'Out-of-sorts' Tranmere Rovers stay top of table (From Wirral Globe)
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'Out-of-sorts' Tranmere Rovers stay top of table
12:32pm Monday 11th February 2013 in News By Craig Manning
Andy Robinson aims high for Tranmere Rovers against Leyton Orient on Saturday. Picture: Paul Heaps
LEYTON ORIENT.............2
TRANMERE ROVERS......1
LEYTON Orient's victory over an out-of-sorts Tranmere nevertheless left the Wirral side top of League One.
Fortunately for Rovers, nearest rivals Doncaster and Swindon also faltered and failed to take advantage.
Manager Ronnie Moore fears his side have got the jitters as they hang on by the narrowest of margins to the top slot they've commanded virtually all season.
The defeat against Orient began from a set-play free-kick by the home side. Rovers goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams saved a Martin Rowlands penalty, but the midfielder later hammered home a spectacular 30-yard volley.
Michael O'Halloran turned in a Danny Holmes cross to give Tranmere hope in the second half, but Orient held on for the win and could have done so by a greater margin were it not for a late strike on the Rovers' goal being ruled off-side.
Ronnie Moore said: "It was disappointing.
"We were second best all afternoon and we were weak from set-plays.
"It's a shame really because if we're not careful, we're going to let something slip that's been something special.
"You can say Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro didn't play and James Wallace play, but Wallace hasn't played for a long time.
"That was unacceptable from us. When we concede a goal, we look like conceding two or three.
"We're too soft-centred."
Rovers take on Shrewsbury Town in a televised League One match at Prenton Park this Friday, at 7.45pm, broadcast on ITV2.
Moore said: "We’re on TV, so whoever the 11 are who play on Friday, they have to prove we’re a match for anyone in this league.
"There are still 15 games left until the end of the season - if we’re having wobbles now, then we're in trouble.
"We've got to have men on the pitch."
Rovers are level on 56 points with Doncaster but stay top by virtue of goal difference. Swindon and AFC Bournemouth are closing in with 55 points each and Doncaster still have a game in hand.
Tranmere Rovers have reduced admission for Friday’s game against Shrewsbury Town.
All supporters can watch the match for only £5 in all home stands. Tickets are from www.trfctickets.com or the club shop.
