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Tranmere Rovers 1-0 Accrington Stanley |
Edrissa Sonko hit the only goal of a fairly uneventful game at Prenton Park to ease Rovers into the second round of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy on Tuesday evening.A reduced crowd of just under 2,500 saw the Gambian winger net his first goal for the club just four minutes into the second half to secure a narrow victory for Tranmere against a hardworking Accrington side. The League Two outfit competed well, but never seriously threatened Rovers’ reshaped back-line, in which 17-year-old Luke Waterfall and new loan signing Ryan Shotton both impressed on their first senior starts. Tranmere had the better of the first half, but created little in the way of clear-cut opportunities. Chris Shuker and Bas Savage both failed to capitalise on half-chances within the opening fifteen minutes, and Waterfall headed narrowly over from a Shuker free-kick. Accrington were hit by the loss of goalkeeper Ian Dunbavin midway through the half, as he was stretchered off following a nasty collision with Tranmere striker Craig Curran. Nevertheless, they deservedly reached the break level, and even threatened to take the lead just before the interval when right-back Peter Cavanagh saw his close-range volley deflected inches wide of the post. Rovers broke the deadlock almost immediately after the restart, as Craig Curran won the ball in Stanley’s half before embarking on a strong run down the right hand side. The youngster reached the by-line, before neatly cutting the ball back for Sonko to lash a fierce left-footed shot high into the net from 12 yards out. Luke Waterfall should have capped an impressive display with Rovers’ second of the game on the hour mark. The centre-back broke free of his marker to meet an angled cross from Andy Taylor, whose surging runs down the left were a feature of another excellent performance, but could only direct his downward header straight at Stanley keeper Arthur. Rovers continued to dominate as Accrington failed to seriously test Danny Coyne in the home goal, and indeed it was Stanley keeper Arthur who was forced into a smart near post save to prevent Chris Shuker doubling the lead before the evening was out. The draw for the second round will take place on Saturday morning and, despite the apathy for the early rounds reflected in a gate of just 2,410, fans will hope that Rovers can clear the next hurdle in what is surely the side’s most realistic route to a Wembley appearance this season. Bruce Carter Fancy writing for LiveFootball? Click here to find out more. |