronnie Moore did for once make a reasonable quick change as he brought on Davies in stead of Ellison. It was a midfielders game as most of the play was to be seen in the middle of the park. On 74 minutes however, Moore made his second change, as Curran came on for Shuker to only his second appearance for Rovers. He scored with his first touch after he converted a brilliant cross from Sherriff into the back of the net. Now Rovers was the only team on the pitch, and chased the winner. That breakathrough finally came in injurytime as Greenacre was fouled inside the box, and the referee pointed to the spot. He stepped up himself and hit a low shot into the bottom corner. Quite amazingly, this was the first time this season Rovers have won after trailing a game...! About time we did a turnaround...
MOM: A close call between Chris Greenacre and Calvin Zola, but I go for the first...

Blackpool - Tranmere 3-2 (2-1)

2007-04-09T10:36:00.000-07:00

Bloomfield Road, 07.04.07
Att: 8 091

After two loss in a row, this was a must win game, especially since Blackpool was 6th before ko. A very nice day with the sun shining from a clear blue sky, probably helped the Rovers supporters to take the short trip north. A following of just over 1000 is very good for Rovers. The game started very even for the first ten minutes with a few halfchances to both teams. But on ten minutes, out ever so reliable (not) goalie Gavin Ward, messed it up. He had the ball safe in his hands, and wanted to continue to play quickly. He tried to throw the ball to left back Tremarco, but managed to hit the back of a Blackpool player and he turned, and sent Blackpool one in front. Tranmere had a penalty cry turned down as former Rovers Michael Jackson had his arms all over Greenacre. Rovers found themselves level after nearly half an hour, as Stockdale put in a cross, and after a bit of a goalmouth scramble, Calvin Zola managed to score with an exellent effort! The Rovers defence and the referee were soon in the spotlight again as Blackpool went 2-1 up. Scrappy defending and a dodgy refereedecision allowed Hoolahan to race through and score.
Just after halftime Rovers equalized again. A shot by Zola was saved but he scored with his second chance to cap off an exellent display - again. Rovers continued to put pressure on the seasiders, but took a heavy blow after 55 minutes. John Mullin went into a challenge and received a straight red card, which you really can't say anything against. Jason McAteer though thought the player who went down acted and wanted to help him up again, and kicked him when he didn't go up. He also had a word with their manager, and in the end, received a red card... Now it was nine against eleven, or should I say twelwe, ig we caount the ref as well... Anyway, Rovers didn't stand a chance after that, they did defend very well, but the inevitable happened and Blackpool won 3-2 in the end. A very good performance, but Ward and McAteer did ruin our playoff chances with what they did today...
MOM: Calvin Zola.

Tranmere - Carlisle 0-2 (0-1)

2007-04-09T10:34:00.000-07:00

Prenton Park, 30.03.07
Att: 7 289

Another awful performance by Rovers as Carlisle took all the points to be level with Rovers after the final whistle. Even though Rovers played dull football for the whole game, especially the second half, we created some good chances in the first half, but some incredibly good saves from their keeper and woeful finishing cost us the game. Carlisle went one nil up midway through the half, and never looked back. 2nd half was just awful. The only good thing from that performance was a good run out for Calvin Zola who got 18 minutes. Carlisle then scored their second to kill the game off...
MOM: Calvin Zola. Well done big man! The only player who can take some credit from this game.

Port Vale - Tranmere 2-3 (1-2)

2007-03-19T07:03:00.000-07:00

Vale Park, 17.03.07
Att: 4 809

After our very poor performance against Swansea, it was very important to get a rsult away at Port Vale to still be in a ahout for a play off place. We started brilliantly as we're 1-0 up after three minutes. Shukers cross found Greenacre, and he headed Rovers to an early lead. Rovers could easily have been 2-0 up inside the first ten minutes, but the same man couldn't angle the shot efficiantly, resulting in the ball hitting the post. Half an hlur later Shuker stormed into the penalty area, was tripped and the ref pointed to the spot. From the other side of the pitch, it was a bit soft, I have to say... However, it's thankfully the refs decision, and Greenacre netted his 18th of the season. Just a minute later Vale were in the match again, as one of their midfielders took a shot from outside the area. It took a deflection and wrongfooted Gavin Ward. 1-2. It stayed like that until the 73rd minute when Port Vale managed to find an equalizer. I didn't see what happened, but it was a goalmouth scramble and i have also said Ward a bit to blame... However, he did a couple of good saves before that, so can't really blame him. Anyway, that's the fourth time this season Rovers have let a 2-goal lead slip up... So I think the majority of the fans just waited for the third to go in... That happened ten minuted later, but it was Rovers who scored! Brilliant, finally we managed to score the winner in an even game! And Ellison was the scorer, with a really good header from a Shuker cross!
MOM: Chris Shuker, was involved in all three goals.

Tranmere - Swansea 0-2 (0-1)

2007-03-13T16:22:00.000-07:00

Prenton Park, 10.03.07
Att: 7 467

I could only watch the first half and the first 10 minutes of the second half because of a wedding later the same evening. And that was ok, cause worse football is hard to find. Just awful. The first goal was former Rovers-player Andy Robinson, probably the smallest player on the pitch, who headed home. Poor defending allowed that... Rovers couldn't produce anything, and as the second half started, everyone expected the performance to get much better, but only to find out that it continued as it had for the first 45 minutes. Lee Trundle took advantage of some more sloppy defending, and through on goal he didn't make any mistakes... And then I left... Outside the ground I heard a big cheers from the homecrowd. I thought they had pulled one back, only to find out that Trundle had been sent off... A very poor game of footy, and I was told that it was equally bad for the rest of the half... Season worse at home??
No MOM today!

