Rovers Earn Crucial 3 Points and Enter the Play-Offs
By Mark Ridgway
April 12 2009
Mark Ridgway reports after Tranmere's 1-0 win away at Walsall on Saturday afternoon which saw them move into the play-off places thanks to a goal from Bas Savage just eleven minutes from time.
Walsall 0 - 1 Tranmere Rovers
Savage 79
Attendance - 4,806
Bas Savage popped up with a priceless header eleven minutes from time to earn Rovers three points against a stubborn Walsall side.
Ronnie Moore made just one change to the side that saw off Bristol Rovers last week with Ryan Shotton returning at right back replacing Gareth Edds. So the starting eleven looked like this...
Coyne
Shotton Chorley Goodison Cresswell
Sonko Kay Jennings Barnett
Savage Moore
Straight from kick-off Walsall gave the ball away and Savage shot straight at the keeper. Eddy Sonko then carried the ball goalwards and struck a decent effort just over from outside the area as Rovers dominated from the off.
Sofiene Zaaboub then crossed for Michael Ricketts to smash against the bar when it looked easier to score from six yards out. Barnett then sent Moore clean through and on his left foot but his effort was saved by the keeper's feet.
Savage headed down for Barnett to volley over and Cresswell hit a free kick straight at the keeper before Ricketts then tested Coyne by forcing a good low save.
Then from a corner Antony Kay's volley was kept out by an amazing save from Gilmartin as the sides went in for half time level.
Half Time: Walsall 0 - 0 Tranmere Rovers
Zaaboub hit a free kick over the bar for the first chance of the half and then Kay then hit a powerful volley goalwards for Rovers which the keeper had to parry behind for a corner. Substitute Deeney tested Coyne with a decent effort and Ricketts shot wide under pressure.
Andy Taylor then replaced Aaron Cresswell as left back and soon after Craig Curran replaced Charlie Barnett with Ian Moore moving to right mid and Sonko moving left.
Ian Moore crossed for Kay to connect with a bullet header that went just the wrong side of the post as Rovers turned up the heat.
At last Rovers made the breakthrough on 80 minutes as Eddy Sonko did well and measured a perfect back post cross right onto the head of Bas Savage who bravely powered a header into the back of the net and send the 700ish travelling fans into ecstasy.
Gareth Edds then replaced Steve Jennings in centre midfield as Ibehre headed at Coyne and Gilmartin blocked Moore's effort as Rovers saw out the result and claimed a vital three points and move into the play offs.
Full Time: Walsall 0 - 1 Tranmere Rovers
Steve Jennings
Although Savage and Sonko played well I though Jenno controlled the game, put a foot on the ball and started attacks. The powerhouse won every tackle and was positive going forward.
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