Tranmere Rovers 2014-15... Sky Bet League 2 Champions and FA Cup WINNERS

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No we thinking of the same barbosa, i thought he was 16 in last years game, so he would be nearly 17 in this years plus you played 2 seasons so 19/20 by now
 
Oh the Barbosa in my team at the moment. I posted a screenshot of him a few posts ago. He's 18, born 18/7/1998 apparently. Did I say he was younger earlier? He would have been 17 just about to turn 18 when I picked him up in June 2016.
 
*Ring* "Hello?" "Hello, this is UK Visas and Immigration calling about your application for a work permit on behalf of Varazdat Haroyan. We've granted him a conditional work permit for the duration of his contract."

Wow, only 18 months after the first attempt. At 24 it is going to be tough for Haroyan to meet his undoubted potential, he's been confined to the training paddock that whole time. Still, he's kept himself in good shape, and is actually good to play in today's game if lacking severely in match fitness. Well, that's the gamble you take when you use random internet threads as scouting tools I suppose!

I call him into my office.

"Varazdat, we got you a visa. I'm going to start you this afternoon, I know you're ready for it."

"Huh"

oh boy. My Russian and Armenian are not great, and his English is pretty basic even after 18 months of having not much to do apart from language skills.

"You play today. OK?"

"Good. OK boss"

As he leaves the office I ponder the wisdom of this decision. Coming off the back of that loss to Palace obviously something has to change, but is this what we need? An underdone, unproven if talented central defender. Sweeney was shocking against Palace though, I need another option... Well, no going back now.

So Haroyan for Sweeney. For the rest of the team, I have decided to give Donacien another run at right back despite his fairly average debut in that position. Barbosa gets another shot too at left back, and he was even worse that Donacien against Palace. Ake is suspended for too many yellows, so Da Silva comes in - not a bad substitution, I'm confident that he can do the job. The front line is unchanged.

After the loss to Palace we had hit the training paddock hard, looking at defensive movement which is clearly lacking at the moment. The next game is against Bolton, 15th on the table and a team we should have no trouble with.

The game started poorly, conceding a goal from a floated cross after just 8 minutes. Barbosa was our left back, and left Lee Chung-Yong totally unmarked on the back post for an easy goal. We followed up 3 minutes later with a goal of our own through Ryan Kent, and another to Stockton on the stroke of half time.

The second half was evenly matched, but our defence was up to everything Bolton threw at it. Until Haroyan showed his lack of match fitness and needed to come off at the 84th minute. He'd done a great job, rated the best defender at 7.2. I brought on Sweeney with a few words of encouragement.

Immediately the team was under pressure. Bolton pushed hard, and the defense looked vulnerable... and in the 93rd minute Sweeney lost his attacker in the box. He made no mistake putting away the equaliser, and there was no time to respond - 2:2 draw.

When we got back home, I asked Watson to put together the stats for the match so we could work out what is going wrong.

The overall stats favour us - more possession and shots. But we aren't converting possession into shots on target effectively. Although we were higher than Bolton, it doesn't match our overall dominance.

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Watson's report on the individual statistics helps identify a few underperformers
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fon Williams played ok, but his pass completion is poor. I will need to look into his training as this is putting the team under pressure. Donacien, Haroyan and Daniels played solidly in the back if not spectacularly, winning all the tackles they attempted and most of the headers. Barbosa wasn't bad overall, but was very poor in the air. Both full backs did not complete any cross attempts, another area of concern.

The midfield was patchy, with Da Silva playing well until taking a knock. Da Silva's shots on target were low, perhaps something to consider - maybe he should be looking to pass rather than shoot, or improve his long shooting ability. Towell and Galloway were average, didnt do much wrong or anything particularly spectacularly right either. Only one key pass from both players - this is my creative heart, so thats not great.

Kent was good on the right side, making plenty of runs and all his shots on target. Poor cross completion though. Teixeira didnt try many crosses, which is probably a good thing for our team at the moment, but also didnt try much else and had no shots on target. Stockton was wasteful with his chances, and didnt make any runs. He didnt win much in the air which is as expected. Not much to report on the subs.