Tranmere - Chesterfield 2-0 (1-0)

2007-03-05T07:39:00.000-08:00

Prenton Park, 02.03.07
Att: 6 254

Rovers came out in a regurlar 4-4-2 formation again, after the embarassing first half against Cheltenham. And after the 3-1 defeat against Leyton Orient in the last game, we really needed three points in this. Friday night football at Prenton is good for several reasons; one is that we attract some footballfans from other places, such as Norway. As Liverpool played Man U the day after, it must have been about 50 norwegians at the game! And I got a mention in the programme :)
Anyway, the game started in a good tempo and Rovers thought they were in front after five minutes when Ellison cut inside from his left to score, but it was ruled out for offside. Both McLaren and Taylor could have done better with their chances and Allot for the guests shot wide from 25 yards. After 21 minuted Rovers was in front as Greenacre passed the ball to Mullin just outside the area. He ran into the box and smashed it past the goalie into the top corner from 12 yards out. Brilliant goal! Just before half-time, Shane Sherriff hit the post as Rovers tried to go in with a 2 goal decifit.
Just a couple of minutes into the second half, McAteer nearly gifted Chesterfield a goal, as he tried to backpass to Ward, but the ball was snapped up by Holmes, but Ward did brilliant to save low to his left. McAteer thought he had made up for his mistake later in the half as he smashed the ball into the net from outside the area after a clearance. But again, it was ruled out, this time for a foul by Taylor on one of the defenders.
It became 2-0 on 73 minutes when Shuker ran down the right, crossed a low and hard ball into the box, and found Greenacre completely free on the far post. Also a very good goal!
The last fifteen minutes didn't create any chances and it was a very deserved victory in the end, well done lads!
MOM: Paul McLaren.

Tranmere - Cheltenham 2-2 (0-2)

2007-03-05T07:27:00.000-08:00

Prenton Park, 20.02.07
Att: 5 576

Ronnie Moore opted for continuing with the sucsessful 4-3-3 formation, which gave Rovers a 2-0 victory awat at Yeovil. However, Rovers never got going in this game, playing the new formation. The midfield were all over the place, and couldn't get a foot in as the poorly placed visitors bossed the game. Before half an hour was played we were 2-0 down, thanks to sloppy defending. Goalkeeper Ward didn't come for the first goal, as Lowe headed home, and the second goal was a mistake from the normally reliable Goodison. In his defence he did play with an injury... Another wasted oppurtunity to close the gap on the teams above us, everyone thought... But Rovers came out in the second half very different, and just within four minutes Shukes had got one back. He cut inside from his right, and his shot went in low to the keepers right. Tranmere continued to press and had several chances, but couldn't find a way back in the game - yet. As Rovers pressed and really went for the equalizer, Cheltenham hit us on the break several times. Poor finishing and a good Ward held us in the game, and in the end that was very important. As the clock ticked into extratime, substitute Calvin Zola won the ball out of nothing on the leftside, beat a couple of players, and crossed a low cross towards the nearpost. Greenacre had done brilliant to get loose from his marker and headed home for a well deserved point for Rovers. Before the game I would have been disappointed with a point, but as the game went on, I was happy with one. Well done lads, in the second half!
MOM: Chris Shuker

Manchester United - Reading 1-1 (1-0)

2007-02-19T05:56:00.000-08:00

Old Trafford, 17.02.07
Att: 70 608

My second time at OT. and this time 5th round of the FA-cup. Reading came to United and played some good football. I was impressed with them. Reading and De La Cruz should have really scored in the forst half as he raced through the United box, but his shot hit the side netting. United on the other hand, had a goal disallowed as norwegian striker Ole Gunnar Solskjær took advantage of some scrappy defending from Reading. As I saw it on telly later on, it was probably a wrong decision, but to be fair to the linesman, it was a difficult decision... United got their noses in front just before halftime, as Ronaldo raced across the field, passed the ball to Micheal Carrck whos shot went into the bottom corner from 20 yards out... A good goal!
2nd half United created very many chances, but Reading's goalie was outstanding. He saved brilliantly from Ronaldo and Larsson. Midway through the half Reading was awarded a corner, and icelandic defender Gunnarsson jumped the highest and headed home to 1-1. A very good header and United goalie Kuszczak had no chance whatsoever... Scholes, Evra and Larsson came off the bench 20 minutes form the end, but they couldn't help United as the tie ended 1-1. A difficult replay now awaits United at the Madejski Stadium.
MOM: Federici, Reading's goalkeeper.

Tranmere - Doncaster 1-0 (1-0)

2007-02-19T05:47:00.000-08:00

Prenton Park, 10.02.07
Att: 5 965

After some very poor results lately, Rovers finally ended their run without a victory as fellow play-off contendors Doncaster were defeated at PP. Ronnie Moore had finally understood that Gavin Ward had to be dropped for legend Johnny Achto! Another change was that Jason McAteer also played from start after a long injury layoff.
Tranmere were in front just after six minuted when McLaren played in a free kick into the box. Gareth Taylor won the header and headed it into Greenacres path. He cooly placed the ball in the bottom corner with a neat header. Chris Shuker was lucky that he stayed on the pitch after a horrendous tackle on former Rovers Sean Thornton. The first half didn't see many chances as Rovers and McAteer dominated the game. 2nd half followed in the same path as the 1st. Rovers had the most posession and putplayed their visitors, especially in the midfield were Jase was magnificent. Achto had one good save to make all game and was very confident when called into play. Good to see! In the end, Carl Tremarco almost scored Rovers' 2nd of the day, but a good save from their goalie hindered that. All in all a good game, and I am a bit more positive after recent results!
MOM: Jason McAteer! He just showed his class today!

