Ethan Hoijord

Micky Mellon’s ‘super whites’ are into the second round of the FA Cup after a wonderful closely contested display against Gareth Ainsworth’s ‘Chairboys’, with the use of extra time. 

Similar to many previous fixtures this season, Tranmere started with an attacking intent. Kieron Morris delivering a free kick into the box, a few minutes into the tie. However, the free kick could only find the head of a Wycombe defender. Conor Jennings was the next Tranmere forward to create a goal-bound attempt, the forwards cross was met by the head of striker Stefan Payne but the ball was cleared away from danger.

Although the visitors started with the better attacking attempts, it was the hosts that came closest to opening the scoring. Veteran striker Adebayo Akinfenwa’s header from outside the six yard box landing inches past Scott Davies’ post.

It was a cagey start to the game, with both sides performing with an intent to attack. Wycombe’s forwards delivering a series of crosses into the Tranmere box, centre half George Ray clearing the last cross for a corner. Again, Wycombe came the closest to opening the scoring as forward Scott Kashket curled a shot agonisingly wide of Davies’ right hand post from the edge of the box.

A short period of time later, Akinfenwa rose to meet the ball in the air. The downward header was comfortably gathered by the Tranmere goalkeeper.

Although the Buckinghamshire side had already came close twice to opening the scoreline, Ainsworth’s forward Jack Grimmer was awarded with the best chance of the game so far. This came after the Scotsman ghosted into the six yard box but he was unable to fire into the Tranmere net.

On the stroke of half time, Tranmere’s poor disciplinary record was shown again as loanee full-back Kane Wilson was awarded with a red card after a late tackle.

Straight after, Gareth Ainsworth’s ‘Chairboys’ found themselves ahead as Anthony Stewart fired past Davies from inside the box.

At the break, Ray was replaced for Cameron Borthwick-Jackson as Mellon was in the need for an attacking full-back to replace the sent off Wilson. 

The hosts came agonisingly close to doubling the scoreline, Giles Phillips shot rebounding off the bar from the edge of the area.

With some fortune, Morgan Ferrier fired past Wycombe goalkeeper Ryan Allsop to level the scoreline. The clinical forward getting in behind the Wycombe defence and smashing into the roof of the net.

The hosts created many chances throughout the 60th to 70th minutes, Paul Smyth heading over the bar from a few yards out for Wycombe before firing past Davies from a rebound  to put the hosts in front … fortunately for the visitors the move was ruled out for offside. Forward Kashket again came close to firing past Davies yet the goalkeeper managed to deny the ball access from the net with a great save, before palming the ball out and away from danger. 

Tranmere’s poor disciplinary record was added to again when defender Manny Monthe was booked for a lunging tackle.

Micky Mellon used his second substitution to replace Payne for loanee striker Rushian Hepburn-Murphy as greater energy was needed to get past the Wycombe defence, midway through the second half.

The Buckinghamshire outfit came close to firing past Davies again, the visiting captain pulling off a brilliant save from Alex Pattisons fierce shot after playing a short corner.

Tranmere’s final substitution of the game came when goal-scoring Ferrier was replaced by pacey winger Corey Blackett-Taylor.

After the full course of ninety minutes, extra time was needed to separate both sides. 

After the starting whistle to extra time, Tranmere’s defence faced a spell of pressure. However, nothing came of it and substituted forward Blackett-Taylor did well to carry the ball forward and away from danger. Blackett-Taylor managed to do well again when he found space inside the box and forced ‘Chairboys’ goalkeeper  Allsop into a save.

The Tranmere goalkeeper, Scott Davies, managed to keep the visitors in the tie with three wonderful saves through the latter stage of the first half of extra time. An excellent save down to his right, an excellent save from Josh Parker’s powerful header before a wonderful flying save from the forwards free kick. 

Against the run of play, Kieron Morris sent the away stand that held 200 visiting supporters into a state of pandemonium. The forward beating Allsop from the edge of the box, his third FA Cup goal of the season setting up a second round home tie with Non-league Chichester City. 

Full time – Wycombe Wanderers 1 Tranmere Rovers 2

Teams : 

Wycombe Wanderers – Allsop, Mascoll,  Phillips, Stewart, Grimmer, Freeman, Gape, Thompson, Kashket, Akinfenwa, Smyth.

