Ronnie Moore pays tribute to Tranmere Rovers’ big game players

Nov 26 2008 by Nick Hilton, Liverpool Daily Post

MANAGER Ronnie Moore reckoned the return of his big game players made the difference as Tranmere toppled promotion-chasers Scunthorpe at Prenton Park.

Centre-back Ian Goodison, right-back Ryan Shotton and midfield anchor man Antony Kay were back after missing the defeat at Yeovil last weekend and Moore said: “It really shows when we’ve got the players who know what the game is about back into the squad because we are a completely different side.

“I have got nothing but praise for their efforts tonight. I thought they were magnificent.

“Scunthorpe are a top quality side, one of the best if not the best we have played. They proved that in the second half when they got on the ball.

“But give our lads credit. I thought we were the best half in the first half by a mile.”

Goodison returned from his native Jamaica after attending the birth of his son to produce a dominant performance at the heart of the Rovers’ defence.

Moore said: “Goodison came back and showed what a good player he is.

“I thought he was head and shoulders above the rest – and we had a lot of players who did well out there. It was a pleasing performance, solid all round.

“We had a little bit of luck and the game could have finished 2-2 but I think we deserved the victory.

“If we had not worked so hard we would not have won the game.”