Again we had a team which included no 2nd year scholars, and with the confirmed broken ankle of Evan Galvin, his place in the team was taken by his substitute replacement last week – U-15 striker Khius Metz. Other changes from the game last week included a chance between the sticks for Conor Mitchell and a start for Cameron Dummigan.
 |
| Jamie Frost scored the second equaliser |
Tranmere hit us with an early sucker punch as we pushed on. We had the ball in their box and there was an almighty scramble, with no Claret able to get a positive touch. The ball broke and was punted up field where it was 2 on 2 at the half way line. The bounce deceived Charlie Holt and his clearance was mistimed, allowing the Tranmere forward a free run on goal and he struck home at the near post of Mitchell.
We responded well and played some good football. The passing style we always attempt was again in evidence. By the 15 minute mark we had equalised and it really was a delightful move. Alex Whitmore strode out of defence and played the ball up to Christian Hill in an inside left position. Waqas Azam advanced from left back and overlapped, allowing him to cut inside and move into the box. He then fed Metz around 15 yards from goal, who set the ball and placed it beyond the keeper as a challenge flew in.
We then had a spell of continued possession and probably should have capitalised. Lewis Nuttall had two long range efforts, one over and one saved. Hill also had a header saved well at the back post. We were punished when the visitors retook the lead around 35 minutes in. Casual play in the corner by Dummigan saw a visiting winger steal the ball and move it into the box. He drew Mitchell and then squared the ball, allowing a tap in for the Tranmere forward.
We started the 2nd half much the same as we did last week, at a higher tempo, creating chances but failing to take them. Jamie Frost hit the side netting from a narrow angle and Nathan Lowe fired narrowly over from outside the box. We made a change with Brad Jackson replacing Hill and the winger quickly saw a curling shot saved well.
The visitors almost extended their lead but we were indebted to Frost as he cleared off the line. We made another attacking change with Ntumba Massanka entering the fray for Metz. He too almost made an instant impact with a shot in the box saved smartly. Whitmore was counting his blessings when he ‘did a Zabaleta’ and poked the ball just past his own post. We then made our final substitution and brought on Andreas Bianga for Nuttall.
We came close to the equaliser with a Dummigan volley flashing just wide, but then finally got our just reward with another tidy goal. Luke Daly moved the ball across the pitch from left to right and played in Bianga. The midfielder played a 1-2 with Dummigan and fed Frost in the box. He looked up and curled round the keeper into the far side of the net.
We continued to push and were frustrated by some delaying tactics. Lowe was booked for a reckless challenge and a late Tranmere break saw a shot tipped round the post by Mitchell, and we had to settle for a point.
Team:- Conor Mitchell, Cameron Dummigan, Waqas Azam, Alex Whitmore, Charlie Holt, Luke Daly, Nathan Lowe, Jamie Frost, Christian Hill (Brad Jackson), Lewis Nuttall (Andreas Bianga), Khius Metz (Ntumba Massanka)
Sub not used:- Callum Jakovlevs