Used substitutions – Wheeler, Pattison, Samuel, Parker (accesing the fourth allowed substitution in extra time).

Tranmere Rovers – Davies, Wilson, Monthe, Nelson, Ray, Caprice, Potter, Jennings, Morris, Payne, Ferrier. 

Used substitutions – Hepburn-Murphy, Blackett-Taylor, Borthwick-Jackson. 

Tranmere’s ‘on the road’ visit to Buckinghamshire was a visible improvement on previous fixtures.

The Tranmere manager, Micky Mellon, made three changes to the side that were beaten 5-0 on the stadium of light ten days ago. Sid Nelson replaced George Ray, as Ray took his place on the bench. There were two changes to the Tranmere attack that featured against Sunderland as Kane Wilson and Hepburn-Murphy replaced the suspended Stefan Payne and Paul Mullin, who took his place on the bench alongside George Ray. 

Within the first ten minutes of the fixture at Stadium MK, both sides tried to build an attack. Firstly, Liam Ridehalgh crossed towards loanee striker Rushian Hepburn-Murphy but Murphy’s header didn’t hit the target. Then, MK man Dean Lewington advanced down the left but his forward pace could only find the feet of Jake Caprice. Inside the first ten minutes, both sides kept their shape well but no further chances were created.

Paul Tisdale’s side were dominant within the next five minutes, Brittain’s volley from inside the box firing wide of the Tranmere goal. Shortly after the volley Kane Wilson slid inside the six yard box to produce an excellent last ditch tackle to deny MK forward Reeves. 

GOALLLL!!! 

The visitors were the first to open the scoreline, Kieron Morris finding Rushian Hepburn-Murphy with an inch perfect lowly placed cross who slotted the ball underneath the MK goalkeeper. 

The next real chance came a quarter of an hour later, Hepburn-Murphy showcasing his unbelievable pace to counter attack and play it across to Connor Jennings who failed to find the net.

Just before the half-time whistle, Reeves levelled the scoreline for the hosts as he buried a shot from the edge of the box.

However, MK failed to head into half-time with their heads held high due to a Kieran Agard red card, Agard was sent off due to a high tackle on Rovers midfielder Neill Danns. 

GOALLLL!!! 

Hepburn-Murphy doubled the visitors lead after ten minutes of the second half. Connor Jennings assisting Hepburn-Murphy with a short pass from a central position, Hepburn-Murphy spinned his marking defender as he continued to showcase his pace and slotted past the MK goalkeeper from the edge of the box.

Micky Mellon’s first substitution of the game followed two minutes later, Corey Blackett-Taylor replacing Jake Caprice on the right hand side of play.

GOALLL!!!!

A pass from the middle of the Tranmere half from Manny Monthe found the feet of Hepburn-Murphy who spinned his man using his unbelievable pace and slotted under the MK goalkeeper, Murphy got his hat-trick.

The next attacking chance came five minutes later, Murphy close to scoring his fourth of the game as he beat a few MK defenders but fired wide of the post.

The only remaining moment of the fixture was when Mellon made his second substitution of the game, Paul Mullin replacing hat-trick hero Hepburn-Murphy.

Full time result : MK 1 Tranmere 3.

Line-ups : 

MK – Nichols, Lewington, Moore-Taylor, Walsh, Williams, McGrandles, Gilbey, Houghton, Brittain, Agard, Reeves.

Used substitutions – Poole, Cargill, Asonganyi.

Tranmere – Davies, Wilson, Ridehalgh, Monthe, Nelson, Caprice (Blackett-Taylor), Perkins, Danns, Jennings, Hepburn-Murphy (Mullin), Morris. 

Attendance : 7,171 (621 Tranmere).

Tranmere’s midweek journey to Sunderland left them with the message ‘move on from the past, concentrate on the future’.

Micky Mellon made two changes from his side that previously drew, at home, to Southend United. Connor Jennings and Paul Mullin replaced the injured Corey Blackett-Taylor and Rushian Hepburn Murphy on the line-up that would compete against former premier league opposition at the Stadium of light.

The first twenty minutes, of the midweek fixture, were very close in terms of executing the game plan of attack. Sunderland opened the goal attempts when striker Will Grigg flicked on inside the box and saw his effort rebound off the post, the ball found no-one in red and white after hitting the post. At the other end, two minutes later, Kieron Morris lofted a ball inside the box to Paul Mullin but the Sunderland goalkeeper claimed the ball easily. As the clock showed eight minutes Manny Monthe was a pivotal man, to keep the scoreline level. The defender blocked a shot from inside the box, after his side switched off after a quick throw in. 

