Goals courtesy of Rory Donnelly, and Danny Homes eased Tranmere’s relegation fears and despite Connor Goldson’s late goal, the home side were able to weather the storm and obtain three vital points.
Shrewsbury continued with the same line-up, that defeated AFC Wimbledon 2-0 last Saturday. The team were backed by a magnificent army of away fans, 1,353 supporters made the trip. They were almost awarded for making the journey, when neat build up play between Tyrone Barnett and James Collins, caused problems for the Rovers backline. It needed composed goalkeeping from Welsh International Fon Williams, to prevent Town from taking the lead.
Injury problems were a big factor for Town, influential captain Liam Lawrence, was forced off in the 13th minute. Mickey Demetriou, suffered what appeared to be a horrific injury late on. Both are likely to miss league action, in the coming weeks and months.
However, Shrewsbury looked the more likely to break the deadlock. James Collins turned provider, whipping in a fantastic delivery for Tyrone Barnett, the burly frontman was inches away from claiming his second goal, since a deadline day switch from Peterborough. Jermaine Grandison, then showed some trickery that was reminiscent of the Brazilians in the 1970 World Cup. Unfortunately, his shot was tame, and Fon Williams easily collected the attempt.
A comedy error, enabled Tranmere to score the first goal, completely against the run of play. It was like a computer game, as sloppy play from Ryan Woods, saw the talented midfielder’s pass to Tyrone Barnett intercepted by Donnelly. The Swansea loanee, accepted the present, and beat Leutwiler at his near post, to score his sixth league goal in nine appearances.
Despite Town dominating the first half an hour, Rovers somehow found themselves two goals up, three minutes later. Once again, it was shabby defending that led to the goal. Mickey Demetriou, took too much time to assess his options, Danny Holmes robbed the 24 year old in possession, before firing a powerful shot into the back of the net, from just outside the 18 yard box. Leutwiler was wrong footed, as the ball appeared to go straight through the Swiss.
Town nearly conceded a third, to cap off ten mad minutes. Jennison Myrie-Williams’, in-swinging cross, almost fortuitously found the back of the net. It crashed the bar instead, before almost hitting the bottom left hand post on its way out of play.
Shrewsbury, did rally before half-time. Blackpool loanee, Bobby Grant fizzed an attempt, which was blocked by Fon Williams.
But Tranmere, had the last word in the first half. Kayode Odejayi, blasted the ball towards goal, Leutwiler prevented a poor first half from getting even worse, by turning the ball behind.
Bobby Grant, and James Collins, both tried to halve the deficit at the beginning of the second half. Bobby Grant’s attempt from range, found the midriff of Fon Williams. Then, James Collins ghosted in behind the Tranmere backline, before trying an audacious chip, which Fon Williams palmed onto the roof of the net.
They say when it rains it pours, and when the heaven’s opened, Mickey Mellon will undoubtedly have looked up towards the sky, and thanked his lucky stars that his side were not three nil down. Max Power’s 25 yard screamer of a free-kick, was superbly saved by Leutwiler. Without the Swiss, it could have been 4 or 5, at this point.
Perhaps more concerning than the scoreline, was the stomach churning scenes, when Demetriou required oxygen after a horrendous tackle, that went unpunished. The defender, is understood to have been taken to Arrowe Park Hospital, for further assessment.
With eight minutes of normal time remaining, Town pulled a goal back. Bobby Grant’s corner, was not cleared by Tranmere, the ball fell kindly to Connor Goldson, who prodded home from close range.
Due to Mickey Demetriou’s injury, the referee added an extra 11 minutes to play. Shrewsbury created several chances in stoppage time. Firstly, Tyrone Barnett, struck a half volley from inside the Rovers area, but it cleared the crossbar. Then, Bobby Grant’s searching corner, almost went straight in, but Fon Williams diverted the ball onto the woodwork. Finally, Bobby Grant was denied once again by Fon Williams, a strike from 20 yards was impressively turned behind by the Rovers number 1.
Shrewsbury can count themselves unfortunate, not to leave Prenton Park without at least a point. However, haphazard defending, contributed to their downfall, and manager Micky Mellon will no doubt be furious with his side’s complacency. Burton leapfrogged Town into first place, as they recorded an impressive 3-1 away victory against Dagenham. Shrewsbury will be hoping to get back to winning ways, when they welcome Northampton to Greenhous Meadow, next Saturday.
Attendance: 5,987 (1,353 Town fans)
Team Line Ups:
Tranmere Rovers (4-3-3)
1. Williams, 2. Holmes, 32. Thompson, 18. Dugdale, 17. Taylor, 14. Laird, 22. Jennings, 4. Power, 31. Myrie-Williams (88), 9. Odejayi, 29. Donnelly,
Subs:
3.Ridehalgh, 8. Koumas, 15. Kirby, 19. Molyneux, 26. Brezovan, 28. McGahey (88), 34. Hume
Subs Not Used:
3.Ridehalgh, 8. Koumas, 15. Kirby, 19. Molyneux, 26. Brezovan, 34. Hume
Shrewsbury Town: (4-4-3)
1. Leutwiler, 2. Grandison, 5. Ellis, 6. Goldson, 3. Demetriou (79), 4. Woods, 11. Lawrence (13), 22. Clark (65), 10. Vernon, 9. Collins, 23. Barnett
Subs:
7. Vincent, 12. Gayle (79), 16. Southern, 21. Halstead, 24. Grant (13), 26. Akpa-Akpro (65), 28. Mandron
Subs Not Used:
7. Vincent, 16. Southern, 21. Halstead, 28. Mandron
Article by: Ryan Hillback