So a few things to think about on the training ground. I'll need to call in a few players to warn them about their form too - Sweeney, Teixeira and Barbosa need reminding that they are not automatic first choices, and to play better in the next few games so I don't have to think about dropping them.
 
Game crash at half time in the next match and I lost the Bolton match. Blah. Note to self - don't try to implement a tactical change from the bench suggestions when game is trying to get to the half time talk, apparently that's a recipe for an "unexpected error". Sweeney had played well in the next game too, surprisingly!
 
*Knock knock*

I glance up from the stats listing of all the first team players. I'd been pondering our gaps on the wings, and thinking about some changes and development options. There's someone at the door.

Uh oh. I've totally forgotten this guys name. He is so far out of my plans I forgot he was even on the squad list... Chafer, that's it. That guy we brought in at the last minute during the transfer window, after his agent offered him and he looked good during a trial. He was only ever going to be a backup to the first team, but he's an expensive option and really was a mistake.

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I discreetly flick to my staff's notes on the player before gesturing him into the room. Yes, an adequate player as a backup, but no scope for improvement. We don't really need him - this might be an opportunity to offload.

"What can I do for you Nico?" I ask. He glances at me nervously. "I'm not getting enough game time - I want assurances that you'll put me in the first team".

Well that was bold. The first team? He is not in the same class as Galloway or Towell. I have a few up and coming youngsters that could use the game time from substitutions - yeah that's not going to happen unless we have an injury crisis. I can see him cringing as I stare at him and ponder my response. I decide to let him down gently. Nothing to lose if I can persuade him to accept his lot as a backup. "Here's the best I can do. I'll give you a couple of games coming on as a sub, and if you impress me I'll think about it.".

He snorts. He actually snorts! The impertinence. He is showing some spine at least. "I need more than that - I want regular football, and I dont care if it is here or somewhere else".

Clearly this guy is too big for his boots, and he's not going to be content with his position here. "Well, you're not going to get it here. I will look to sell you at the first opportunity to avoid stalling your career". He accepts that and leaves the room, clearly happier. I guess he knew that he isnt good enough for our first team and was just giving it a go, fair enough.

I shoot off a note to Coppell to sell him at value if he can, and settle back to the stats. I'm not worried about the centre despite Chafer's impending departure - we have enough depth there. I'm still concerned about the wings though. Maybe young Dan Cotterill is the answer. A product of our youth recruitment, Cotterill is pretty talented and much faster than Torrano. I'll give him some game time on the wing to see how we go. I'll ask the trainers to keep working on Torrano's quickness - he would be perfect with some more. I could maybe see him in an attacking playmaker role instead, if he can't build the speed that we need. Decisions decisions.
 
Hello hello, that's an interesting email - an agent offer for a young Brazilian striker.

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The indicative finishing is anything from ordinary to fantastic, but he has a real snail's pace and awful vision. hmmm. Well maybe I'll see if he wants a trial so we can get a good look. Nothing to lose!
 
"Hi Greg, how is he?". Stockton is lying on a stretcher in the back corridors at Prenton Park. He doesn't look great, the ankle is swollen already.

"Not great boss. We can look after him but it's a 6-7 week problem". Stockton grimaces as he hears the news, and sits up. "Boss I'll do everything I can to make it faster. You know this is my first injury so I know I'll come back quick."

I sit with him for a bit to reassure him of his place in the team. His body has never let him down before, and the lad is a bit upset. Oh well, can't be helped I guess.

So, the plan B comes into effect. Calero got 20 minutes of game time after Stockton's injury, and he actually looked good. He even scored a cracking goal from the edge of the box, a real firebolt. I've been neglectful in giving him any game time at all, this might be a blessing in disguise.

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The taxi pulls up to Prenton Park and an average looking Brazilian steps out. At first glance he is average height and fairly lean - not a target man by any means.

I ask Phil Cannon to spend some time with him during his first day on trial. "Phil, see if this guy has any potential. He's pretty raw right now, but can we shape him into something special?" "No prob boss, won't take the whole day really. I'll give him a kick around in the reserves and see what he looks like".

