Rovers Gain Just a Point from Dominant Performance

Bas Savage scored for the first time in four months to earn Rovers a point against Northampton.  Rovers looked the more likely to win throughout and may come away disappointed with a draw after Andy Holt equalised for the home side.

There were a number of changes to the side that lost to Hartlepool in midweek as Rovers changed to a 4-4-2 formation with Shotton and Goodison returning to the back, meaning that Kay pushed into midfield and Gareth Edds and Paul Henry were replaced in central midfield.  New loanee Danny Mayor started in place of Chris Shuker whilst Bas Savage returned to partner Moore in place of Eddy Sonko  meaning the side looked like this....

Achterberg

Shotton Chorley Goodison Taylor

Mayor Kay Jennings  Barnett

Savage Moore

The first chance of the game fell to the Rovers captain Antony Kay who headed over from a Charlie Barnett corner whilst at the other end Danny Jackman curled a free kick wide on seven minutes.

Charlie Barnett then came within a whisker of giving Rovers the lead as he cut inside onto his right foot and curled a low effort against the post, giving the keeper no chance before Antony Kay then shot straight at Dunn on 29 minutes.

Rovers did take a deserved lead just a few minutes later when the impressive Danny Mayor did well wide on the right and crossed for Bas Savage to head in from close range.

Steve Jennings then headed wide for Rovers after being set up by Savage, Ian Moore shot over from outside the area and Mayor headed at Dunn as Rovers ended the half as the dominant side.

Rovers continued to dominant into the second half but it was Northampton who levelled when Colin Larkin set up Man of the Match Andy Holt who blasted in from just inside the area.  Seconds before the goal there could have been a free kick given to Tranmere as Kay and Taylor protested but to no avail.

Rodgers then shot over from 30 yards for Northampton and Savage volleyed over for Rovers.  Barnett broke clear soon after but put his shot agonisingly wide of the post.

Hughes almost scored an own goal for the home side and Kay shot wide for Rovers and shortly after those chances, Dunn had to save well from a Moore effort. Constantine forced Achterberg to save well low down and Coke shot high over the bar for the home side but Rovers continued to look the more likely team to score.

Rovers continued to press and Shotton had a shot blocked before Kay hit the roof of the net in injury time as the game ended all square.

 Half Time:  Northampton Town 1 - 1 Tranmere Rovers

With Jennings and Shotton also having good games for Rovers, it was Charlie Barnett who stood out today.  He should have perhaps done better in front of goal on a couple of occasions but he played well out wide once more and deserves the award.