Banks screamer seals Posh point for Tranmere

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It was a case of deja vu at Prenton Park, as Rovers once more came from two goals down to earn a point from a 2-2 draw against Peterborough United.

The same scenario had happened just 10 days ago against Gillingham, with Rovers showing they will never give up. That grit and determination will be needed throughout the season and is a strong quality to possess.

And once again, it was Sid Nelson who had to deputise at right back, an injury to Calum Woods last weekend at Oxford ruling him out while Jake Caprice is not quite ready for a return to the fold.

It was a strong first 45 minutes from the hosts, as they pressed high up the pitch and forced a few mistakes from the Peterborough backline.

There were very few clear goalscoring opportunities on Christy Pym’s goal, a right wing cross from Ollie Banks finding Stefan Payne with a header over the top being the most noteworthy of the chances.

At the other end, Scott Davies, on his 200th appearance in a Rovers shirt, made a good of decent saves to deny Ivan Toney, while August Player of the Month Marcus Maddison also tested the palms of the Tranmere number one.

The home side began the second half on top and forced a couple of corners as they looked to get themselves ahead.

But it was the visitors who took the lead on 54 minutes with a quick counter attack after Rovers had enjoyed a spell of pressure inside the Posh penalty area.

It was a quick break and the ball worked its way to the feet of Mo Eisa on the right side of the penalty area and his curling effort beat Davies and crept into the corner of the net.

The lead was doubled straight from the restart, a couple of minutes later as the Posh players took an age to get back into their own half.

Rovers conceded possession and United broke dangerously down the left. Joe Ward delivered an inch perfect cross for Ivan Toney, who slotted home on the volley from close range giving Davies no chance.

Heads could easily have dropped, but Tranmere kept battling away, knowing they’d been on top for large periods of the game.

The advantage was halved from the most unlikely of sources on 65 minutes. Darren Potter swung in a dangerous cross from the right and left-back Liam Ridehalgh found himself in the box and his diving header flew into the back of the net.

Tranmere boss Micky Mellon was bizarrely sent to the stands soon after, following another slow return to get play back underway by the visiting side.

With 20 minutes remaining, the game was drawn level in spectacular style.

A corner kick was only half cleared. The ball found its way to Ollie Banks who touch a touch before hitting a sublime volleyed effort into the bottom corner from 30 yards. He couldn’t have caught it any sweeter. A goal of the season contender, for sure.

The game, at this point, was wide open. Tiring legs caused spaces to exploit and there were chances at both ends.

Peterborough possess pace to burn going forward, and that caused plenty of problems with balls flying across the penalty area but the Rovers rearguard stood firm and managed to keep the ball out of the net for a third time.

At the other end, Paul Mullin forced a good save from Pym with a low left-footed shot, before the Posh shot-stopper produced an outstanding stop to deny George Ray’s back post header in injury time, tipping the ball to safety as it was headed for the corner of his net.

It was an enthralling and entertaining game, played under a fantastic atmosphere under the lights at Prenton Park.

A point apiece and Rovers must take confidence for their performance and try and replicate it on Saturday when Burton Albion visit Wirral.

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