Tranmere Rovers make impressive start to new season

Tranmere Rovers........ 2 

Tranmere's impressive preseason form continued into the new National League season on Saturday with a comprehensive opening day victory over Bromley at Hayes Lane.

Two first half goals from James Norwood did for the Ravens as the pain of missing out on the play-offs last season was replaced by the hope of a successful fresh promotion tilt.

Gary Brabin sprung a few surprises with his team selection, opting to start with Norwood and Connor Jennings either side of Andy Cook, while Darren Stephenson and Adam Mekki – who both impressed preseason – had to settle for a place on the bench.

After a brisk start from the visitors, they took the lead in the eighth minute when Rovers’ front three combined.

Rovers players celebrate James Norwood's second goal of the afternoon to give the visitors a 2-0 lead before half-time. Picture: Tony Coombes

Resourceful Cook found Connor Jennings, who quickly slipped in Norwood. Last year’s top Tranmere marksman made no mistake, smashing the ball into the roof of the net from 10 yards out.

The players celebrated in front of their ecstatic 481 travelling supporters with one particular enthusiast dressed as a giant hot-dog slipping the stewards to join in the party.

Only when he returned to the terracing – falling over an advertising hoarding – did he end up in a pickle.

Tranmere had a lucky escape shortly before half time when Oluwatobia Sho-Silva broke free in the right channel before new signing Blair Turgott smashed his low cross just wide of Scott Davies’ goal.

But new-look Rovers quickly turned defence into clinical attack, breaking down field to double their lead.

Steve Jennings aims to recover from a vigarous tackle by Bromley's Ben Chorley. Picture: Tony Coombes

Cook knocked on a cross from Liam Ridehalgh and Norwood showed the quickest turn of pace, pouncing from close range for his second of the afternoon.

Tranmere largely weathered an early second half storm but Michael Ihiekwe found his way into the referee’s notebook on the hour and from the resultant free kick a deflected Cunnington effort bobbled just wide of the post.

Adam Mekki replaced Cook with 20 minutes to play before Norwood nearly completed his hat-trick when his sliced cross crept onto the roof of the net.

Tranmere by now were back in complete control of the match, with Bromley unable to apply any real pressure on the Rovers rear guard.

Mekki danced past two defenders before squaring for Norwood, but the former Forrest Green hit-man scuffed his shot when a hat-trick beckoned.

It proved immaterial as Tranmere ran out easy victors in the end and could head back north completely satisfied with a professional performance.

Brabin said: “I was delighted. We’ve worked really well preseason. It’s always nice to get a good start and I think it would have been an injustice with the preseason we’ve had not to get the right result.

“The first 20 minutes we looked really good, got a goal up and to be fair I thought the opposition were strong. They made it difficult for us at times but I think we showed our other side at times as well. We were strong and hard to break down.

“We created chances but at times I think we were tested defensively as well. We committed ourselves really well and overall it was a really good performance.

“Connor Jennings worked his socks off today with some real clever movement. Nors (James Norwood) will be delighted he’s on the score sheet again.

“Cooky (Andy Cook) had a thankless task today, he was up against two big strong defenders. He competed well and he’ll be pleased to have got another 65 minutes under his belt.

James Norwood takes the applause from the travelling support following an impressive attacking display. Picture: Tony Coombes

“We’ve got players now who are capable of scoring goals. It’s nice but we’re not taking anyone lightly. We know it’s a strong league. Anyone can beat anyone so we’ve got to be at it in every game. We were certainly that today.”

Match Stats:

Bromley 0

Tranmere Rovers 2 Norwood 8, 43

Half time: 0-2

Star man: James Norwood (Tranmere striker)

Attendance: 1,539

Entertainment: 3/5

Ref rating: Rob Whitton (7/10)

Bromley (4-4-2): Julian, Howe (Swaine 85), Anderson, Chorley, Holland, Martin, Cunnnington, Prestedge (G Porter, 72), Turgott, M Porter (Dymond 54), Sho-Silva.

Subs not used: Johnson, Goldberg.

Tranmere (4-3-3): Davies, Maynard, McNulty, Ihiekwe, Ridehalgh, Harris, Hughes, S Jennings, Norwood (Kirby 89), Cook (Mekki 69), C Jennings.

Subs not used: Vaughan, Turner, Stephenson.