Crawford shows glimpses on debut but Rovers struggle without Feeney

Tranmere’s six game winning run across all competitions came to a shuddering halt on Tuesday night as they suffered their first defeat since Boxing Day, going down 1-0 at home to Stevenage at Prenton Park.

Danny Newton was the match winner, scoring just seconds after replacing Luke Norris with a brilliant left footed effort that flew past Scott Davies, following hesitant defending from Manny Monthe and Calum McDonald.

In truth, neither side really deserved to win the match and it became apparent as the game wore on that it would take a moment of magic or a defensive mistake to break the deadlock. In the end, it was a combination of the two with Tranmere being made to pay dearly for the lapse in concentration.

Manager Keith Hill bemoaned the conditions after the match, claiming they stopped his side playing the football that they wanted.

Speaking to Tranmere’s website after the game, Hill said:

 “We played under difficult conditions and it was more of a scrap and a fight. We would have wanted the conditions to suit how we tried to play but it became evident during the early stages of the game when we were passing the ball.

“It became obvious that it was going to be a battle and in games like that, you want to see it out with a clean sheet, and that’s important, but one mistake has led to the goal and it was one mistake that has cost the players.”

It was a bitterly cold evening with temperatures falling below zero and this was reflected on the playing surface with the ball bouncing an awful lot and making short, crisp passes extremely difficult to execute. Players were having to take an extra touch or two to get the ball under control and this allowed Stevenage to close in and negate any threats.

Alex Revell’s side were excellent on the night, defending stoutly and rarely looked in danger. Tranmere didn’t have a shot on target from the 14th minute onwards. Stevenage dealt with the difficulties that the conditions presented a lot better allowing them to move six points clear of the relegation zone.

Despite the pitch looking hard and bobbly at times, there really shouldn’t be any criticism levelled at the club. You only have to take a look around the leagues and notice matches are getting called off left, right and centre. Tranmere encountered these difficulties themselves in the past so invested in a new pitch and overhauled the drainage system, ensuring recent games have never been in doubt. All credit to them.

Another negative aspect on the night was the lack of drive from midfield in the absence of Liam Feeney. The on-loan midfielder has been very effective recently in supporting the attacking play but that wasn’t there on Tuesday, despite the best efforts of debutant Ali Crawford.

Crawford was setting foot on Prenton Park for the second time in a matter of weeks after playing there recently for Bolton, but this time it was the white shirt of Tranmere he adorned and he did bring something to the midfield, despite being replaced early in the second half.

In fact, the Scot almost scored early on, although not in a manner he would have expected. His inswinging corner evaded everyone in a crowded penalty area but was cleared off the line by Luther James-Wildin.

Crawford was taking up some good positions, at times being the furthest player forward and trying to make runs in behind as James Vaughan tried to win headers. This didn’t really come off on the night and at times Crawford appeared to be drifting through the game.

There were a few times he was shrugged off the ball and it was a night where Feeney’s greater physical presence would have helped. That is not to say Crawford won’t aid in the promotion battle. Against different styles of teams, his probing runs and eye for a pass could help set Vaughan, Danny Lloyd and Kaiyne Woolery away in the positions where they need to be.

Luckily for Hill, Feeney is expected to return for Saturday’s trip to Grimsby. Crawford has added some depth to the squad and will provide another nice option should Hill need it. There will be many more obstacles to overcome between now and May and it will be horses for courses. Crawford will get another chance and could prove a difference maker.

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