Play the game not the occasion – Moore

May 1 2009 by Nick Hilton, Liverpool Daily Post

TRANMERE go into tomorrow’s play-off showdown at Scunthorpe United with an old-fashioned piece of advice ringing in their ears.

“Play the game, not the occasion,” will be the message beaten out by manager Ronnie Moore and assistant Peter Shirtliff in the minutes before kick-off at Glanford Park.

Rovers’ season-long pursuit of a League One play-off berth hangs on their ability to nudge Scunthorpe out of sixth spot in the final game of the campaign. Only a victory will be enough to overturn to two-point gap and keep Tranmere’s promotion ambitions alive. A draw is sufficient for Scunthorpe.

Moore said: “I think we can handle the situation with the experience of the lads who have been in these types of games before.

“They wont need any Churchillian speeches. They know what is at stake and we will be into their ribs until they get out there. Then they have to play the game and not play the occasion.”

Moore added: “We would have taken this position three months ago, when we had ground to make up, and the lads do have the belief that they can do it. One or two players have grown up this season and one or two have been awesome for us. Those who have been strong, the match-winners, need to be at their best.”

The effects of nerves and tension are sure to play on the minds of players on both sides. Moore acknowledges his team were inhibited by anxiety in a 1-1 draw with Yeovil at Prenton Park last Saturday and can see how home advantage can turn into a burden for the host team in high-stakes matches.

He said: “I don’t think we handled the situation very well last Saturday. The crowd were nervous and I think that got to the players. We did not perform anything like as well as we can.

“The same thing can happen to Scunthorpe. They are at home and there will be 9,000-plus in the ground. The vast majority are going to be home supporters and they do have a little go sometimes. If you get 8,000 moaning then one or two players might go missing. Being at home can be a hindrance as well as a good thing for you.”

Not the Tranmere can afford to be too fired up. Moore pointed out: “It is important for us to keep 11 players on the pitch. In an atmosphere like the one on Saturday, you only need one late challenge, and a player is sent off. Then you’re fighting against the wind. So we have to be professional and disciplined.”

Moore and Shirtliff made a final check on Scunthorpe’s form on Tuesday as they swept to a 3-0 win over relegated Cheltenham.

“Scunthorpe ran riot once they were ahead,” Moore said. “They are a strong side going forward. The two front players, Gary Hooper (30 goals this season) and Paul Hayes (20 goals), are among the best in the division.

“We will have to be at our best at the back to handle those two – and the wide men. I honestly believe that if our back four defend well will have a great chance.”

Tranmere will again be without the vastly experienced Ian Goodison, who is serving the third match of a four-game suspension.

Ryan Shotton is expected to deputise once again at the heart of defence, freeing skipper Antony Kay to anchor the midfield.

Craig Curran is the most likely attacking partner for Ian Moore in the expected absence of Bas Savage, who is suffering from Achilles tendon damage.

Moore says long-term casualties Chris Shuker and Chris Greenacre might be ready for a return to action should Tranmere reach the play-offs, but this game is probably too soon for them.

Tranmere’s recent record is marginally more impressive than Scunthorpe’s. Rovers took six wins and two draws from the last 10 games, against the Iron’s five wins and three draws.

But Moore believes Scunthorpe have overcome disappointment of losing the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final to Luton a month ago.

He said: “It is not nice to lose at Wembley, especially when you’re expected to win. But judging by what I saw on Tuesday night, Scunthorpe have got it well and truly out of their system.

“They are a good side and Nigel Atkins has done a remarkable job there. They were a Championship club last season so we have it all to do.

“For us to be in with a shout this weekend is a remarkable achievement by the players. We have one more hurdle to get over to get into the play-offs and it is the most difficult.

“If we go out and perform well then we can hold our heads up no matter what the outcome.”