I go back to the training ground to keep an eye on the progress of Calero. He's looking quite sharp actually, and in great spirits. Looks good to start this week's game.

Cannon comes back with a report on Henrique:
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"Well boss, you're right about his current skills. He's very raw at the moment, but he has some technical ability. His dribbling, passing, first touch and technique are all solid for his age. Finishing is so so, but not a disaster. He's naturally fit as well, and will slot in nicely in the dressing room. But let's face it, he's just been released from a lower division Brazilian team so he's not exactly the best prospect I've seen. He is slow, and prone to injuries. But that's it in terms of negatives. Personally, I think he has potential and could be as good as Stockton, if he gets the right training and development. But it's a risk - he's a long way from adequate right now."

"So what do you think Phil? Worth the risk, or not?"

"Well, I dont think he's that superstar you are after. But he might be a money spinner - if we can get him into our reserves and training facilities, we can bring him up to Championship standard and flip him for profit. And if we don't achieve promotion to the EPL quickly, he might even become one of our better players. If you can get him at a reasonable salary, I'd say yes."

I decide to give him a few days training with the first XI and see how he fits with the squad.
 
What's this? Another striker on offer? Let's see

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Speed and heading ability, can dribble and decent first touch. Actually looks quite promising. Another trial on offer I think!
 
It's the end of the week, and I call Henrique's agent Tavares. "I'm fairly happy with Henrique's trial here, I think we can bring him up to scratch. He's not exactly a finished product though. What sort of salary does he want?"

"130 pounds, to June 2018. A bargain at that price". I agree, that's not bad. I cut the 30% pay rise out of his request and we have a deal. Now to make a call to the nice people at Immigration. I'm not holding my breath for this one but you never know.
 
Bonus - Henrique has Spanish citizenship. No work permit required!
 
1 Jan 2018 - review of the first half of the season

It's bright and early on the first of January, and unlike most of the nation we arent in bed recovering from New Year's Eve. No rest for football managers apparently, and I have assembled the whole management team to reflect on our performance so far this season.

"I'm not going to shock anyone by saying I'm very happy with our performances so far this season", I begin, scanning the room for responses. "We had a minor hiccough with those two tough games in early December, but we've recovered well since and the team is playing beautiful football."

Sounds of general agreement carry through the room. Dave Watson, my assistant manager, chimes in. "Totally, we're playing better than anyone expected us to including ourselves!". A few polite laughs but he has misread the room. Head of youth development Phil Cannon responds "well not me - I've been at this level before and I can tell you that with the quality in this squad, and the professional approach to the backroom, we're performing just as I expected." Steve Coppell, Director of Football backs him up. "Definitely Phil. Back in 2006 I got a Manager of the Year award with a squad only half this good." *groan* could we hear any more about that ****** award? Ah, he's a good guy and a Tranmere boy at heart, we all know he means well. It's a sign of respect that noone mentions that he managed Reading to relegation back to the Championship just 2 seasons later.

I can't argue with either points. Yes we're doing well, but I didnt think we'd do this well either. The first half of the season has finished on a high, with Tranmere well on top in the league despite slipping up at home to Palace. We are 11 points ahead of Palace who has climbed over Norwich by a point.

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The general mood is positive, so I move them along. "Let's think about the players themselves. Dave, what's your take?". Watson pulls out his ipad to check out the stats.

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"Well, our midfield is a well oiled machine. Our passing is crisp and accurate, and we can hold possession against any team. The trio of Galloway, Towell and Billing are all averaging over 7 points. Galloway is in prime goalscoring form as well which is a bonus. Our backup options are also very strong - Nathan Ake has played half the season in DM and half in DL, and has excelled in both positions. Da Silva hasnt played much with 13 games including 8 as a reserve, but has been excellent when he has played to average 7.53. I think you should give him some more game time in this half of the season. Some credit has to go to Mark for giving the lads great discipline on the ball this season."

