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County V Tranmere

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County return to Edgeley Park tonight to face a Tranmere side unbeaten in three.

Jim Gannon’s side face the fourth of five games in a packed 15-day period on the back of last-minute wins at MK Dons and Hereford.

County now lie in 9th place, 1 point off the top 6 and can move into the play off positions tonight if results go their way.

County have now grabbed 4 injury time goals this season, which has earned them 7 points they would not have gotten otherwise.

A 1-0 win at Hartlepool in the 92nd minute through a Tommy Rowe strike, a 2-2 draw with Cheltenham, where Michael Raynes equalised in the 93rd minute, a 2-1 win at MK Dons last week through a 94 minute own goal, and Rowe’s turn and shot at Edgar Street on Saturday have all kept the Hatters amazing away streak alive.

But that doesn’t matter tonight, as County are back at Edgeley Park.

Jim Gannon and Peter Ward are lookng to make EP a fortress again, but Ward admitted this week that the boss needs fans to be patient at home whilst County are trying to play their way through a stubborn backline.

Vital Quotes:

Peter Ward: ‘The lads just keep going, they never give up and the don’t appear to be fazed by anything. We always worry about fatigue, but they keep amazing us.’

‘They just look stronger and stronger, and they never feel tired. But you never feel tired when you’re winning.’

‘At home it’s become a little like a game of chess as we try to break oppositions down.’

‘We’re prepared to try several different formations to find the one that works in a game. We need the crowd to be patient if we’re facing a team that’s put ten men behind the ball.’



Jim went to see them on Friday and he said they are a good strong, workmanlike side. They’ve got a lot of experience in the side which contrasts with our young side.’

County Team News:

COWS:

Matty McNeil is still doubtful after his injury sustained during Paul Reid’s challenge against Colchester two weeks ago, along with Michael Raynes who suffered a hamstring strain in the same match. Jaroslaw Fojut could miss the game with the back injury that kept him out against Hereford.

Player to watch: Peter Thompson

Thompson scored 2 in 2 for the Hatters a few weeks back, and looked as if he may have gained enough confidence to kep banging in the goals, but he was taken away from County to join up with the Ireland squad, and the momentum was gone.

Thompson will be sniffing out any chances in hope of getting his fourth goal in County colours tonight.

Tranmere Team News:

TranmereRoversFC.com:

Tranmere Manager Ronnie Moore may be without midfielder Gareth Edds after he picked up a slight groin strain in the win over Crewe.

If the Australian misses out his place will go to Charlie Barnett who impressed as a substitute against the Railwaymen, while Craig Curran remains sidelined with a stomach strain.

Player to watch: Ian Moore

He used to play for County. So he’ll probably score. Enough said.

Match Odds

County – 11/8

Draw – 9/4

Tranmere – 2/1

Match Prediction:

1-1. County’s home form does not compare with the brilliant away form, and a restless County faithful will need to be more patient if COunty are to break Tranmere down.

Next Fixtures:

Sat 1 15:00 H Carlisle FL1

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2 comments

  • lincolnblue says:

    this had draw written all over it !!!

  • Sindbad says:

    You could have bet on a draw, but I thought the play offs would have exerted more of an attraction. The side has masses of persistence, good team spirit, and “never say die” but what is missing is the inspiration to win the games that can make a season.

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