Tue Mar 12, 2013 10:34 pm
A very impressive performance tonight against a strong Tranmere side. Indeed, the plastic Scousers were the better team during the opening twenty minutes or so. However, once we settled down and weathered their early storm, there was only going to be one winner. The Tranmere team appeared to be recruited from the Land of the Giants, apart from Abdulai Bell-Baggie (superb name! :D ). Needless to say, being small, quick and skilful, he didn't last the full 90 minutes, and was subbed off to be replaced by another big 'un (where do you get them from, Ronnie?).
Brandy tormented them all evening with the visiting fans constantly claiming that he was diving (he dived once - which is once too often, in my opinion). The truth was that their Neanderthal defenders couldn't handle him. I do not know why Holmes was not sent off for the penalty as it was clearly denying a goalscoring opportunity. Westcarr, who otherwise had turned in a hard-working but but very erratic display, redeemed himself with as good a goal as you will see all season but to make him man-of-the-match was, in my opinion, ridiculous. He got cautioned for constantly gobbing off at the referee. I'd fine him for that, if I were Dean Smith.
On the subject of hard work, it is that which impresses me most - forwards tackling back and defenders pressing forward. The whole team work ethic is outstanding. Players who caught my eye were Taylor and the Chambers twins. I thought that the latter had just joined us for a final payday in the twilight of their careers but their current form has been a revelation. Taylor was a risk, in view of his injury record, but since I saw him make his début at Queens Park Rangers, he has developed into a top-class player.
We have a difficult fixture run-in but can we do it? I'm confident! :D