Tranmere Rovers v Crewe Alexandra Match Preview
By Sam Henderson
January 15 2007
All the News and Statistics ahead of the visit of Crewe Alexandra to Prenton Park on Tuesday night in Coca-Cola League One as the two teams make a third attempt at playing each other following postponements in four days just before Christmas.
TOTAL TRANMERE – Match Preview
Tuesday 16th January 2007 – Kick-Off 7.45pm
Coca-Cola League One at Prenton Park
By Sam Henderson
Third time lucky? For the third time Rovers are scheduled to play Crewe Alexandra after being postponed twice. This time around things are different for Tranmere, running into the original games Tranmere where playing well and winning, but now with just one win in 9 it’s a different story, fair enough Crewe aren’t doing much better but the confidence that was once their may be dwindling after a second half defensive collapse allowing Bristol too win having been 2-0 down.
Like Tranmere, Crewe have clocked up just one win in the last 6 having managed 5 points in them games compared to Tranmere’s six, both in relegation form. So, this game is important for both teams in terms of getting back on track.
Rovers will be sure to watch Luke Varney as he leads Crewes scoring charts closely followed by Nicky Maynard with 12, Tranmere have Chris Greenacre on 12 and Gareth Taylor on 7.
Crewe have notched up 46 goals this season equalled only by high flying Oldham, but conceding 46 along the way leaves them in 16th just 4 points from the relegation spots and 10 points behind Tranmere.
The two teams last met in March 2003 in League One at Prenton Park where Rovers triumphed 2-1 thanks to an Ian Sharps goal two minutes from time after Rob Hulse had earlier equalised Jason Price’s effort.
The 2-1 win for Rovers came as revenge for defeat at Crewe earlier in the season in a highly memorable game that saw Rovers lose Goalkeeper John Achterberg to injury in the warm up and then lose his replacement Keith Welch midway through the second half again to injury.
That turn of events signalled the final appearance in a Rovers shirt in a competitive match for the legend that is Eric Nixon.
Despite a fantastic save from the old-timer, Rovers conceded two second half goals, one a bizarre headed own-goal from almost 30 yards by on loan midfielder Tom Curtis and the second a Rob Hulse strike.
Crewe started without a win in 4 picking up just 2 points, but then won 6 out of 7 games. Since then its been a mixed set of results for Crewe picking up 6 wins, 4 draws and losing 8, after what was a good run. This has been the reason for Crewe’s lowly league position and a few wins will be needed between now and the end of the season for them to safely avoid relegation.
Get behind the lads and enjoy the game!
Latest Team News
Tranmere Rovers
Striker Chris Greenacre may be a doubt for Rovers after missing out on Saturday due to flu but Robbie Stockdale and John Mullin who missed the same game due to suspension, will be back in contention for a place.
Jason McAteer is also fit again but youngster Olly James remains sidelined with a foot problem.
Crewe Alexandra
Alex hope to have David Vaughan back in contention following a two game absence with a nose injury. John Otsemobor (groin) and Tony Grant (illness) are both expected to miss out.
Match Referee – Phil Joslin (Nottinghamshire)
Current Form Guide
Tranmere Rovers
Last Six At Home –WWWLWD
Last Six Games – LDDWDL
Season Stats (At Home):
P11 W8 D3 L2 F21 A11
Season Stats (All Matches):
P24 W11 D9 L7 F35 A26
Crewe Alexandra
Last Six Away – LLWLDD
Last Six Games – LDLLDW
Season Stats (Away):
P12 W2 D3 L7 F16 A21
Season Stats (All Matches):
P26 W9 D5 L12 F44 A46
The Hotshots
Tranmere Rovers: Chris Greenacre - 12 Goals
Crewe Alexandra: Luke Varney - 19 Goals
Last Meetings Between Clubs
8th March 2003 – Football League One – Prenton Park
Tranmere Rovers 2 – 1 Crewe Alexandra
Price 43 Hulse 47
Sharps 88
Attendance: 8,670
Referee: Matt Messias (West Yorkshire)
21st September 2002 – Football League One – Alexandra Stadium
Crewe Alexandra 2 – 0 Tranmere Rovers
Curtis o.g 57
Hulse 73
Attendance: 6,875
Referee: Alan Kaye (West Yorkshire)
Tranmere Rovers Head-to-Head Record
Vs Crewe Alexandra
All Matches:
P106 W46 D24 L36 F176 A147
At Prenton Park:
P53 W31 D11 L11 F115 A62
Match Tickets and Travel Information
For Total Tranmere’s information article on Match Tickets and also for Travel and Stadium Information for Prenton Park Click Here!
Crewe Alexandra Web-links
Crewe Alexandra Official Website
Crewe Alexandra Mad Site
CreweAlex.co.uk (Rivals Site)