Oldham - Tranmere 1-0 (0-0)

2007-02-19T05:36:00.000-08:00

Boundary Park, 03.02.07
Att: 6 944

As this is written many days after, I can't remember everything....
Good turn out from the travelling SWA and some incredible good pre match atmosphere. We defended well in the first half and had some chances, but we didn't take them. Oldham played some neat football. A very even 1st half ended goalless and as the 2nd half went on, it seemed certain that it would be one of those 0-0 games... But in the end Oldham had a shot that hit the woodwork, and than just a minute later, in the 92nd minute.... Gavin Ward makes a VERY big mistake that cost Rovers a point... It's time to change your goalie Ronnie Moore!
What was the most cool during this afternoon was that injured Ian Goodison suddenly stood behind us in the awaystand. He saw the game with the supporters! Now, would that happen in the Premier League??

Tranmere - Bradford 1-1 (1-1)

2007-01-20T10:14:00.000-08:00

Prenton Park, 19.01.07
Att: 6 567

The first Friday night fixture of 2007 ended in a draw, which was probably fair to be honest. But I think Rovers should have won it both from play and tablewise...
Greenacre was named on the bench again, but is returning to full fitness. Zola carried on playing very well, and like the Tuesday-game, he created Rovers' goal. He opened up the Bradford defence with a low cross for Davies who again slotted it in for Taylor to score his 2nd goal in four days. Bradford's striker Jarmaine Johnson looked a very good player indeed and he alone was the architect behind every Bantamattack. Unsurprisingly he created their goal just after the halfour mark as he skipped past Sherriff and played the ball back from the deadline and Schumacher did everything correct from the penaltyspot. 1-1. It wasn't very many chances in the rest of the match, but John Mullin really should have made it 2-1, only for their keeper, Ricketts, to pull off a magnificent save. Mullin got onto a cross from Shuker 4 yards from the goalline, but it wasn't to be, as both sides looked quite happy with a point each in the end...
MOM: Ian Goodison, again. Hadn't it been for him, Jarmaine Johnson would have gone mad with our defence... :)

Tranmere - Crewe Alex 1-0 (1-0)

2007-01-20T10:01:00.000-08:00

Prenton Park, 16.01.07
Att: 5 708

As we lost 3-2 down at Bristol in the last league game I wasn't very convinced about this game, especially when the league's best striker-partnership in Maynard and Varney were up against us. But they stayed very calm all night, or it is probably better to state it this way; Rovers' defence were absolute brilliant, especially Goodison as he completely controlled both of them, especially Maynard. Greenacre was on the bench after he caught the flu over the weekend. Zola replaced him and put in a very good performance.
On to the game, Rovers started much better than recent homegames and should have taken the lead twice in the first quarter of an hour. First Sherriff volleyed over after a corner and than Taylors header was brilliantly saved by their keeper. Rovers eventually took the lead on 19 minutes as Zola chased down a Crewe defender and got a touch on the ball. It found it's way to Taylor who held a defender away and rounded the goalie to 1-0! Both teams could have scored before half-time as Taylor, Shuker for Rovers and Maynard for Crewe had some decent chances. 2nd half was not as good as the first, but some nice play from both teams made it to a good night out. Davies was very unlucky not to score as he hit the top of the crossbar with a good header just ten mins from time.
All in all a good performance from Rovers.
MOM: The one and only, Ian Goodison.

Tranmere - Northampton 1-1 (0-1)

2007-01-11T05:31:00.000-08:00

Prenton Park, 06.01.07
Att: 6 089

An awful performance from Rovers ended in a lucky point as John Mullin equalized from the penalty spot. Northampton scored after just 10 minutes after a goalmouth scramble, and Rovers never recovered from it. The visitors didn't play particularely well either, but they were far better than Rovers in the final third. Rovers probably most of the posession, but were afraid when they saw the 18-yard line.. Nothing more to write from the game really. Worst performance of the year, and they really have to fire themselves up for the visit to Bristol City were we haven't scored since we got relegated five years ago! Now is the time...
MOM: Nobody

Tranmere - Rotherham 2-1 (2-0)

2007-01-04T06:07:00.000-08:00

Prenton Park, 01.01.07
Att: 6 675

2007 started very well for Rovers as they held on to a 2-1 victory to record their first win of the festive-period against the Millers. The game started very dull with both teams making a lot of mistakes, but Rovers seemed most interested in the three points as Sherriff hit the post after a deflection and Greenacre looped a header on top of the crossbar. On top of that was a disallowed goal by Shuker. Rovers finally took the lead just before half an hour, after a goalmouth scramble. Shane Sherriff hit a shot towards the bottom corner leaving the goalie no chance. Rovers continued to play well, and added a second just minutes before half-time with an exellent goal. Paul McLaren crossed a perfect ball from some yards off the edge of the area, which Gareth Taylor perfectly headed into the corner to 2-0.
After the interval Rovers opted to sit back (as they often do when winning) and let Rotherham come to them. The visitors had much more of the posession, but didn't create any real chances. That was until a freak shot by former Rovers-player Delroy Facey, sneaked under the bar just before the 70 mins mark. Rovers debut-goalie Joe Hart (which arrived on loan the same day as the match from Man City), should have done better, but the wind caught it and that didn't help him. He made an outstanding save later on as Chris McCready was clearing the ball. However he hit a Miller-player and the ball seemed to loop over Hart, but he saved it and helped Rovers to three points. Late on Taylor and McCready had a go at eachother after disagreeing about who to blame after a Rotherham-chance...
MOM: Ian Goodison, a steady performance from the defender!

