What a Difference a Year Makes...for Exeter
By Mark Ridgway
April 25 2011
As Rovers prepare to face Exeter City at Prenton Park tomorrow afternoon, Mark Ridgway takes a look at the Grecian's change of fortunes from last season after final day survival from relegation to a play-off push this time around......
A year ago, Tranmere and Exeter went head to head in a relegation clash that defined the classic six-pointer. Both sides had struggled all season, and Rovers had lost three on the bounce, just when they didn’t want a poor run of form.
On that day Rovers cruised past ten man Exeter with a 3-1 victory, a result which turned out to be a shot in the arm for the hosts, as the following seven points from twelve available ensured survival in League One, by the skin of their teeth.
As for Exeter they battled on, and survived thanks for a final day victory over Huddersfield, a successful first season back in league one for the Grecians.
After the close shave last May, both sides were looking to push on and gain a mid-table finish, maybe even top half for this season.
Not unrealistic targets, this highlighted by Exeter’s success this season, they currently sit in 9th position, just three points off the play offs with three games remaining.
They are competing with last season’s strugglers Leyton Orient, and two sides that were gaining promotion from League Two this time last year in Bournemouth and Rochdale thus proving you don’t need to be financially blessed, and have a large fan base to compete for promotion.
Then looking at Rovers, we are still to confirm our League One status for next year, although relegation looks unlikely at this stage.
The comfort of the situation shows Rovers have improved, but not by much, they won’t be reaching the 60 point mark this season.
Results have come at a similar pace to last season, just without the suicidal Barnes start this campaign, showing that Les has definitely steadied the club.
A sharp contrast between the two sides, now what is the difference? The main one being that Exeter have approached each match positively, attacking teams from the off and its paid dividends.
The Grecians have scored in every one of their home games this season, clearly showing there’s no need to play defensive minded on your own turf, this has churned out a number of creditable results, including a 5-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday.
The formation used throughout has been, guess what?! 4-4-2 and the team will no doubt give everything they have into claiming a top six places, but if that isn’t achieved it has still been a superb season for the Southerners.
This puts into context Tranmeres position, the squad was improved in a number of ways since last season. With introductions such as Enoch Showunmi, Joss Labadie, Mark McCrystal, Tony Warner and Andy Robinson raising the standards; along with the emergence of Dale Jennings should Rovers still be struggling?
Tranmere on paper have a strong squad, with a good blend of experience and youth and plenty of attacking threat, the problem is we don’t use it.
We lost one of our main goal threats Ian Thomas-Moore in January, partly down to him being forced to play on the wing.
In recent weeks, we’ve only had one real goal threat, generally if Enoch can’t score, the team won’t. He cuts an isolated figure in a team full of defensive minded players.
A midfield consisting of Ash Taylor, Robbie Weir and John Welsh doesn’t cry out goals does it? Whilst Lucas Akins a ‘striker’ hasn’t found the net all season, and with us having two defenders on the other wing, it isn’t a surprise we struggle for goals.
However we have such wasted talent, we’ve splashed out on Andy Robinson, he always provides a threat, granted he has looked unfit at times, however once he’s on the field he can score goals.
Adam McGurk has threatened this season, but never got a run in the side, however once called upon he produced the goods at Bournemouth with a cracking last minute winner, so why is he still not starting?
Once a striker scores, why does he remain on the bench? His confidence needs to be capitalised on.
Then we have Jeno, who has crept back in the team slowly enough, and may start tomorrow, yet his skill and endeavour is wasted if we’re going to persist with the hoofball.
Rovers definitely have a strong squad, I’d say stronger than Exeter’s, yet they sit nine places above us, with the chance of playing at Wembley in May.
They play the attacking football us the fans are longing to see, let’s hope Les wakes up to see the other options, and realises there is a future past 4-5-1.
A 4-4-2 formation could see Enoch be supported, preferably by McGurk, with the Nigerian being able to knock balls down into McGurk’s feet to finish, as he clearly can with confidence.
Then on either flank we will have Jennings and Robinson, both a goal threat, and both will create for the strikers, which others struggle to do.
Tomorrow will be interesting, let’s hope for a positive result, as well as an attacking display.
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In contrast we have dear old Les and a board and chair with no plan for the future
Then I ate his Liver.......... with some baked beans and a can of coke.
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Could be 7 if you don't beat Huddersfield away, but do beat Dagenham.
Then I ate his Liver.......... with some baked beans and a can of coke.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:04:25:23:33:01 by Matt34.