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Tranmere suffer 1-0 loss to Morecambe

October 25, 2023
birkenhead.news

Tranmere visited Morecambe on Tuesday in their latest game of the League 2 season.

Match Report: Morecambe v Tranmere Rovers

Morecambe 1v0 Tranmere Rovers
Turnbull (72′ og)Goals
Assists
HT 0-1

Tranmere Rovers suffered a 1-0 defeat at Morecambe in League Two, with a 72nd-minute own goal by Jordan Turnbull proving to be the decisive factor.

Following a goalless opening period with limited opportunities, the home team began the second period strongly and managed to score when Chris Stokes’ cross was inadvertently deflected into the net.

In the closing moments of the match, the away side had opportunities for an equalizer through Charlie Jolley and Connor Jennings but were unable to capitalise on them.

Morecambe extend their unbeaten streak in the league to six matches, while Rovers find themselves winless in the division for four consecutive games.

Tranmere made an impressive start to the match, earning several corners. Their most promising opportunity materialized when Harvey Saunders, guided by Regan Hendry’s precise delivery, headed just wide of the goal.

Morecambe’s captain, Donald Love, was forced to leave the field after just ten minutes, but it was the hosts who began to seize control. Jordan Slew narrowly missed with a header, and Michael Mellon sent a free kick over the crossbar.

Both teams appealed for penalties in the first half, but the referee, Paul Howard, remained unmoved in both instances. Clear-cut chances during open play were scarce, yet Luke McGee remained vigilant, making a crucial save to deny JJ McKiernan’s close-range shot, which was the most promising opportunity in the first 45 minutes.

Once again, Rovers’ goalkeeper displayed his agility, this time positioning himself closely to his near post to thwart the advancing midfielder as half-time approached. Regan Hendry and Connor Jennings both received bookings before the referee’s whistle finally ended the first half.

The home team launched the second half impressively, with shots from Michael Mellon and Jordan Slew testing Luke McGee.

Around the hour mark, Rob Apter entered the fray and immediately posed a challenge for David Tutonda, resulting in a caution for Tutonda as he impeded Apter’s forward progress.

Apter had his first shot of the match with twenty minutes remaining, curling the ball into the grateful arms of Adam Smith after cutting in from the right.

However, a few moments later, Morecambe managed to seize the lead. Chris Stokes delivered a well-placed cross that deflected off Turnbull’s head and eluded Luke McGee.

Tom Bloxham consistently posed a threat for the home side throughout the full ninety minutes, making two attempts on goal. Unfortunately, his point-blank-range efforts were thwarted by the Tranmere goalkeeper.

As six minutes of stoppage time were added, Tranmere had two golden opportunities to level the score. First, Rob Apter delivered a cross into the goalmouth, but it eluded Charlie Jolley, who had plenty of space to head it in.

Then, in the waning seconds, Connor Jennings fired his shot over the crossbar from a distance of 10 yards, following Apter’s shot, which had been parried into his path.

Despite a valiant effort, Rovers were unable to find the equalizer, leaving Morecambe with all three points.

Tranmere visit Stockport County on Saturday 28 October for their next game of the 2023/24 League Two season.

Match Highlights

Gallery

Credit: Tony Coombes

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Post Match Interview

Line-ups

Morecambe – Formation 4-2-3-1
21 Adam Smith GK
12 Joel Senior DF
3 David Tutonda DF
6 Yann Songo’o DF
4 Jacob Bedeau DF
10 JJ McKiernan MF
7 Tom Bloxham MF
2 Donald Love (C) MF
11 Adam Mayor MF
14 Jordan Slew MF
9 Michael Mellon FW

Substitutes
26 George Pedley SUB
23 Max Melbourne SUB
15 Chris Stokes SUB
16 Jacob Davenport SUB
20 Charlie Brown SUB
17 Cameron Smith SUB
19 Ethan Walker SUB

Manager
Nigel Derek Adams

Match Officials
Referee: Paul Howard
Assistants: Paul Newhouse and Lewis Raper
Fourth official: Graeme Fyvie

Tranmere Rovers – Formation 4-3-3
1 Luke McGee GK
2 Lee O’Connor DF
27 Connor Wood DF
5 Tom Davies (C) DF
6 Jordan Turnbull DF
4 Brad Walker MF
7 Kieron Morris MF
8 Regan Hendry MF
18 Connor Jennings FW
14 Kristian Dennis FW
19 Harvey Saunders FW

Substitutes
13 Joe Murphy SUB
24 Dan Pike SUB
21 Josef Yarney SUB
25 Robert Apter SUB
11 Josh Hawkes SUB
22 Paul Lewis SUB
12 Charlie Jolley SUB

Manager
Nigel Adkins

Attendance: 3678

League 2 season attendance

2023/24 Total home attendance51525
2023/24 Total away attendance39311
2023/24 Total H&A attendance90836
2023/24 Average home attendance6441
2023/24 Average away attendance5616
2023/24 Average H&A attendance6028

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