Scunthorpe - Tranmere 1-1 (1-0)

2006-12-07T04:29:00.000-08:00

Glanford Park, 05.12.06
Att: 4 572

A top of the table clash, and both team were desperate to bounce back from defeats in the 2nd round of the FA-cup as both teams lost at home to league two opposition. The game started with a good tempo, and Rovers were on top for most of the half. On of the most prolific strikers in the division, Billy Sharp of Scunthorpe, was marked completely out of the game by our brilliant Goodison. He won every single duell with the irish-man. there were very few clear chances in the first half, although the home-side took the lead just minutes before halftime, as Keogh fired the ball into the back of the net from three yards after a goalmouth scramble. Many Rovers fans said he was offside, but I didn't complain, it was very tight, and difficult for the linesman (who had some very dodge decisions later in the game, I have to say). Rovers almost hit immidiatly back, but it wasn't to be. The 2nd half started very brightly for Rovers, as they kept pressuring Scunthorpe and they got their reward after 53 minutes as clubcaptain Shane Sherriff scored (not very differently from the first goal of the game). If I was a referee, I would have blown for a handball by the goalscorer, but really, I don't care :) We scored a vital goal! A few minuted later, they hit the inside of the post, as Rovers were lucky not to concede. Rovers dominated most of the 2nd half as well, but couldn't produce any big chances. Ellison almost curled the ball in from a freekick near the cornerflag and Stockdale fired over from 20 yards as he had controlled the ball with his chest. A very good battling performance by Rovers, and a very vital and well deserved point! Well done lads, and well done Sherriff who celebrated with the fans after the final whistle! That is a real clubcaptain!!
MOM: Hail IAN GOODISON!! What a player! 34 years, and just signed for two more years!

Tranmere - Peterborough 1-2 (1-1)

2006-12-07T04:19:00.000-08:00

Prenton Park, 02.12.06
Att: 6 308

Haven't been bothered writing this report, but I guess it's time to do so now... I was just sooo dissapointed after we lost this 2nd round FA-cup draw. I really wanted to see Tranmere play against a premierleague team, but it wasn't to be! Peterborough deservedly got through to the famous 3rd round, and will be playing..... Plymouth!!! I am almost lucky we didn't go through just to loose to the Pilgrims... :)
As this is some days ago, I don't remeber all the chances, and can't be bothered to have a look at other reports...
Rovers started ok, so did the Posh. It was an even game until Rovers and captain Sherriff scored with a header from a Shuker corner (?), and it seemed like we were comfortably heading towards the next round. Peterborough didn't create any clear chances until injurytime in the first half. One of their strikers sprinted towards the nearpost to tap the ball past Ward in the Rovers-goal to 1-1. The 2nd half was just AWFUL! We were 2nd best in everything. Passing, challenging, possession - everything... And 15 minutes from time they got the winner which they deserved. And Rovers were out of the world's famoust footballtournament...
MOM: John Thompson

Tranmere - Blackpool 2-0 (1-0)

2006-11-24T15:27:00.000-08:00

Prenton Park, 24.11.06
Att: 8 247

Blackpool were unbeaten in 7 matches prior to this match. Personally I thought that we definitly could get three points, but just a point wouldn't surprised me... Thankfully my negative thoughts stopped haunting me after, eh.... 55 seconds :)
That was the time that Rovers needed to be in front. Shuker crossed the ball in form the right, it went straight through everyone, and to the left. There Steven Davies shot/crossed the ball back in, were it found Greenacre at the far post. He easily made i 1-0. The atmosphere was reallly good the next ten minutes as the Blackpool fans contributed very much. The rest of the half was not very good from a Rovers viewpoint. We played badly and couldn't get a foot in. Blackpool enjoyed most of the posession, but didn't manage to have a clear chance. I have to admit though, that they should had a penalty when Goodison tripped one of their strikers, but thankfully the referee had a different opinion...
The second half was very much an improvement, and Rovers controlled the game, had most of the posession, and were very confident. Blackpool tried to play some neat football, but it stopped when they saw the sight of goal. Tranmere secured the three points after some good work by Shuker and Greenacre. Shuker crossed in from the left, their goalie really should have held the ball, but didn't. Greenacre got the ball with his back to the goal, passed it to Davies, who shot the ball through some Blackpool-defenders and into the back of the net for his first goal of the season! Adrian Forbes nearly helped Rovers to score a third, as his cross into his own penalty area (!) caught the defence off-guard. Gareth Taylor twice had a shot, but both was blocked. All in all a very good performance, and we're 2nd in the league!!!
MOM: Ian Goodison, he is so confident!

Tranmere - Woking 4-2 (2-0)

2006-11-13T09:00:00.000-08:00

Prenton Park, 11.11.06
Att: 4 591

FA Cup 1st round. And we are through to the 2nd round for the first time in three years, where Peterborough United will come and visit us at PP.
The game started off a bit nervously, but very soon Tranmere started to play some neat football. Gareth Taylor is really on fire at the moment and he scored our first from a corner-kick. He outjumped the opposing defender and nodded the ball into the far corner. Just before the corner, Rovers should have had a penalty as one of the Woking-defenders handled the ball. But justice was done when Taylor made it 1-0. Just a few minutes later it was 2-0. The Rovers attack suddenly exploded, as Davies got the ball down the right hand side. He went past his opposer, and charged down the flank, before he crossed a brilliant low cross into the path of Greenacre at the near post. He showed his poacherbrilliance to much delight of the PP faithful. Half-time and we were in control. Almost immidiatly after the interval G Taylor made it 3-0, when he headed a low cross into the net, leaving the Woking-goalie no chance! Surely that put the game beyond Woking? Tranmere thought they could control the game for 43 minutes, but that wasn't to be. The wind, some bad defending and goalkeeping gave the non-league side a consolation-goal. Tranmere continued to try to control the game, and was punished again. A brilliant shot from outside the area flew past Ward, and it was game on! Woking did really well in this period, and Tranmere were awful, didn't put a tackle in, and to be fair, made it look easy to be a Woking-player... Ward really did well as he saved a low shot down to his left as he held Rovers in the game just minutes later... Thankfully Rovers understood the importance, and secured the victory with just a few minutes left on the clock when Greenacre scored his 2nd of the day (couldn't see the goal, as it was a goalmout scramble on the other side of the pitch...).
MOM: Gareth Taylor, has really found his form and showed what a very important player he is!

