PREVIEW | Tranmere v Chester
Derby day dawns for the Blues, as Marcus Bignot’s side travel up the M53 to face Tranmere Rovers this Saturday.
Chester’s National League fixture on Tuesday ended in defeat as a well-drilled Woking side overcame the Blues.
Kane Ferdinand headed the Surrey-based side in front early on at the Swansway, with Jamie Philpot adding a second near the end of the second period.
Ryan Astles went closest to reducing the deficit midway through the second half – heading against the inside of the post – nevertheless the Cards took all three points.
Tranmere began the campaign as favourites to win the title, but it hasn’t been plain sailing for Micky Mellon’s side thus far.
James Alabi is all too familiar to Blues fans, but now faces further competition for his place – with the addition for former Wrexham loanee Gerry McDonagh to the Rovers squad on Thursday.
Currently sitting in 14th place, Rovers have struggled to string together positive results and capitalise on victories. However, they are now only three points off the play-offs.
With two wins from their last two, the Wirral-based outfit go into the game looking to put together their best winning form this campaign. James Norwood’s second half strikes at Bromley and against Leyton Orient secured six vital points for Mellon’s side.
An injury to Ben Tollitt on Wednesday night against Leyton Orient cut short his return after months away – and will now miss another 12 weeks of action with a fractured knee cap.
HISTORY BOOKS
The Blues have never beaten Tranmere since reforming back in 2010, losing on three occasions, drawing once.
Last time out, Rovers won 3-2 at the Swansway Chester Stadium – coming back from behind to snatch the win with a strike by Andy Cook late on.
Our last visit to Prenton Park was definitely one to remember for the 1,200 Blues fans who made the journey. From 2-0 down, Jon McCarthy’s side fought back to earn a 2-2 draw – with goals from Tom Shaw and Ryan Astles late on.
ONE TO WATCH
Andy Cook – Striker
The former Barrow man has already bagged four goals in this current campaign, and has been a focal point of
Tranmere’s attack for eighteen months.
Notching a goal against Leyton Orient last time out, Cook has continued to impress the Prenton Park faithful with his ability in front of goal.
Tranmere only scored two goals last month, but the impressive target man surely isn’t a player to be taken lightly.
Match Details
Kick off at Prenton Park tomorrow is 3pm.
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