Pools v Tranmere Preview

By Albatross
September 9 2002

It's that time of the season again - the first round of the League Cup is upon us. This season Pools are at home to Tranmere. Not long since they had success in this competetion, but times have changed at Prenton Park - Albatross studies the form.

Worthington Cup time, and it's Tranmere Rovers to visit the Vic. It's not that long ago that Tranmere were in the final of this competition, but things have gone downhill since: relegation to Division 2 swiftly followed, with John Aldridge departing on the way. Dave Watson took over, but following their failure to gain promotion last season he too has departed. The new man in charge was appointed only last week; Ray Mathias is the person charged with improving Tranmere's position.

Mathias has got off to the worst of all possible starts though: Tranmere lost 3-0 away to Blackpool, missing a penalty in the progress, in what by all accounts was a dire performance. The recent departure of Jason Koumas hasn't helped the Wirral team on the pitch either, although the transfer fee will no doubt come in handy! Keeper Ian Feuer and Defender Pat McGibbon have also left Prenton Park, both having featured in the first team this season.

Currently Rovers are sitting in 13th position in Division 2, with 10 points. They've scored eight times - Koumas scoring two of them - but four of those were in their win on the first day of the season at Port Vale. After a reasonable start with a draw with Colchester and win over Cheltenham, their away form has cost them dear; defeats at Oldham, Bristol City and Blackpool have seen them concede seven times without notching.

In goal Tranmere are likely to have Dutchman John Achterberg or possibly ex-Bolton man Keith Welch who is on a monthly contract. Defender Kevin Gray arrives with a bit of previous, as he was the player successfully sued by Gordon Watson following the challenge that kept him out of the game for so long. It will be interesting to see what happens if both are on the pitch at the Vic....

Midfielder Gary Jones has just arrived on loan from Notts Forest, Micky Mellon has been battling away for Rovers to some effect, and up front Simon Haworth netted twice in the win at Vale Park but has failed to score since. Stuart Barlow has featured recently, but the ex-Everton man didn't play aginst Blackpool with Jason Price preferred up front. Price was the man who then missed the penalty - though the fact that Blackpool's mascot the Bloomfield Bear was prancing around behind the goal may have had something to do with it according to some Rovers fans!

Rovers fans will be travelling with hope, but it's not a view that seems to cut much ice with certain Bookies. Their Official Site makes Pools favourites to win at 5/4, with Tranmere at 7/4.

To be honest, much depends on how seriously the two sides are taking the competition. Fans on both sides are calling for fringe and youth players to be given a chance in this match. This gives you some idea of the seriousness of the competition when even second and third division clubs are being encouraged not to field a full strength side. It looks like more than ever this year the sobriquet "Worthless Cup" will be well earned.

I suspect that with Tranmere currently looking abysmal away from home that Pools will justify their favouritism and win 1-0, with Eifion scoring in the second half.