Tranmere - Millwall 3-1 (2-1)

2006-11-03T15:56:00.000-08:00

Prenton Park, 03.11.06
Att: 7 114

After the amazingly poor performance on Tuesday, Tranmere woke up again tonight. After the first 5-10 minutes which were a bit nervous from both teams, Tranmere really set the pace of the game with some brilliant moves. They had a goal ruled out for offside after about 15 minutes when Sherriff really should have had a dig himself, instead of passing the ball to Taylor, which was offside. But just three minutes later Taylor did get his first goal at PP, after he headed in Shuker's brilliant cross at the far post. Rovers continued to press foreward and was rewarded with their second for the night, after Shuker's corner landed at McCready's feet. He managed to get the ball over the goalline, as he also scored his first goal at PP. Millwall had a couple of halfchances, and they got the important goal straight before halftime as one of their strikers chipped the ball past an onrushing Ward. The second half was also very good, Millwall had probably most of the posession, but they never had a real goalchance. Both Davies and Goodison made that sure as they hade som great tackles to hinder them to come one on one with Wardy. Straight before the end, the three points were secured as Shuker took advantage of a mistake by Shaw. He ran towards their goalie and cooly slotted the ball past him, and into the back of the net, to the PP faithfuls delight!!!
A very good game! And I have to say that there were very many norwegians at this game! How cool! :)
MOM: Chris Shuker! Finally used his skills as he should use them!

Tranmere - Darlington 0-1 (0-0)

2006-11-03T15:55:00.001-08:00

Prenton Park, 31.10.06
Att: 2 036

Johnstone's Paint Trophy second round, northern section. What an awful game!!! And an awful referee, that is true. I normally never complain about the match officials, but I will make an exception for this match. He was just awful!!!
Tranmere didn't help themselves as they played very poorly on a cold and windy haloween night. I think they were scared of the children who knocked on their housedoors before they got to PP :)
They didn't deserve to win, but to be fair to them, they didn't deserve to loose either, but it happened. The referee gave Darlington a VERY soft penalt as he saw something that everyone else failed to see. Did you see Goodison push their striker? I did not, did you? No!
Anyway, we're out of the Mickey Mouse cup, and can now concentrate on the league, and that doesn't bother me!
MOM: John Achterberg, the only player too get out of the game with his head held high.

Tranmere - Bournemouth 1-0 (1-0)

2006-10-29T07:51:00.000-08:00

Prenton Park, 28.10.06
Att: 6 076

Finally three points after we'd gone six games without a league-win! The game was not very exiting in the starting-minutes. The only thing that it was sufficient of, was bookings...! Anyway, Rovers seemed a bit more comfertable since the last home-game against Port Vale and had a oppurtunity on 20 mins, as Taylor hit the bar with a header. Chris McCready had an exellent chance later on as he headed the ball goalbounds after a corner. However, their goalie produced an even better save to deny Rovers. On 41 minutes Rovers did manage to break the deadlock as Kevin Ellison hit the back of the net. Shane Sherriff was the provider as he curled the ball in from the left and found Taylor who headed the ball back into Ellisons path. Just moments later Ellison could have made it two as he also headed the ball onto the bar.
After half-time Rovers continued to have the better chances as Taylor, Greenacre and Goodison all should have found the net. Taylors effort came after a good freekick manouver, but their keeper saved. Greenacre was very unlucky not to score as his brilliant overheadkick was brilliantly saved. And how Goodisons header from a corner did not cross the goalline is still beyond me. Bournemouth didn't have to many chances as Rovres looked quiet comfortable. It has to be said that the Cherriers probably is the weakest team that has vivited Prenton Park this season...
MOM: Paul McLaren, did ever so well in the middle of the park.

Chester City - Hartlepool 2-1 (1-1)

2006-10-21T07:44:00.000-07:00

Saunders Honda Stadium, 20.10.06
Att: 2 580

Two mates of mine and I travelled down to Chester to see this game at the more known Deva Stadium. After finding our way into the ground, it started off in a perfect way for a neutral fan. Just after ten minutes, the a Chester defender backpassed the ball to his goalkeeper, which hitthe ball straight into a Hartlepool-player, and in the end, the ball was in the back of the net... Then, five mins later, Hartlepool was down to ten men after Jon Daly elbowed a Chester player. They did not however take advantage of the extra player, and played very poorly. They did manage to score straight before the interval though through Ashley Westwood, after a rebound-scramble...
After the break, the home-side were very much on top and deservedly got their reward when Jon Walters replied quickly after a very good save from the Hartlepool goalie. The visitors goalkeeper had a very good game, and Hartlepool can thank him for not conceding more goals...
MOM: Konstantopoulos, the Hartlepool goalkeeper.

Bury - Tranmere 0-2 (0-1)

2006-10-18T15:04:00.000-07:00

Gigg Lane, 17.10.06
Att: 1 093

Johnstone's Paint Trophy, first round. Probably more known as LDV Vans Trophy... This cup has got a new sponsor, and hence, a new name... The format has changed a bit as well to try and get some more interest round the cup. If it's a draw after 90 minutes, the game goes straight to penalties, and every team has to field a minimum of six first-team regulars.
Tranmere travelled the short way to Bury to try and get the first win in six games. No doubt the confidence was boosted before out league-game away to Carlisle this Saturday after this win.
The first half was very dull. Bury had some half-chances, but never threatened John Achterberg, which played his first first-team game in nearly a year. Chris Shuker finally broke his duck, as he curled a freekick in from 20 yards out. Former Rovers-defender Dave Challinor handled the ball, and the free-kick resulted in 1-0 to the Rovers.
2nd half was better and more open as Bury searched for an equalizer. A couple of more half-chances and a very good shot, which Achto reacted well to was their threats. Rovers also produced many half-chances, and got a penalty-claim turned down, as one of their defenders clearly handled the ball. Substitute John Mullin should also have done better when he had the time to place the ball, however, he miskicked it.
Just before the final whistle, Kevin Ellison broke down the left, skipped past the last defender, and passed the ball to another sub, Steven Jennings. Himself and the ball slided over the goalline to make it 2-0! We will now meet Darlington at home in the next round.
MOM: Chris Greenacre. Worked his socks off with all the running, and creating chances for both himself and others.

