Shanks for the advice

Aug 23 2006 By James Maloney , Wirral News

TRANMERE boss Ronnie Moore seems to be reading from Liverpool legend Bill Shankly's quote book.

The ex-Reds manager, famous for his razor sharp wit, once quipped that "football is a simple game based on the giving and taking of passes".

Moore used asimilar expression when criticising his defence's basic understanding of the game - or lack of it - during Tranmere's2-1 win over Yeovil Town last Saturday.

The Prenton Park manager admitted his defenders had some problems in organising themselves against Yeovil's 4-5-1 formation.

Moore, speaking ahead of his side's first round Carling Cup tie with Hull City on Tuesday, said: "Therewere times when we had four defenders against their one man up front and they were looking at measif to say 'what do we do?'

" The answer is 'we keep the ball and pass it'. The goal we conceded wasn't a good one for the defensive point of view.

"It will be nice when we can come off the parkand say how well we have played, but we are a new team and it's down to winning games." Tranmere's second home victory of the campaign was secured by goals from winger Kevin Ellison and midfielder John Mullin.

Moore added: "It was an open, scrappygame and didn't flow, but we had enough chances and could have won it 5-2.

"The lads put the effort and commitment in and it was good to see Kevin and John getting goals from midfield.

Striker Chris Greenacre had another afternoon of misfortune in front of goal.

He hit the post with one effort and forced an excellent save from Yeovil goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall with another shot.

Moore, again akin to Shankly defending Roger Hunt, refused to criticise Greenacre's finish in front of goal.

He said: "He's getting into the positions and it is only a matter of time before they go into the net.

"It's just not falling for Chris at this present time. He had the chances and hit the target.

"He could be on five or six goals for this season already, but they will come."