Tranmere were missing 'star-man' Iain Hume who is representing Canada in a youth tournament.
From the off Town's 'tactics' looked very, ahem, interesting. From the kick off Darren Barnard tried to lob John Achterberg, when he was stood on his line (go figure), yet the shot failed to get far off the ground and trickled wide with a whimper.
The swirling wind didn't help Town but it hardly aided Tranmere either so that's one excuse that won't work with me.
A few minutes and Tony Crane's defensive hoof held up in the wind allowing Micky Boulding to race onto the loose ball. Achterberg raced out his goal and appeared to play the man rather than the ball. Referee Kevin Friend waved play on.
Four mintues later and deja vu. Long ball over the top, Rovers defence watch, Boulding races on. This time Achterberg didn't appear to play the man. He did! Clearly obstructing Boulding, again Mr Friend was uninterested.
The rest of the half was pretty uneventful. Onuora was his frustrating self. On one occasion he controled a long ball, spun on the ball and bustled through two defenders before messing up a simple two yard pass.
Campbell, when going on the wing, looked the potential match winner. His burst down the flank before half time looked destined for a goal with Boulding, Onuora and Crowe waiting in the box. The low cross was crap though and only looked goodish as the deflection trickled just wide of the post.
Town had a massive amount of corners. And with big blokes like Crane and Onuora we should be causing problems, did we? Yeah, right. Most the deliveries were awful and either went behind for a goal kick and straight into Achterberg's hands.
Tranmere's only real chance came when a long ball was flicked on by Eugene Dadi. Davison had already opted to come and collect the cross and had to perform a fine full length save to keep the ball out the net.
The second half saw Town go more attacking. Of course this left massive gaps at the back. Jason Crowe and Mike Edwards were the defence, everyone else just sorta' watched.
Ten minutes in Boulding broke away from his marker, possibly Loran, and had Campbell in good support. The pass was awful though and the backtracking Tranmere players easily intercepted and cleared the danger.
Two quick crosses were met with the same result. Both Crane and Onuora rose well but missed the ball altogether as the crowd began to get just slightly frustrated.
Anderson set Boulding away but the 12 goal man hesitated when a first time shot was needed.
Town's 'clever' corner routine saw Barnard play it back across the box to Anderson who lined up to blast. The Scot ended up tamely sidefooting it into the onrushing yellow shirt and Rovers broke.
Crowe was left alone against three players yet no black & white shirts were flying back to help. Ah, he played for Arsenal didn't he? He'll deal with it, lets stay up front. Mellon crossed from the right, Davison came, Dadi got a fluke touch which set up Gary Jones to tap into the empty net.
19 minutes to go and 1-0 down at home. Groves finally gave in to the crowd's wishes and brings on Jevons for Anderson minutes after the goal. Jevvo looked the hungriest attacker on the pitch, despite playing in a withdrawn striker/right wing role. His first touch was decent and he was at least prepared to look up to find a man. As opposed to the usual 'lets hit it hard and hope either the big fella' or the fast fella' do something'.
Cas came on for Hamilton soon afterwards. The Dutchman ran on with the intent but he was probably to keen. His first touch saw him pick the ball up in space in midfield. With grass in front of him (as Groves would say) he proceeded to burst forward. Sadly he opted to kick the ball 20 yards in front and then try and get it. He's fast, but not that fast.
Time was running out so Onuora was hauled off for Darren Mansaram on 84 minutes. That's right, give the lad time to score! Tony Crane was also playing up front now which meant it was even more hit and hope than ever before.
In the final minute Town got a free-kick 25 yards out. Jevons pushed Barnard aside and curled the ball round the wall only for Achterberg to fling himself across goal to punch away.
Truly awful from Town. Just not good enough, lacking ideas and organisation. Once again we've read the hot air coming from the club all week about how we're gonna' dick this team and batter that team. SHUT UP! FOR CHRIST'S SAKE.
Man of the Match - Mike Edwards. Classy performance whilst others around him just wandered to where their hearts content took them. Get him on a longer contract, I dread to think of our defence without him.