Tranmere - Port Vale 1-2 (0-2)

2006-10-14T09:32:00.000-07:00

Prenton Park, 13.10.06
Att: 7 866

Tranmere started the match on top, but soon the little quality they had shown dropped dramatically! Both Chris Shuker and Kevin Ellison should have scored, but instead, Port Vale took advantage of a disgraceful free-kick from Ellison, went up the pitch and scored... After that Tranmere weren't to recognise... They couldn't do anything in the first half as Port Vale dominated. And straight before half-time they got a free kick, which never should have been given, and scored from the rebound... 2-0 down by halftime. I really couldn't see us coming back, but as we came out in the second half and put them under pressure, I slightly realized we could come back, specially when Greenacre rounded their goalie and made it 1-2. But after that we were awful again. I have to give credit to Goodlad in Vales goal. Ha made some fantastic saves from Mullin and Ellison... It was not our day, as time went by and we deservedly lost 2-1, unfortunatley! We will never get promoted with this kind of play!!!
Oh, and the referee didn't help us...
MOM: I don't care!

England - Macedonia 0-0 (0-0)

2006-10-10T08:04:00.000-07:00

Old Trafford, 07.10.06
Att: 72 062

A game that most of us thought would be a walk-over for England. It never was... Macedonia impressed me a lot with some brilliant defencive play and with more luck, they could have got all three points!
England started off brightly and put pressure on little Macedonia from the start, however they couldn't find a way through their visitors defence, and Macedonia's confidence grew as the match progressed. A splended volley-attempt from Macedonia, which would have been a great goal, went just over the bar. Lampard and Carrick in the centre and Downing on the left did not impress, and the stats told by half-time that they only had managed one shot on goal...
The second half was better than the first, a few more chances to both teams. England had two very good chances, but the Macedonia-goalie pulled off some brilliant saves.
If Macedonia had deared to send more players in attack, they might have shocked the home-team. They had a couple of good chances, but Ledley King impressed when he twice avoided the Macedonia strikers to run clean through on goal. Shaun Wright-Phillips could have scored on his first run after he replaced Downing, but his shot was to weak. Five minutes from time, Gerrard hit the ball towards the goal. It rattled against the crossbar, and that summed up Englands day.
MOM: Jane Nikolovski; The Macedonien goalkeeper.

Ground hopper :-)

2006-10-05T05:17:00.001-07:00

In the absence of me going to Rovers-games lately, I have to write about some other football-topic. Rovers travelled to Bradford last Saturday, glad I didn't went as they got battered 2-0. Tomorrow they'll travel to Swansea, hopefully this time around they will come back with a result...

Anyway, the other day I was looking through all the games I've been to here in England. I found out that I had been to 20 different grounds and 29 games before I moved here in August.

So here are all the grounds and matches I've seen there;

25.10.97 Tranmere-Charlton 2-2 Prenton Park
26.10.97 Arsenal-Aston Villa 1-1 Highbury
26.02.00 Norwich-Huddersfield 1-1 Carrow Road
27.02.00 Leiceister-Tranmere 2-1 Wembley Stadium
28.02.00 QPR-Fulham 0-0 Loftus Road
24.02.01 Tottenham-Leeds 1-2 White Hart Lane
03.03.01 Crewe-Tranmere 3-1 Gresty Road
04.03.01 Fulham-Bolton 1-1 Craven Cottage
21.10.01 Newcastle-Totenham 0-2 St. James' Park
20.11.01 Reading-Tranmere 4-1 Madejski Stadium
23.02.02 West Ham-Middlesbrough 1-0 Boleyn Ground
24.08.02 Oldham-Tranmere 2-0 Boundery Park
27.08.02 Charlton-Tottenham 0-1 The Valley
01.03.03 Brentford-Tranmere 1-2 Griffin Park
19.10.03 Everton-Southampton 0-0 Goodison Park
03.04.04 Wrexham-Tranmere 0-1 Racecourse Ground
04.04.04 Liverpool-Blackburn 4-0 Anfield Road
05.11.04 Millwall-Sunderland 2-0 The New Den
09.11.04 Bristol City-Tranmere 4-0 Ashton Gate
16.12.05 Preston NE-Sheffield U 0-0 Deepdale

This season I've visited KC Stadium (Hull), Millmoor (Rotherham) and Sixfield Stadium (Northampton).

On top of this I have been to a total of 10 times at Prenton Park before this season.

How many grounds do you guys have?

Tranmere - Huddersfield Town 2-2 (2-0)

2006-09-27T02:23:00.000-07:00

Prenton Park, 26.09.06
Att: 6 702

I feel like we just have lost a game. Two points lost definitaly. After being two goals up halftime, I would never think that we would only end up with one come the final whistle!
It started off very well. Chris Shuker had a very good first half. He really wanted to break his duck, and showed everyone that he was on fire. It was him that created the first goal with a brilliant cross that was met by Calvin Zolas head. He made no mistakes, and scored his second goal of the season. Huddersfield came up with nothing during the first half and Rovers produced one of the best halfs I've ever witnessed. Especially the second goal was something very special. I dare to make a comparison to Argentinas wondergoal in the World-cup. Stockdale, Shuker, Mullin and McLaren passed the ball around for a number of times on the right. Suddenly Shuker set off into the penalty-area, rounding the Town-defenders, cleverly passed the ball to Greenacre who scored with a low shot to round off a brilliant move! On top of this Greenacre had the ball in the net straight before the half-time whistle, but it was ruled out for an offside.
Huddersfield looked much stronger in the second half, and their first goal came as a result of a mistake by Gavin Ward. He came out to deal with a cross, but failed. Andy Booth easily sent the ball into the empty goal to 2-1. Just before that goal Shuker really should have made it 3-0 when he hit the post when alone with the Town-goalie. Huddersfield continued to play some neat football and got rewarded when Taylor-Fletcher equalised 15 minutes from time.
In the end it was a fair result posession-wise. However Rovers had enough oppurtunities to kill the game off, but as in other games, they don't score enough goals when they can...
MOM: Although very dissapointed with him in the second half, I'll give it to Chris Shuker. He had a cracker of a first half and setting up both goals.

