Swindon Town (A) - Match Snippets

Total Tranmere reporter Deadly Submarine gives you a brief summary of yesterdays game away at Swindon Town. Rovers lost the game 3-1, with Bas Savage scoring Rovers goal late on to restore some respectability toan otherwise disappointing scoreline at the County Ground.

Swindon T 3 - 1 Tranmere

Weather Report 

Not a cool day but dominated by a mixture of drizzle and heavier rain which in the end matched the mood of the Rovers Fans come 5.00pm.

Crowd 

7,975 were inside the County Ground for this season opener and over 7,000 of them went home happy.

Referee Watch - Fred Graham

A referee that I can't recall from last season but he had a quiet and fairly uneventful match as there was little for him to do.  His assistant made the call to allow Swindon's third goal to stand so a refereeing display that can't be criticised - 7/10 

Best Moment 

In a match were there were more negatives than positives, the performance of Charlie Barnett stood out but for an individual moment it would have to be Bas Savage's late consolation goal despite the lack of a ‘Moonwalk' celebration.

Worst Moment

The goal after just three minutes put an early end to the pre-season optimism and things just went from bad to worse from then on.

Funniest Moment  

Two moments stick out with one being Ben Chorley getting hit in the groin with the ball thanks to Ian Moore area during the warm up game and having to sit out being one.

The highlight however was Swindon Legend Don Rogers' big day out!  After a ceremony and speech to name Swindon's South Stand after the great man, the turn came for him to make an emotional speech to the home fans on the biggest day of his life since retiring from football.

Unfortunately for him the players emerged from the tunnel to a crescendo of noise and his speech was unheard!

Tranmere Man of the Match 

Charlie Barnett - On a poor day, Barnett was a class above with only Andy Taylor running him close for the plaudits. 

Connections 

The only connection between the two sides on Saturday was Billy Paynter.  He scores against Tranmere no matter who he plays for and Saturday was no exception.

Rovers Fans 

The Rovers fans made a bit of noise before the game but the early goal killed any enthusiasm and until the very end when Big Bas scored, there was little noise for most of the game from the Rovers faithful.

Summary 

Not the ideal start to the season but if the 4-3-3 formation does click, it could be spectular this season but if, like yesterday it doesn't, it could cost Ronnie Moore his job.

Entertainment Value 

From a Rovers point of view, the game was one of the worst but it had four goals and some other good football and chances in between. 7/10