Mark Dempsey, our ball control coach, accepts the thanks but shifts uncomfortably in his chair. "Boss, I agree these players are going well. But two of that midfield trio are loan players. Shouldn't we be putting more effort into our own players? I think it's time to start blooding the midfield talents we've picked up. Da Silva has been excellent in training and deserves a shot at first pick. Young Denis Mezzetti could be a star and some game time would really bring him on. Check out this comparison with Towell - in the important stats, he's not that far behind already, and he's only just 17. Phil, don't you agree?"

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Cannon ponders a response. "Well, you're bang on the money with Mezzetti, that lad is going to be great. I don't know about dropping Galloway though - even though he is a loan player, he's the best MC in the club by a mile. No offence to Richie of course, who is also playing brilliantly, but Brendan is Premier League quality and we should use him while we can. You never know, the boss has a knack for extending loans to the end of player contracts and nabbing them. He could become a Tranmere man yet. Same for Billing, this is his third season with us, clearly he loves the club and us. Well he loves the boss anyway, we all know that, it's pretty much hero worship at this point. His contract is up in June - he'll be here right to the end of it. We'll be competing with Huddersfield to sign him then, and I am pretty confident he'll choose us. I think it's worth keeping him in the team over Marco at this stage, he's the bigger talent and keeping him happy will give us a better chance of signing him on a free. So I say keep the first choice three as is, bring Mezzetti in as the main sub for the MCs and leave Da Silva as backup DM."

I tend to agree with Phil here, although it's a risky ploy. I'm pretty confident of picking up Billing, I mean in a choice between us and Huddersfield I'm pretty sure he'll choose us. Galloway though, Everton would be crazy to let him go for free without offering a renewal. His contract doesnt end for another 18 months either, and if we make it through to the Premiership they'll be a lot less friendly - they might be affectionate big brothers now when the power balance is so one sided, but if we're actually competing for the same prize they'll get serious. I don't fancy our chances at keeping the loan next season, and we won't be able to afford a transfer.

I leave the conversation there. "How about the front three - thoughts Wayne?" I run the attacking training myself, but Wayne Gray helps out. "No secret we are totally dependent on Stockton for our front man. He has played well overall up front, 11 goals from 21 games is decent. Our next best is Calero, but he's not close in ability at this stage. The freebies you have offered trials to are decent options for the future, but noone can replace him right now. We might struggle up front for the next month until Cole returns from injury. In terms of youngsters coming through in training, we don't have anyone I'd say is a star in waiting." No-one dissents, everyone knows we need a talented striker in the youth team. Gray continues. "Out wide, Kent is playing brilliantly, 8 goals and 10 assists from 21 games and an average rating in the high 7s. On the other side Teixeira has not found his form from last year, although still averaging over 7. We know Torrano will be great in the future, but he's only been ok so far this season with 1 goal and 7 assists from 12 games. Neither of them are speedsters like Kent though. I'd like to see Dan Cotterill get some more game time, but his injury hasnt helped. That Brazilian guy you've signed for a trial this week actually looks to be pretty good for a future winger as well". I'm not convinced about Brinquedo, another trialist we got through an agent offer. Cannon seems to think he has potential but in a big squad I dont know that we can squeeze him in.

"OK, sounds like we are pretty solid for now in the front half of the field. What about our defence Julian". Julian Bennett is the defensive master in the backroom. "Ok boss. I'm happy with the performance of our central defenders. Daniels, Ake and Donacien look good. Sweeney has made some big mistakes but he'll come back, and getting that work permit for Haroyan will mean we have 5 viable centre halves. Fullbacks are also looking good. We all noticed Barbosa responded superbly to your gee-up in early December and put in a series of solid games. He is a real creator out wide, a speedy full back. We should try to get him at the end of this loan if possible. I'm happy with Donacien's progress as a fullback too, he is showing promise on the right. Danny Holmes is playing respectably but he knows he's not the best Championship fullback."