Tranmere - Nottingham Forest 0-0 (0-0)

2006-09-23T10:37:00.000-07:00

Prenton Park, 23.09.06
Att: 11 444

Compared to many other Rovers-supporters I wasn't very confident that we would win this afternoon. So I think one point is a point won, and not two lost...
Nearly 11 500 packed inside Prenton (it looked more like 13000!) for this top-of-the-table-clash. There was a good pre-match atmosphere, but the first half was not as good. A very dull game with no-one really having a go in the first 45 minutes, with much posession from both teams. Gavin Ward made a very good save, and Rovers had many half-chances. One of them was a free-kick from Shuker, but their goalie had control. That was it really, but it was very tense.
The second half was a bit better, though Tranmere never really got going. They gave Forest a bit too much space, and defended maybe too deep. Kevin Ellison should have scored from a tight angle, when the ball got loose after a few challenges in the box. However, he shot the ball into the Kop. Gavin Ward made some good saves, especially right at the end, when he blocked a couple of very good chances. Tranmere can count themselves very lucky that no-one of those chances was converted to a goal.
It was to be fair a very even game, and a draw was the right result, both teams had good chances and good spells, but it remained goalless. So that means we're still second behind leaders Forest. Now, bring on Huddersfield come Tuesday!
MOM: Gavin Ward, made som exellent saves during the game!

Northampton Town - Tranmere 1-3 (0-2)

2006-09-17T10:16:00.000-07:00

Sixfield Stadium, 16.09.06
Att: 5 334

A very good restult for Rovers. A very deserved victory, but we could have played better... The homeside had the first big chance of the game as Gavin Ward miskicked a goalkick. Andy Kirk raced towards Ward, but the goalie saved to the relief of the travelling fans. On 14 minutes Calvin Zola, who had replaced Chris Greenacre up front from the midweek-game, picked the ball up and magnificently curled the ball into the far corner from 14 yards out. His first goal of the season. By 25 minutes Rovers had done two substitutions, as both Ellison and McLaren got injured. Northampton took advantage of the changes and pressured Rovers, but they couldn't get an equalizer. 35 minutes was gone when Shuker crossed to Taylor who brilliantly headed into the far post with challenge from two Cobbler-defenders.
Imiidiatly after the break everyone in the ground thought that it was game on again as McGleish got the ball on 4 yards. He managed however to kick it over the bar... And then just 10 minutes later Rovers got a penalty. Steve Davies crossed the ball to Taylor, who was challenged by Johnson. The latter handled the ball and the pen was very correctly given. John Mullin kept his nerves cool and sent the ball in the back of the net, and is now joint top-scorer with Greenacre. Northampton did get one back, when McGleish beat Ward from 18 yards out with a low shot, when he just had the goalie to beat. All in all a good game!
MOM: John Mullin had a really good game, so I'll give the mom to him. But Zola did impress me with his running and ball-control...

Rotherham United - Tranmere 2-1 (2-1)

2006-09-12T16:40:00.000-07:00

Millmoor, 12.09.06
Att: 3 732

Down on earth again! This game ended in a deserved victory for the home side as they played some good football, especially during the first half. Tranmere helped them a lot by giving away posession far too easily, and their defending was at times awful! Rovers were lucky not too concede early on, but it lasted only until the 18th minute when a shot from Lee Williamson flew past Ward. The home side continued their pressure, and must have been let down when Rovers scored at their first chance of the game. Kevin Ellison placed a rightfooted shot near the post. The goalie got a touch, but couldn't deny the 1-1 scoreline. After Rovers's goal in the 28th minute, it was a fairly even game. But when Rovers thought they were in the game and the travelling SWA were happy and singing, Rovers showed some awful defending allowing Will Hoskins to skip past at least three players, which didn't challenge him, before curling the ball into the far corner. After halftime Rovers really didn't seem to have the confident, and when Chris Greenacre went off injured, no one up front seemed bothered. Taylor and Zola are just too similar in their playingstyle, so that didn't work. Rovers' posession weren't enough this time, it ended in our second defeat in the league this season.
MOM: Won't give my mom to anyone this evening... No one deserved it, unfortunatley!

Tranmere - Bristol City 1-0 (0-0)

2006-09-09T12:04:00.000-07:00

Prenton Park, 08.09.06
Att: 8 111

What an atmosphere! What an exitement! What a team!!! Finally the broke the duck against Bristol City. After 4 games without scoring against them, we finally did it, but we had to wait until the 85th minute. However, it was well worth the wait!
Tranmere couldn't produce the same tempo from the start, as they did against Orient. However Rovers had most of the possession and should really have been one up by half time. Gareth Taylor narrowly headed over the bar from a free-kick, when he really should have hit the target. We could also have had a penalty, but the referee, who didn't have the best game, turned the appeal down.
In the second half Goodison headed straight into Basso's hands. The whole of the ground thought that was going in, including me! I really didn't think that Rovers were going to find the opener, but they proved me very wrong, as John Mullin netted from 12 yards out just before the end to give Rovers a deserved win! Our goalie (or was it goalscorer?) Ward, almost didn't have to make a save all night!
So happy days on the Wirral as Rovers won their first of many Friday night games of the season.
MOM: I really can't pick any. The whole team worked their socks off for the victory, and they all hugged eachother at the final whistle! A great team victory!