The first booking of the game was awarded in the tenth minute as Sunderland man O’Niel brought down Paul Mullin as Tranmere broke. 

Micky Mellon’s side were extremely close to opening the scoring when Kieron Morris’ shot was parried by Burge which forced a Payne rebound which was blocked as it was heading in. However, similar to previous fixtures Mellon’s side inability to score soon became painful when the opposition opened the scoring. Sunderland winger, Duncan Watmore slotting past Scott Davies from inside the box against the run of play. 

Quickly after, Sunderland doubled their lead. Maguire slotting a free kick past Davies, on the edge of the box. 

It could’ve been three goals in four minutes, for Phil Parkinson’s side, as Duncan Watmore’s goal attempt sailed over the bar from inside the box. 

Tranmere looked to lower the scoreline gap with the ‘Black Cats’ with two attacks. Jake Caprice whipping a right sided ball into the six yard box but the cross was unable to find the head of Paul Mullin. Five minutes later, Neill Danns found Jake Caprice on the right hand side who attempted another cross and this time was rewarded with a corner. The corner came to nothing, as the Sunderland goalkeeper came out to collect. 

Another goal for Sunderland, Duncan Watmore got in behind the Tranmere defence and squared the ball to Gooch who scored the hosts third goal from six yards out.

Soon after, Sunderland put the ball into the Tranmere net again. This came after a mix up between, defender, George Ray and, goalkeeper, Scott Davies. However, to the relief of Micky Mellon’s men the referee blew for a foul to call the goal out.

Half time was brought upon at 3-0 in favour of the hosts, which was a scoreline reflective of ‘sloppy’ defending from the visitors. 

Tranmere started the second half more strongly than the hosts, as two headers were close to opening the visitors goal tally. Jake Caprice’s attacking threats were rewarded with a corner, Kieron Morris’ corner was met by Monthe who glances wide. Another header from a set piece was from Tranmere striker, Stefan Payne. The header hit the post and rolled along the goal line being cleared by the Sunderland defence. 

At the other end, Sunderland kept their eye towards the Tranmere net. Mcnulty paced past Ray to find himself in a position to attempt a lob past Scott Davies. However, his attempt sailed over the bar. 

Tranmere’s first substitution came on the 75th minute as Rushian Hepburn-Murphy replaced Paul Mullin as Mellon believed his side required more attacking energy.

The only remaining attacks were in favour of the hosts though, as they scored two goals in the last ten minutes to seal a comfortable 5-0 win. Will Grigg tapped home from a few yards out on the 83rd minute and a header from the unmarked O’Nien, inside the six yards box,  on the stroke of the  90th minute came the 5th. 

The full time whistle commenced with the scoreline in favour of the hosts, 5-0.

The main point from Mellon’s post match interview was the question on all lips that are concerned with Tranmere ‘when are we going to stop talking about the promotions and start talking about pushing forwards and improving?’. He attempted to answer his question by looking at his staff and his squad ‘We have to either improve the playing staff or the player’.

Attendance – 28,851 (855 Tranmere fans – Many Sunderland fans took to social media to applaud the travelling support)

Lineups:

Sunderland – Burge, O’Nien, Willis, Lynch, Hume, Dobson, Power, Watmore, Maguire, Gooch, Gulick. 

Substitutions (on) – McLaughlin, Mcnulty, Mbunga-Kimpioka.

Tranmere – Davies, Ridehalgh, Monthe, Ray, Caprice, Jennings, Perkins, Danns, Morris, Mullin (Hepburn-Murphy), Payne.

Scoreline – Sunderland 5 Tranmere 0.

Micky Mellon’s side are next in competition against Doncaster Rovers, on Saturday afternoon (26/10/19). 

‘A poor performance under the Friday night lights of Prenton Park’

Micky Mellon’s side continue their unbeaten run with a disappointing 1-1 home draw with Southend United. There was a few changes to the side that were victorious at Coventry, with Sundays 1-0 ‘smash and grab win’ : Hepburn-Murphy replaced the injured Mullin and Danns, first game back from international duty with Guyana, replaced the injured Potter.

