Shot-shy Tranmere urged to go for goal

Dec 26 2007 by Nick Hilton, Liverpool Daily Post

RONNIE MOORE has urged Tranmere to seize the opportunity to move back into the heart of the promotion race by taking maximum points from two holiday home games in four days.

High-riding Carlisle’s visit to Prenton Park this afternoon is followed by a date with strugglers Cheltenham on Saturday.

And while Rovers dropped to 12th place following a 1-0 defeat at Luton last weekend, they are just four points adrift of the play-off zone in a congested League One table. Moore said: “This is an ideal time for us to take six points and show everyone we are right back in it.

“Even though some of our results recently been disappointing, we’ve stayed in touch with the top clubs. No-one is getting away. What’s been happening is that the teams from below have caught up and the division is pushed together like a concertina.

“Carlisle is a massive game because they are flying at the moment. They are bringing a lot of supporters with them. They’ve sold more than 1200 tickets and with a good turnout from our supporters, there should be a good atmosphere.”

Moore had his players working on the creative and attacking aspects of the game in training sessions over Christmas.

Rovers are anxious to improve on a thin goalscoring record after drawing a blank in six of their last 10 outings.

“We are working on play in the final third of the field,” Moore said. “We have not been creating enough chances, not getting enough crosses into the box and not putting enough shots in.

“Everyone should be having a go at goal, not just the strikers. It looks like we are frightened to take a shot.

“I will never complain to any player about having a shot. If the effort is on target something can always happen.”

Injury problems are bound to influence the manager’s selection this afternoon.

There are doubts over centre-backs Ian Goodison, who has a back strain, and Ben Chorley, still suffering from an infection to a leg wound. Winger Chris Shuker is troubled once again by persistent thigh problem and John Mullin is ruled out by a hamstring strain. Striker Gareth Taylor saw a specialist after his knee stiffened up so badly after the Luton game that he could barely walk.

However, versatile defender Anthony Kay and midfielder Paul McLaren return to action after suspension.

Confident Carlisle manager John Ward says his team have the mental strength to handle life at the front of the promotion race.

Carlisle are just a point behind leaders Nottingham Forest as they head for Prenton Park this afternoon with at least one game in hand of most of their rivals.

Ward, who took charge of the Cumbrians in October said: “What pleases me is that we have coped with being in that top group. It is about dealing with it and staying there.

“I have a group of players who are enjoying the challenge.”

Ward added: “I don’t feel any pressure at the top of a league. I spent most of last season near the bottom of the division with Cheltenham and it was tough. Being at the top is a good challenge rather than pressure.”

Carlisle called off last weekend’s scheduled home game with Swansea City more than 24 hours ahead of kick-off because the Brunton Park pitch was frozen from a week of sub-zero temperatures.

Tranmere are the only visiting side to have won at Brunton Park in the league this season. A goal by Craig Curran earned them a 1-0 success early in September.