Tranmere exit FA Cup in seven-goal thriller

Tranmere visited Stevenage on Saturday in the first round of the FA Cup.

Ahead of the game, Nigel Adkins said, “We’re under no illusions. They’re doing really well under Steve Evans. What we’ve watched of them, they’ve used three or four different formations. The principles are there. You have to run. You have to compete. They’re big, strong and athletic.

“It’s going to be a competitive game. On any given day, anyone can win. We’re up against it, we’re well aware of that. However, it’s one game we’re looking forward to. It’s the beauty and magic of the FA Cup.”

Match Report: Stevenage v Tranmere Rovers

Stevenage 4	v	3 Tranmere Rovers
Roberts (3′) Reid (58′ pen, 90’+10) Hemmings (81′)	Goals	Norris (28′ pen) Apter (55′) Morris (90’+1)
Piergianni (81′)	Assists	Davies (90’+1)
	HT 1-1

Tranmere Rovers suffered an FA Cup exit due to a stoppage-time goal at Stevenage during the First Round on Saturday.

Luke Norris, who had returned to Tranmere after leaving the club in the summer, managed to recover from his injury and was included in the starting lineup.

In just three minutes, Stevenage took the lead as Elliot List delivered a cross for Jordan Roberts, who headed the ball into the net.

Shortly after, Paul Lewis took a shot from the edge of the box, narrowly missing the target as it went over the crossbar.

Unfortunately, Lewis had to leave the field due to an injury, and Chris Merrie came on as his replacement.

In the 28th minute, Rovers were awarded a penalty when Norris was fouled in the box. Making his return to his former club, the striker calmly slotted the ball home to level the score.

Stevenage tried to launch attacks from the wings, but Rovers maintained their defensive structure effectively, thwarting their advances for significant periods.

Rob Apter’s impressive runs down the right flank frequently left Stevenage defenders in awe and created a number of goal-scoring opportunities for Tranmere before the teams headed into the half-time break on level terms.

Shortly into the second half, Apter made a significant impact, placing Rovers in the lead with a superb strike into the top corner of the net.

However, Stevenage quickly equalized as Jamie Reid successfully converted from the penalty spot.

In the second half, Tranmere found themselves under sustained pressure from the home team and, in the 81st minute, conceded a goal scored by Kane Hemmings.

As we entered nine minutes of stoppage time, Nigel Adkins made a triple substitution. James Norris, Kieron Morris, and Charlie Jolley replaced Regan Hendry, Connor Jennings, and Rob Apter.

Morris wasted no time and swiftly equalized for Rovers just moments after stepping onto the pitch, making it 3-3 during stoppage time.

However, the hosts clinched victory in the dying moments of the match, with Jamie Reid scoring the winning goal ten minutes into added time.

Tranmere host Forest Green Rovers on Saturday 11 November for their next game of the 2023-24 League Two season.

Match Highlights

Gallery

Credit: Tony Coombes

Fans’ Twitter Reaction

Post Match Interview

Line-ups

League Two season attendance

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