"OK guys, sounds like we're all pretty happy with the shape of the team at the moment, and the players are both training and playing well. Any qualms about our tactics? Joe what do you think?" Joe McLaughlin is ok in the tactical department and I respect his opinion. "Well boss, you've implemented an effective set of tactics again this season. It's not as effective in scoring as last year, but I think that's more down to the quality of the opposition than our players. I thought it was a good idea to push the centre forward up though - Stockton couldnt make the false nine role work, and it meant the front three were all looking to support each other rather than actually scoring. As an advanced forward there is a focus to attacks, but he's still looking to create."

I've been experimenting with this role. At the moment the AF role is working better for my lineup than a F9, but I can see the benefit in the latter - with the front players roaming there are often overlaps and big space. I'll accept the advice, but I don't think the experiment is at an end.
 
"How about youth development Phil. What's our potential squad depth look like?"

Cannon pulls out his chart showing our depth in every position.

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OK, starting at keeper. fon Williams is the best at the moment, but that young Aussie was a good signing. He's 19 so in maybe 2-3 years Glover could be Premier League level.

On the left, I know you had second thoughts about young Skokic but he could be a leading Premier League fullback in a few years. He's 17 so maybe 3 years for that too. Anders Knudsen is not as hot a prospect but will be a solid backup option in the future.

On the right, Svatopluk Bocek could be a good Premier League player, he's also 17 so will mature at the same time as Skokic. I'm not as thrilled by anyone else in that position so it's a bit of a gap.

We don't have any very strong youth options in the centre half position. Sweeney and Haroyan should be a good pairing in a couple of years, but our 5 year option is not there yet. I'd like to see a good youth option in the next intake.

If we do get Billing at the end of his contract he will be an automatic pick in DM for years to come. There are no youth players for this position really.

Our centre midfield looks strong, we already discussed Mezzetti. Some older options that could still mature into great players include Thomas Eisfeld and Joe Rothwell who is out on trial at the moment - more game time for Eisfeld would be good if Mezzetti is still too raw.

We talked about Torrano and Cotterill out wide already, and we all know there are no youth strikers worth talking about right now."

Lots of food for thought there. We need to be targeting a DL and DR for the next year until Bocek and Skokic mature. I'd love to keep Barbosa on loan, but DR will still be a problem. We also need a striker.

"Ok boys, lets get back to it. I want us to keep our form for the rest of the season - you know you can come to me if you have any concerns about morale, training or tactics. I have an open door policy to all of you."

They filter out of the room looking happy.
 
"Oh there you are Lyndon. Can you have a look at these lads for me? I'm wondering if we can get at least one on loan, and maybe peg them for our future superstar"

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Timothee Gace - 17 year old striker from Girondins. I owe them after the Euro knockout, would love to nab a star from under their noses!

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Frederic Kamel - 18 year old from Marseilles. Already valued at 3m, 16 finishing, tall and fast. Looks very good.

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Florian Olivier - 17 year old from the Belgian Pro League... a total unknown really.

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Brandon Salvi - 17 year old from PSG. Looks great, but injured. Will scout anyway

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Sekou Coulibaly - 17 year old from Lorient.

"Sure boss, give me a day" ...

I was flicking through the French junior squads to find my superstar striker. Came across a few promising guys, thought I should scout them all... let's see if we can grab one on a loan. Fingers crossed.
 
Flicking through the reports takes some time. Lyndon has got the team scouting pretty much every French striker in the national youth teams at the moment. Three of them stand out:

Timothee Gace
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Young and raw, quick with excellent finishing skills already. That huge potential bar is very interesting. I've asked the scouts to keep an eye on him for a couple of weeks to let him think we are interested... but Bordeaux doesnt want him to go on loan. I've put our interest out there in the media, maybe that will help things along.

Frederic Kamel
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Quick, excellent finishing and height/heading/jumping reach. Looks great. Have given him the same treatment.

Brandon Salvi
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Slower with poorer finishing and first touch, but a monster in the air. Another interesting prospect. PSG will loan him out, but only because he's injured - he failed the medical on arrival and went straight back home.

Some more food for thought but not until the summer break. I'll have to make do with the current squad for now.
 
"Bad news boss - Calero is out for 2-3 weeks. Lucky you got that Brazilian huh."

