Yes, you read the title correctly, despite yet another defeat for Rovers last night in a game filled with more weird substitutions and selections, we’re going to pull five genuine positives from the game.
Yes, there was plenty to be annoyed about in the game and definitely more negatives than positives, but just open social media to get a run-down of that.
Instead, in the interest of having our glasses half full and all that, here are five things that give us some positivity going into Saturday’s treck to Colchester.
Luke McGhee is outstanding
The big goalkeeper could turn into one of our best signings, not only this season, but in any of the last few campaigns. Commanding, vocal and an outstanding shot-stopper, McGhee was again Tranmere’s outstanding player last night as shots reigned down on his goal.
He produced a string of top saves to keep the scores level before finally being beaten from the penalty spot. He would be beaten again shortly after, but not before he had made another outstanding save up to his left hand side.
If Rovers can sort some of the other glaringly obvious issues out within the current setup, McGhee’s worth will really become obvious as he’s surely likely to earn us a fair few points.
Rob Apter had an excellent debut
We’ve been crying out for many things over the last month or two, not least some creativity and width. Well, the loan signing of Blackpool winger Rob Apter has offered some promise as the youngster had a fine debut last night.
Such was his threat, Fleetwood soon doubled-up in marking him. While not blisteringly quick, Apter did have a nice turn of pace, good feet and was happy to take-on his man on the outside or cut in on his right foot.
90 minutes for Brad Walker
Brad Walker’s Tranmere career has never really got going since his move from Port Vale in January and the big midfielder desperately needed minutes to help build fitness.
Well, last night he was deployed as a centre back, a position he has played before, and managed to play the full duration of the game. It was through necessity after it was revealed that both Tom Davies and Joe Yarney are carrying knocks, but Walker did okay and will be better off for the 90 minutes.
Sam Taylor continues to impress
A shining light in a sea of murky disappointment this season has been the continued development of youngster Sam Taylor. He already has two goals to his name this season, and while he was deployed in the left-wing position last night, he was still Tranmere’s biggest (only) goal threat. He’s quick, brave enough to run at defenders and he makes things happen.
We’ve got a lot of central midfielders
Okay, we’re struggling to get a fifth one here, but one thing that did strike me last night is just how many central midfielders we have, or at least players most at home centrally, from holding players to attacking midfielders. Shame most of them were deployed all over the show, as is becoming standard, but we have a lot. Chris Merrie, Reece McAlear, Brad Walker, Lee O’Connor, Connor Jennings, Kieron Morris, Paul Lewis, Regan Hendry and Rhys Hughes.
That’s nine players who you could argue are central midfielders, which isn’t actually a positive. It’s woefully unbalanced with the rest of the squad, compared with, for example, 3 centre backs.
Anyway, there we have it. Some small amount of positivity following another dismal night.
