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Tranmere visited Stevenage this afternoon in their latest fixture in the 2022/23 League Two season.
Ahead of the game, Micky Mellon said, “We understand what Stevenage’s strengths are and quite simply we’ve got to stamp our individual or collective personality to go and be the best version of us. We’ll have to be relentless and keep believing that we can go out there and go and score goals and keep clean sheets, and that’s something we will look to do again.
“We have executed some fantastic performances before but we have to make sure the consistency levels are where you aren’t losing too many games. The teams that will be at the top are the ones who will be less inconsistent, and that’s what we’ve tried to get to, we’ve got to find the levels of consistency to be successful.
“We’re trying to get the best out of this young group, and I’m very level-headed on that, and keep that drive and focus as the manager.
Match Report: Stevenage v Tranmere Rovers
Tranmere Rovers secured an impressive 1-0 victory against promotion contenders Stevenage, thanks to a penalty from Josh Hawkes in the 74th minute.
This result means that Stevenage have now gone five games without a win, causing them to slip down to third place in the league standings.
Securing a hard-fought victory in Hertfordshire, Tranmere Rovers delivered a much-needed three points at The Lamex Stadium, with Josh Hawkes’ goal proving to be the decisive factor.
Midway through the first period, Tranmere Rovers launched their first attack with Josh Dacres-Cogley charging down the right wing. However, his cross was cleared at the back post by Smith, despite the presence of Lewis and Jay Turner-Cooke who were ready to strike.
Following some encouraging build-up play by Jay Turner-Cooke and Regan Hendry, Lewis threaded a through ball to Harvey Saunders. However, the Tranmere Rovers forward missed the mark with his left-footed shot, hitting the side-netting by Savin’s goal.
Tranmere Rovers began the second half on a positive note, creating two chances within the first five minutes.
The first opportunity came when Regan Hendry carried the ball forward and unleashed a well-struck shot from 25 yards out. Despite a bobble off the turf, Savin was able to gather the ball at the second attempt and keep it out.
Harvey Saunders then attempted a header from Josh Dacres-Cogley’s cross, but it unfortunately deflected off Sweeney before landing in the gloves of Savin.
When Tranmere Rovers were awarded a penalty on 74 minutes, Merrie played a crucial role in the build-up. He set up Liam O’Connor, who was subsequently fouled in the box by Daryl Hogan, prompting referee Martin Woods to award the penalty.
Josh Hawkes confidently stepped up to take the spot-kick from 12 yards out and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom right corner of the net, despite Savin guessing the right direction.
Tranmere saw out the remaining play and bring the three points home with them on the team bus.
Tranmere host Crawley Town for a 7:45pm kick off on Tuesday 28 February in their next game of the 2022/23 League Two season.
Match Highlights
Gallery
Credit: Tony Coombes
Fans’ Twitter Reaction
2 home games against teams below us in league 6 points were right in the mix play offs #Tranmere #SWA #GoingUp— Deegall Mckillen (@DeegallMckillen) February 25, 2023
2 home games against teams below us in league 6 points were right in the mix play offs #Tranmere #SWA #GoingUp
Brilliant today. Merrie changed the game. Get in!!!!!!! Murphy my motm. Win next two play offs can be back on. #SWA— SD39 (@Davisb5ksc) February 25, 2023
Brilliant today. Merrie changed the game. Get in!!!!!!! Murphy my motm. Win next two play offs can be back on. #SWA
You tricky, tricky Whites #TRFC #SWA— GrangeMount62 (@GrangeMount62) February 25, 2023
You tricky, tricky Whites #TRFC #SWA
I thought we'd play well but lose, what do I know?#TRFC #SWA— Jon Lynn (@Jon_Sport_Lynn) February 25, 2023
I thought we'd play well but lose, what do I know?#TRFC #SWA
nothing pretty today, two teams struggling for form, second half we were much braver and bolder, particularly in midfield; enjoyed the 4-3-3 when Micky changed it up, big win on the road, simply MUST back it up on Tuesday night…faith, strength #swa https://t.co/yGJvtiNQlM— Dominic Treacy (@dOoZe_) February 25, 2023
nothing pretty today, two teams struggling for form, second half we were much braver and bolder, particularly in midfield; enjoyed the 4-3-3 when Micky changed it up, big win on the road, simply MUST back it up on Tuesday night…faith, strength #swa https://t.co/yGJvtiNQlM
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Post Match Interview
Line-ups
Stevenage – Formation 5-3-226 Toby Savin GK14 Kane Smith DF3 Max Clark DF5 Carl Piergianni (C) DF18 Michael Bostwick DF6 Dan Sweeney DF17 Alex Gilbey MF11 Jordan Roberts MF4 Jake Reeves MF32 Danny Rose FW9 Luke Norris FWSubstitutes25 Adam Przybek SUB10 Dean Campbell SUB23 Jake Forster-Caskey SUB16 Daryl Horgan SUB8 Jake Taylor SUB28 Josh March SUB19 Jamie Reid SUB
ManagerSteve Evans
Match OfficialsReferee: Martin WoodsAssistants: Daniel Bonneywell and Stuart ButlerFourth official: Gareth Viccars
Tranmere Rovers – Formation 3-5-213 Joe Murphy GK2 Josh Dacres-Cogley 77’ DF3 Ethan Bristow DF5 Tom Davies (C) DF14 Jordan Turnbull DF4 Lee O’Connor MF33 Jay Turner-Cook MF24 Regan Hendry MF11 Josh Hawkes MF22 Paul Lewis FW26 Harvey Saunders FWSubstitutes23 Mateusz Hewelt SUB18 Kyle Jameson SUB29 Max Fisher SUB6 Chris Merrie SUB27 Jake Burton SUB19 Logan Chalmers SUB25 Joel Mumbongo SUB
ManagerMicky Mellon
Attendance: 3675
League Table
League 2 season attendance
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