Tranmere Rovers v Vauxhall Motors.
Wednesday 16th February 2022, 745pm ko.
@Prenton Park.
Cheshire Senior Cup, Quarter Final.
Mick McGraa’s Motors progressed through to the Cheshire Senior Cup Semi Final with an impressive performance which resulted in a 2-0 victory against Tranmere Rovers on Tuesday night.
It was a lightning start by the visitors as they scored through Michael Burkey, a fantastic finish as he cut in from the left following a strong tackle by a hosting player in the lead up.
The first half was very much dominated by The Motors, some brilliant passes taking the ball into promising areas as an experienced front line came up against inexperienced defenders. This was typified when McGraa’s men should’ve been awarded a penalty, claims dismissed to the bewilderment of many.
Craig Cairns blew an amazing opportunity to double the lead as he pounced on a poor back pass to the keeper, Mateusz Hewelt making another impressive stop as he stood up well to deny a certain goal.
The half grew to be a little bit more balanced. Rovers were awarded two free kicks in promising positions, both causing a small amount of trouble to The Motors shot stopper.
Showing that they were still in the tie, Alan Morgan’s side looked promising on the counter attack. Max Fisher had the best chance of the opening stages. However, the first yellow card would soon be given to a Rovers man and no goal would be scored by them on the night.
Finally doubling their lead, to make the game comfortable, Haydn Cooper netted after a scramble in the box. The goal brought on a rendition of ‘Que Sera Sera’ from the visiting fans sitting in the main stand.
Fantastic in both attack and defence throughout the game, a strong tackle was put in on Ryan Stratulis as the playmaker had the goal in his sights. Stratulis was then subbed off, looking hurt.
There could be no doubt as to who the deserved winners were when the final whistle came, Motors winning 2-0. They will now go on to face Stockport County away from home in a highly anticipated Semi-Final.
Man of the match: Motors captain Thomas Mitchell.
Tranmere Rovers Team, managed by Alan Morgan: Hewelt, Capps, Cain, Haley, Dwyer, Fisher (Mills), Jones, Bamgbose, Stratulis, Timlin, Taylor.
Vauxhall Motors Team, managed by Mick McGraa: Dixon, Gouldbourne, Heath, Thelwell, Mitchell, Cooper, Knapper, Riley (Drummond), Cairns (Sample), Holmes (Scarisbrick), Burkey (Kelly).