TRANMERE claimed a place in the second round of the FA Youth Cup by becoming the first side to defeat Darlington’s under 19s this season.
Rovers triumphed in extra time when, in spite of showing some signs of tiredness, they asserted some authority over the home side.
The tightly-contested tie was level after 90 minutes. Josh Macauley put the visitors ahead on 65 from Ryan Fraughan’s through pass, only for Darlington to equalise four minutes later.
Jay Ashscoft put Tranmere ahead for a second time on 107 minutes shortly after joining the action as a substitute. Once again Darlington hit back quickly. But the home side could not find a reply after another substitute, Ross Rule hit Tranmere’s third and winning goal on 115 minutes.
Coach Shaun Garnett said: “It was a good performance from all of the lads involved.
“As a team were tried to play our football throughout, and although we did not create as many chances as I would have liked, we showed we could grind out a result.
“To be the first side to defeat Darlington this season was quite an achievement by the boys. I felt 1-1 was a fair reflection of the 90 minutes but we emerged stronger in extra time.”
TRANMERE: Peter Kennedy, Alex Pursehouse (Gerwyn Jones 70), Luis Corrigan, Luke Denton, Joel Richardson, Ash Taylor (Jay Ashcroft 105), Jack Mackreth (Ross Rule 100), Ryan Fraughan, Josh Macauley, Max Power (correct), Dave Wilson. Subs: Joe Collister, Liam Benson.
Meanwhile, Tranmere’s under 19s disappointed in a 1-0 Puma Youth Alliance defeat at Shrewsbury Town. Coach Shaun Garnett admitted only goalkeeper Joe Collister emerged with credit as Rovers came under heavy second-half pressure after conceding the only goal of the game four minutes after the restart.
Garnett said: “Individually and collectively we did not win our battles. It was unusual to see so many attempts on our goal. Shrewsbury’s winning margin could have been three or four goals. Yet this was a game we felt we could have won if the performance had been up to standard.
“We had a chance to equalise a few minutes from the end but it would have been an injustice if we got something from the game.”
Garnett admitted some of Tranmere’s players may have had an eye on the FA Youth Cup first-round encounter with Darlington a few days down the line.
He said: “It was a learning curve for some of our young boys who have got to understand that the most important game is the one in front of you.”
Tranmere are again reducing prices for their Johnstone’s Paint Trophy northern quarter-final against Morecambe at Prenton Park next Tuesday (November 4). Admission for adults will be £9, seniors and young persons £5 and juniors £3. In addition, an adult puchasing a ticket from the club shop or ticket office will be entitled to a free junior ticket.
Only the Main Stand, Paddock and the first 10 rows of the Lower Kop will be open to home supporters on the night. Visiting fans will be housed in the Johnny King Stand. Kick-off will be 7pm.
Eric Nixon is to launch a new generation of goalkeeping clinics in the Merseyside area.
The former Tranmere Rovers goalkeeper, a UEFA A licensed coach, plans to run courses targeted at eight to 16-year-olds who want to learn more about goalkeeping and improve their technique.
For more information call Eric on 07843 865 873 or e-mail eric.n@ntlworld.com
