‘We are painting a false picture’

Oct 1 2008 by Nick Hilton, Liverpool Echo

ANDREW TAYLOR insists Tranmere’s up-and-down results do not offer a true reflection of their steady progress over the first two months of the new season.

The fullback believes Ronnie Moore’s revamped team are playing better football than a record of three wins and four defeats from eight League One games would suggest.

“I don’t think the results change the fact that we’ve been playing pretty well in the last few weeks,” Taylor said.

“As the manager has said, we have just got to stay positive. It is early days yet and there isn’t a lot wrong with the way we have been playing.”

Taylor admits he was left more bemused than bruised by the 4-3 home defeat to Colchester United last Friday – Tranmere’s second successive reverse at Prenton Park.

Rovers were looking to build on two positive away results at Huddersfield (won 2-1) and Peterborough (2-2) but were sunk by the deadly long-range shooting of the Essex team.

Taylor said: “Last Friday was probably the strangest game I have ever played in. For most of the night we played well, going forward and creating chances.

“But it seemed that every time Colchester had a shot at goal it finished in the top corner of our net. Danny Coyne had no chance with any of them.

“When you see long-range shooting like that you just have to hold your hand up. There won’t be many games where we come across finishing like that again.”

Taylor instigated a late Rovers fightback on Friday night with a bizarre 75th minute goal – his first of the season.

The 22-year-old thought he had over-hit a free-kick from deep on the right, making an easy catch for goalkeeper Dean Gerken, who was under no pressure when he dropped it over the line.

Taylor said: “It was right in the keeper’s hands and I almost turned to walk back to my position when all of a sudden the crowd went up and I saw the ball lying in the back of the net.

“I thought about celebrating, but it just did not seem the right thing to do.”

Tranmere are back on the road this weekend, when they visit Carlisle.

Rovers posted a 1-0 victory at Brunton Park in the early weeks of last season.

Taylor said: “I hadn’t joined Tranmere at that point, but the lads who were here say it was a good performance.

“ I would like to think we can repeat that. We are playing well enough to get a result there.”

Meanwhile, Tranmere are cutting the price of admission to their next home game, against Millwall on Saturday, October 11, to £5 for 17-22 year olds.

Chief executive Mick Horton said: “Football is massively popular with young supporters, but they unfortunately aren’t always able to afford to attend live games.

“With students returning to universities and colleges across the region we hope this offer will make it more practical for them to come to Prenton Park and enjoy the game.

“Where else can 17-22 year olds watch live football for just £5?

“We’re committed to being the best value for money family club in the region and hope this offer outlines that.

“This price reduction is just the first of many we plan to run throughout the season aimed at many different groups of supporters.”

Young persons can purchase tickets from the ticket office or club shop with photographic proof of age (valid NUS, passport or driver’s licence), or purchase tickets for the main stand from the same selling points.

The offer does not apply to the club’s executive rooms.

Stoke City confirmed they have agreed to extend the loan of defender Ryan Shotton to Tranmere into a second month.

The 19-year-old scored two goals and impressed manager Ronnie Moore with his strong performances during an initial month at Prenton.

Rovers will be able to call on Shotton in seven games during a busy October.