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Oh dear. 5 or 6 games including an FA Cup replay game. Henrique is not really up to scratch. The fallback plan is to play Kent in centre forward.
 
FA Cup round 3 - Tranmere vs WBA

Tranmere was at near full strength, with Stockton the only first team player missing. West Brom started strongly, pushed immediately on attack. 6 minutes in, Bianco sent a wicked flat cross diagonally into the box. Bennett caught it on the bounce and hammered the volley straight past a hapless fon Williams - 1:0.

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Tranmere looked shell shocked, but determined. Straight on attack, the team pushed down the right. Kent played a lovely one-two with Donacien to make space, and sent a nasty cross towards the West Brom goal. Henrique was waiting nearby, but a deflection from a defender put it past both him and the keeper - an own goal, 1:1 after 6 mins. WBA hadnt touched the ball since their goal. Well, only to put it in the net!
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Not to be outdone, WBA pushed straight on attack from the kick off, playing deep down the right through Berahino. He whips in another cross... and Bennett plays another unstoppable shot. 3:0 within 7 mins!

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It stays that way through the first half. Somehow Galloway missed from this position on 18 mins, hitting it straight at Foster:
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Ake had a goal disallowed (correctly) on the half hour
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fon Williams made a crucial save at 60 mins, Berahino in the clear but fon Williams made a majestic diving save.

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All quiet to the 90th minute. Pushing forward desparately, Galloway spied a rampaging Kent on the left.
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He played a marvellous through ball to meet Kent's run perfectly in the box, clear of the flat footed defenders.
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Rather than take the shot, Kent played a pass back across the congested goal to a marked Torrano. What??
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Yes, that was the right option in the end... Torrano blasts it into the net past a flat footed Foster.
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2:2, and we're in to extra time.

First major chance falls to Henrique on the 94th minute, collecting a cross metres from the goal with lots of net to aim at.
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His first touch is poor, leaving him no option but to lay it back for Towell in the middle. Towell gives it a belting but somehow collects Henrique again on the way through, deflecting the ball away from the goal and out to safety. Couple more minor chances but it ends 2:2, and we're in to penalties.

Marco Da Silva is up first, he coolly slots a goal to the top right, Foster goes the wrong way. 1 goal to Tranmere
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Berahino first for WBA, he puts it low and hard down the middle. fon Williams drops to make the save: 1:x Tranmere leads
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Towell up next, an unstoppable shot to the keeper's right. Foster picks it but can do nothing. 1.1:x (2:0 to Tranmere).
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Brady next, repeats Towell's shot on the other side, just past the outstretched fingers of fon Williams. 1.1:x.1 (2:1 Tranmere leads).
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Kent tries for a carbon copy of the last goal, but screws it wide. 1.1.x:x.1 (2:1 to Tranmere) still Tranmere in the lead but both teams have missed one.
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Blanco up next, but he shoots too close to fon Williams, who saves again. 1.1.x:x.1.x (2:1 Tranmere leads).
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Henrique up next. He's going to go to the keeper's left again, top corner unstoppable. 1.1.x.1:x.1.x (3:1 to Tranmere). Tranmere in control now.
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Brunt sends fon Williams the wrong way with a well placed shot. 1.1.x.1:x.1.x.1 Tranmere leads 3:2 and can seal it with the next one.
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Billing steps up to the spot, breathes and hits it once more to the keeper's left. It is inch perfect, beating the keeper... but wait just one inch too far that way! He hits the post... West Brom have a chance. 1.1.x.1.x:x.1.x.1 (3:2 to Tranmere)
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All the pressure on Fernandez. Fernandez lines up a shot. He goes to the keeper's left, as have pretty much everyone else. fon Williams guesses correctly though, and makes a save! He's the hero of the hour, and Tranmere are through 3:2 on penalties.
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Bennett is the PotM for the two goals he scored during the game, although fon Williams save during the game and three penalty saves should surely have grabbed it for him. No, apparently he only gets a 6.8 for letting the first two go in. Oh well, happy with the result!
 
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