TRANMERE’S Wembley dreams were shattered at Prenton Park last night as Huddersfield cruised into the area final of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.
A goal in each half from the predatory Jordan Rhodes saw Lee Clark’s big-spenders book a new-year showdown with Carlisle United, leaving Rovers to reflect on what might have been.
Rhodes and strike partner Alan Lee were too hot for the Tranmere defence to handle all evening, while a missed penalty by Rovers’ on-loan forward Lateef Elford-Alliyu merely added to the frustration felt by the home side.
It was a third defeat on the spin for Tranmere, who must now focus all their efforts on pulling away from the League One drop zone for the remainder of the season.
Rovers manager Parry made four changes to the side beaten 2-1 by Leyton Orient at Prenton Park on Saturday – one enforced and three tactical.
Striker Ian Thomas-Moore failed to recover from the calf injury which forced him off against the O’s so Lucas Akins was drafted in. Parry also opted to switch from preferred 4-4-3 formation to 4-4-2, with the fit-again Ash Taylor making his first start of the season in midfield. West Brom loanee Elford-Alliyu and left-back Zoumana Bakayogo were the other new faces in Tranmere’s line.
Huddersfield were rarely troubled by the hosts in a first half which saw them underline why they have emerged as genuine promotion contenders in League One this season.