There was also a return for Jennings (from suspension) and Wilson (from the treatment table) as they take up a place on the bench. 

There was nothing much to separate the two sides from kick off, as both sides performed with an attacking urge. George Ray making an excellent slide tackle to stop a left-winged attack and , at the other end, Hepburn-Murphy whipped in a dangerous cross that the opposition headed away. However, it was the visitors that opened the scoreline. Gary Waddock’s chosen attacker, Hopper, racing clear to lift the ball over Davies. 

Blackett-Taylor, similar to previous performances, continued to ‘toy’ with the opposing defenders. He drove the ball from the wing into the box to eventually be awarded with a corner. The corner, taken by Morris, reached Ray at the back post who tried to nod it down for a white shirt but it unfortunately found no-one. 

Just previous to the half-hour mark, Southend United nearly doubled their lead. ‘The shrimpers’ attacker, Cox, missing a great chance as he heads wide from six yards.

Scott Davies awarded the opposition with a good chance to double their lead, after he dropped the ball in a none-pressurised location. The ball fell to Cox, who had previously missed a header, who attempted to ‘lob’ Davies but fired agonisingly onto the roof of the net. 

An attack fell to Tranmere midfielder, Perkins, who failed to level the scoreline after his shot was dragged well wide inside the box. 

The second half was very much dominated by Mellon’s side, evidently there were rallying words at half time. 

The first attack of the second half came after a great link up on the left hand side, through Perkins and Ridehalgh. The link up play ended with a throw-in deep inside the Southend half. Nothing came of the throw-in but the next few minutes was a time in which Tranmere should’ve levelled the scoreboard. Danns setting up Morris to strike from inside the box but his goal-bound effort was cleared. After that, Payne’s work-rate nearly contributed to a goal. The striker closing down the Southend goalkeeper and the goal-kick ricocheted off him and narrowly goes over the bar. If the ball ended up in the net, it would’ve been reminiscent of Max Power’s goal in the FA Cup against Swansea City (03/01/2015).

Mellon’s first substitution came mid-way through the second-half, Connor Jennings replacing Hepburn-Murphy as Tranmere looked to require more energy for the needed goal. 

The first booking of the game came straight after the first substitution, Monthe  taking down opposing striker , Humphrys, after a poor touch. 

Tranmere soon came agonisingly close to a levelled scoreline, Rays effort from the back post being cleared by Waddock’s defence.

Mellon then made his sides second substitution, Mullin replacing the injured Blackett-Taylor.

The following attacks came from the visitors, as they looked to make their lead comfortable. Two counter attacks ended with : Davies palming Cox’s goal-bound attempt around the post and McLaughlin curling over from 18 yards.

‘PENALTY TO ROVERS!’ Mullin dragged down inside the box whilst performing with the urge to level the scoreline. 

‘GOALLLL!’ Mullin hammered the ball into the roof of the net to eventually level the scoreline. With five minutes left, Tranmere’s new aim was to put the scoreline in their favour. 

However, the aim wasn’t reached. Connor Jennings with the final attempt as his shot deflected for a corner, the corner came to nothing.

Final result : Tranmere 1 Southend 1.

Attendance : 7066 (290 visitors)

Team line-up : 

Tranmere – Davies, Ridehalgh, Monthe, Ray, Caprice, Hepburn-Murphy (Jennings),  Perkins, Danns, Morris, Blackett-Taylor (Mullin), Payne. 

Southend – Bishop, Ralph, Milligan, Shaugnessy, Bwomono (Dmetriou), McLaughlin, Dieng, Hamilton, Hutchinson (Acquah), Hopper, Cox. 

What were Mellon’s thoughts on the game? 

We had a problem, and we had to try and fix it at half-time, and I think that we created the tempo then without being brilliant with the football, I felt we upped the tempo and looked more aggressive and in terms of spirit and desire. We keep going and we keep battling.

 “We eventually got that equaliser, and the only thing that beat us was time, but we know where we need to improve on moving forward.

 “I didn’t think that we started anywhere near the tempo that the game asked of us, that we didn’t for some reason want to meet or go above those levels, you sometimes get that and I don’t know why.

“You’ve got to try and make the tempo of the game, the running power of the game, the knockdowns of the game, we came out as the home team and we never really did that today, we gave away a really poor goal.

 “It is a really poor goal and you would have to say that, I’m just trying to make sure that I stand here and never make excuses.”