Tranmere - Leyton Orient 3-0 (2-0)

2006-09-03T08:25:00.000-07:00

Prenton Park, 02.09.06
Att: 6 446

So far the best game I've seen from Rovers this season, and maybe one of the best games I've seen them play. Rovers totally dominated the game the first 20 minutes, and deservedly scored twice in that period. They should however scored at least one more and had a penalty. Read carefully; Gavin Ward, yes the Gavin Ward, scored Rovers' first goal after nine minutes (for those who don't know, Ward is Rovers' goalkeeper!). An indirect free-kick just outside his own
box was kicked way up the field and bounced over the O's goalie and into the back of the net to the much delight of the Prenton faithfuls! Their goalkeeper got a vital touch, cause if he hadn't, the goal would have been disallowed. A very good atmosphere got even better when Chris Greenacre scored just three mins later when Chris Shuker found him all alone on the edge of the six-yard box. Shuker himself had lots of oppertunities, but couldn't manage to get a goal to his name. After Rovers' spell of dominance it was an equal contest the rest of the half. The second half was a good contest between the sides. Both teams had very good goalchances, but couldn't take the advantage of them. That was until the 80th minute, when Greenacre converted a rebound from the goalie to make it 3-0 and game over. Rovers were lucky to hold out for a clean sheet at the end, when Orient had a couple of very good chances.
All in all a very good performance by Rovers! Now we're 2nd! Come on you Rovers!
MOM: John Mullin. Made a very good performance in the heart of Rovers midfield. And a 2nd mom to Ward, just for scoring his first ever senior goal! :)

Hull - Tranmere 1-1 (0-1) 2-1 aet

2006-08-25T15:58:00.000-07:00

KC Stadium, 22.08.06
Att: 6 075

Rovers coudn't manage to get through to the 2nd round of the Carling Cup this year either. After a boring opening 25 minutes, Rovers got the lead after 31 minutes when the linesman awarded Rovers and Shane Sherriff a goal, when his header was just over the line. After good Rovers-spell the last 15-20 minutes of the 1st half, they couldn't reproduce the spell in the 2nd half. Hull totally dominated the game and got a well-deserved equalizer just before the hour mark. Ben Burgess' header was well out of Ward's reach... Both teams had chances to score, but Hull was by far closest. After 90 minutes it was still 1-1 and extra time had to be played. After the first 5 minutes it really seemed like bith teams were happy with this going to penalties, but it wasn't to be for Rovers, as Duffy hit the ball in a perfect volley 10 minutes from time.
Now let's focus on the league!
MOM: Ian Goodison, again impressing me with his brilliant centre half abilites!

Tranmere - Yeovil 2-1 (1-1)

2006-08-21T02:11:00.000-07:00

Prenton Park, 19.08.06.
Att: 6 023

My first match after I arrived in England. I guess everyone at Prenton Park was hoping for a replay of last years encounter vs Yeovil which ended convincingly 4-1 to Rovers. It was not to be, but it could easily have been the same result. After a scrappy first 35 minutes, Kevin Ellison put Rovers in front after a flick on by Greenacre. I can't say Ellison had his nerves calm, but anyway, goal counts anyhow they are scored :) It was however very dissapointing when Yeovil equalised just before half-time. The second half was a good improvement from the first. Rovers upped the tempo and had lots and lots of chances! They did get the winner through some exellent play. Mullin got the last touch from the edge of the 6-yard box. Greenacre twice and Stockdale could have put Rovers further ahead, but it wasn't to be! Yeovil also had some decent chances, but in the end a deserved victory!
MOM: Ian Goodison, had an exellent game at the heart of Rovers' defence.

footballblog on ice....

2006-07-06T10:40:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to say that I won't post anything on this blog until the season kicks off early August...

Until then, blogoffjeld.blogspot.com is the place to be...

Rovers-update and WC-update

2006-06-29T16:17:00.000-07:00

Rovers today signed their 8th player of the week! As I've said before, Kevin Ellison and Robbie Stockdale was the first two players to be brought in... John Mullin and Paul McLaren (both from Rotherham), Goalie Gavin Ward (Preston), defender Shane Sheriff (Aarhus) and striker Gareth Taylor was added to the squad in the closing stages of the week. In addition to this, Jason McAteer was rewarded with another year as a player-coach and will continue to be a part of the staff, which now includes manager Ronnie Moore and ass.mgr John Breckin.
I think Moore has done well so far with the signings. Of course I haven't seen them in action yet, but I thin kthey will crop well with the rest if the squad, as they turned up for pre-season training today.

So Get Fit Rovers!

The world cup has drawn the following teams togehter;
Germany vs Argentina
England vs Portugal
Italy vs Ukraine
France - Brazil

The matches starts tomorrow and I hope that England will make it to the last four, at least!
Engerland, engerland, engerland!

Welcome to my footballworld!

2006-06-24T03:09:00.000-07:00

The summer is usually a boring part of the year, when it comes to football. The season in England is finished, even the footballseason in Norway has a break. But of course this year, in fact every 4th year, is an exception. The World Cup is here. And today round two starts! 8 matches in the coming round two.

Germany-Sweden
Argentina-Mexico
England-Equador
Portugal-The Netherlands
Italy-Australia
Switzerland-Ukraine
Brasil-Ghana
Spain-France

It will certainly be some amazing days...

I do also want to mention that Ronnie Moore has brought in his first players to Tranmere. Former Middlesborough player Robbie Stockdale and Kevin Ellison. Hope they will become real assets for the club.