Wellens Strike Sinks Lacklustre Rovers
By Ricci
April 1 2006
A free-kick from Richie Wellens sends Rovers to their second successive 1-0 defeat and edges them closer to the drop zone in another poor game at Boundary Park. Rovers barely registered a shot on target in the match and Oldham could have doubled their lead just after going ahead.
TOTAL TRANMERE – Match Report
Wellens 35
Attendance:5,281
Byfield 72 nce: 6,803
By Ricci
Brian Little made two changes to the Rovers side following the disappointing 1-0 defeat at home to Barnsley last week. Danny Harrison came back into the side to replace Sam Aiston and Paul Linwood replaced suspended captain Mike Jackson.
The game began with both teams struggling to cope with the blustery conditions and the first chance went to the home team on 5 minutes. A long ball played up field by Branston was controlled by Richie Wellens and he fired in a low cross which Beckett was unable to connect with.
Rovers were finding it difficult to clear their lines playing against the wind and nearly got caught out on 12 minutes. Latics winger Chris Taylor skipped past David Raven and produced a low cross to Beckett, who turned Sharps and saw his shot flash just wide of Seremet’s goal.
Tranmere were struggling to maintain some possession but finally mustered and attack on 26 minutes. Some neat play in midfield from O Leary resulted in the ball being played to Rankine. He fired in a superb shot which was just tipped over from keeper Lee Grant with the Rovers fans behind that goal thinking it was in.
On 35 minutes Ian Sharps, who was stand in skipper for the suspended Mike Jackson, hauled down Paul Warne and gave Oldham a free kick. The result was a curling cross from Richie Wellens which the Rovers defence couldn’t deal with and the ball curled straight in giving the home side the lead.
Straight form the kick off Harrison gave the ball to Wellens who produced a brilliant lob attempt which Seremet tipped onto the bar. The ball came out to Beckett and with an open goal he somehow miss controlled it and Rovers were lucky not to concede two goals in a minute.
Ten minutes after the break Little made his first substitution of the match, replacing O Leary with Latics old boy Calvin Zola. Rovers gave away another free kick in a dangerous position on 53 minutes but this time Wellens fired the ball high into the stand.
Tranmere were starting to obtain a little bit more possession in the second half but were struggling to find an opening. On 70 minutes Rankine found himself in a good position but from the edge of the area dragged his hot harmlessly wide.
Tranmere were nearly left embarrassed on 72 minutes. Seremet threw the ball out quickly to Sharps looking to get rovers on the break. But Sharps wasn’t looking and the ball rebounded of his heels to Beckett and as he bore down on goal luckily for Rovers Goodison was there to clear.
Tranmere nearly grabbed an equaliser late on but Delroy Facey could not score against his former club and his shot was blocked from Oldham skipper Chris Swailes. With time running out Tranmere could not create any real chances and apart from a couple of corners latics keeper Grant was relatively untroubled.
Another frustrating game for the Rovers followers was brought to a close with Tranmere unable to score for the third game running. This result sees Rovers move down to 14th, just three points off the relegation zone.
Mark Rankine Rankine worked tirelessly throughout and showed up the younger players in midfield.
Oldham Athletic: Grant, Swailes, Branston, Haining, Edwards, Hughes, Butcher, Wellens, Chris Taylor, Beckett, Warne (Chris Hall 69).
Substitutes Not Used: Day, Forbes, Owen, Porter.
Tranmere Rovers: Seremet, Goodison, Sharps, Linwood, Raven, O'Leary (Zola 56), Harrison, Rankine (McAteer 73), Roberts, Facey, Greenacre.
Subs Not Used: Wilson, Aiston, Jennings.
Booked: Haining (Oldham), O'Leary, Harrison and Raven (Tranmere)
Referee: Graham Salisbury (Lancashire)
"The goal was a bit freakish. We defended a little bit too deep for the free kick and have been punished for one mistake. Had the shot that hit the bar gone in you couldn't have complained, it would have been one of the best goals you'd ever seen. If it had gone in in a Premiership match it would have been shown forever.”
"Other than that we have defended well enough. We're disappointed to have lost. We shouldn't have lost either of the last two games. We're not creating a lot of chances, I accept that, but we've handled the game reasonably well. Shots-wise Dino hasn't had a lot to do.”
"We put pressure on them without creating chances. Calvin did quite well and it was good to see him back. Oldham played a little bit better than us and passed better than us, but there was nothing between the two teams. 95% per cent of our games this season have been close, unfortunately in those games we've lost or drawn too high a percentage.”
"I can't fault the players for their attitude and determination. We have to make sure we don't get sucked into falling out with each other. One or two people might give us flak but we have to prove to them that we want to stay in this division. Hopefully we will achieve that before the end of the season.”
I won't shirk any criticism that comes my way but we're all in it together and we have to help each other. I understand the frustration but I ask people to stick with the players. They are trying their best.”
"We've got a lot of thinking and talking to do before the Swindon game, make sure our tactics are right and we come away from there with something."