Tranmere’s uplift in form continues as they comfortably beat play-off chasing Dagenham 2-0 at Prenton Park. Goals from James Norwood and Ollie Norburn in the first half gave Tranmere a lead which was never threatened by the visitors. So, what did we learn from the game?
Jay Harris can play at right-back as well
The early injury for Mitch Duggan was initially worrying for Tranmere fans, given the lack of defensive cover on the bench, but Jay Harris soon put our minds at rest. Harris can find himself unfortunate to not be starting games in the middle of the park, and when he arrived in to the game at right-back, he soon made his mark. The first time Dagenham’s left winger tried to run at Harris, the fiery scouser smashed in to a tackle, taking the ball first and well and truly following through on the winger. He put his marker down early, and despite Dagenham swapping wingers several times to try and get the better of Harris, none of them succeeded. Harris is one of those players in the squad who leads by example, and slotting in at right back with such an accomplished performance is a measure of his professionalism and quality.
The league remains wide open
Victory for Tranmere put Micky Mellon’s team within three points of the play-off places, despite having been languishing down in 18th position just a few weeks ago. Dagenham went in to the game in sixth spot, and underlined just how poor the league is. It’s wide open, and there for the taking.
Rovers have quality in abundance
Andy Cook returned to the starting line-up after his goal against Peterborough, and in doing so put in an excellent performance and claimed an assist on James Norwood’s goal. It meant Gerry McDonagh was back on the bench alongside a wealth of talent. Devarn Green, Larnell Cole, and the aforementioned Harris among the subs. Incredibly when you think that the likes of Adam Buxton, James Wallace, Ben Tollitt, Jake Kirby and Luke Pilling were not available for selection yesterday. Once everyone is fit and available, we will have some squad at our disposal.
James Norwood is bang in form
Tranmere’s top scorer is already heading toward double figures once again, for what will be the third season running. Nors is looking razor sharp at the moment, perhaps moreso than at any point since he joined the club. His goal against Dagenham showed fantastic composure and quality, not to mention confidence, and was his seventh of the campaign.
We’re getting better at corners
Earlier in the season, the team was rightly hammered due to how bad corners and set pieces were. However, Ollie Norburn’s exceptional volley from Liam Ridehalgh’s corner yesterday was the third goal scored from a corner in five games. Slow progress, but progress nonetheless.
