Tranmere Rovers 4 - 2 Gillingham - Match Snippets
By Deadly Submarine
August 15 2009
Deadly Submarine takes a brief look at the highs and lows of this afternoon's 4-2 victory over Gillingham in Coca-Cola League One thanks to goals from Ian Thomas-Moore (2), John Welsh and Terry Gornell which saw Rovers put their first points of the 2009/10 season on the board.
Tranmere R 4 - 2 Gillingham
Weather Report
The weather before the game had been mixed with early showers and then bright sunshine as the game kicked off but by the time Ian Thomas-Moore netted his second goal and Rovers' fourth, the rain was back in abundance and most Rovers fans will have gone home happy at the result but also wet.
Crowd
5,590 fans were inside Prenton Park for John Barnes's first home League match in charge of Rovers. Those who turned up got a treat as six quality goals were scored - four of them in favour of the home side.
Referee Watch
Craig Pawson (South Yorkshire) - Another relatively easy game for today's match referee with just one booking late on as Gillingham's frustration began to show in injury time but aside from that a relatively anonymous display from the referee and his assistants.
Best Moment
Most of the goals were of high quality on the day but the best moment for me has to be Terry Gornell's excellent finish to give Rovers the lead for the third time - a lead that they never surrendered thereafter. A mention must also go though to John Welsh's effort at the start of the first half.
Worst Moment
Gillingham's two goals were both of excellent quality but could perhaps have been prevented with more vigilant defending in the build-up to the goals.
Tranmere Man of the Match
Gavin Gunning - Another excellent game for Chris Shuker and of course two-goal hero Ian Thomas-Moore but at the back the on loan youngster shone alongside Ian Goodison with a great performance.
Connections
Rovers' injured striker Bas Savage used to play for Gillingham of course but he was obviously not in the matchday squad for this game and won't be for some time to come. No Gills players have previously appeared in a Rovers shirt.
Rovers Fans
At times it was noisy in the Kop during the game with plenty to shout about for the home crowd. It appeared that the fans inthe upper section of the Kop booed the announcement welcoming Barnes and McAteer to the Club although other reports suggest the booing was for the Gillingham team huddle which took place at the same time.
Gillingham Fans
A fair number of Gills fans made the long journey up from Kent for this game with their team on a high following the 5-0 thrashing of Swindon Town at home last Saturday and the home midweek Carling Cup win over Championship side Plymouth Argyle. They made themselves heard at times but fortunately for Rovers they went home disappointed.
Summary
A decent performance from Rovers and at least this time around the goals conceded were of some quality although as mentioned above they could have been prevented with some more alert and vigilant defending. Eight goals in two home games though has perhaps made up for the lack of attacking ideas away at Yeovil last week and things seem a little brighter ahead of the home game against MK Dons on Tuesday and the tough trip to Leeds United next Saturday.
Entertainment Value
An superb game to watch, not only because Rovers won but because the fans were treated to six excellent goals and some great flowing football from both sides at times. More of the same on Tuesday night from Rovers would do very nicely.
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hope the fans are wholely behind barnesy and macca, espscially after today's showing we played brilliant IMO. 10 goals in two home games great entertainment!
Didn't even hear the announcement about Barnes and Macca to be honest.
