Tranmere took a turn in the right direction in their 0-0 draw at the Abbey this weekend. Going into the game on the back of a 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Cheltenham, Michael Jackson’s men needed to right the wrongs of the previous week’s encounter.
As acknowledged by Rovers midfielder, Jay Spearing: “Over probably the last two games, we have probably shown a little bit too much respect and let sides get on top of us.”
Tranmere got off with all eleven players on the same wavelength in comparison to previous games. The standout chance for either side in the first half came when ex-Everton striker, James Vaughan, rounded Dimitar Mitov but the Bulgarians outstretched arm prevented Vaughan from putting the visitors ahead.
The Bulgarian, who joined Cambridge from Charlton in 2017, was undoubtedly the U’s man of the match after completing a number of spectacular saves and commanding his box expertly.
Controversy struck with 10 minutes left on the clock, Kieron Morris’ ball along the floor was tapped in by Vaughan, only to be ruled out for offside after the celebrations. Michael Jackson claimed in his post-match interview that: “I’ve watched it back and it isn’t offside.”
Tranmere were unfairly stripped of their first victory of the new campaign by poor officiating. All eyes are on their next league game against Scunthorpe (03/10).
My Man of the Match:
Liam Feeney
In his first start for the club since joining from Blackpool, Feeney was a constant threat to the Cambridge backline, creating problems down both flanks as well as through the middle.
Teams:
Cambridge:
Mitov, Knoyle, Cundy, Taylor, Dunk, Hoolahan (El Mizouni 61’), Digby, May (Iredale 76’), Hannant, Ironside, Mullin (Darling 90’)
Unused subs: Burton, Dallas, Knibbs, Davies
Tranmere:
Davies, O’Connor, Clarke, Monthe, Ridehalgh, Morris (Lewis 90’), Banks, Spearing, Feeney, Khan (Woolery 79’), Vaughan
Unused subs: Murphy, MacDonald, Ellis, Nelson, Payne
words William Gilbert, Tranmere Rovers fan