Whats the definition of optimism? Ask anyone who went along today expecting a win…. Tranmere Rovers rolling into the town with no injuries and in the middle of a play off push to play a Bournemouth side with four players making debuts and a general mixture of has beens and who knows? As Tranmere head back up the motorway pondering how on earth they let a side like that dominate them, Bournemouth will take great heart from a side that wants to fight even though they have nothing to fight for. Thats the magic of football – and the reason those of us that still go will carry on to the bitter end.
Today saw a number of changes with Gowling and Pitman failing fitness tests. Billy Franks came in for a debut at left back with Pearce moving into the middle, McQuoid replaced Pitman and SuperJo Tessem jogged into a midfield slot as we opted for 4-5-1 with Kuffour the loan front man.
As we know, early goals are a regular feature at Bournemouth this season – however today went from the sublime to the ridiculous. Barely 30 seconds were on the clock today when Hollands though ball released GRADEL down the right. His first time hard low cross was turned into the net by a combination of two diving centre halfs and keeper Coyne none of whom will want to claim the own goal but one of whom will have to (Goodison).
Ten minutes later and an identical move nearly brought a second goal, Franks superb 60 yard throughball releasing Gradel, who tormented Taylor all afternoon. When the little winger brilliantly pulled the ball back from the byline, SuperJo Tessem arrived in the area to miskick completely wide of an openish goal.
It took until the 18th minute for Tranmere to get a sight of goal, Moore firing well over from 12 yards following Taylors jinky run. That was Tranmeres only chance of the first half as Bournemouth out fought them in every department – the only issue being that Kuffour was too isolated and the midfield too deep so a lot of our hard work in winning the ball back was stalled if we couldn’t work it to Gradel.
This stalemate was broken in spectacular fashion with Bournemouth’s second goal in the 33rd minute. Following a ten minute purple patch of possession, Gradel’s great run and cross saw Goodison just beat Bartley to a header at the near post. From the resulting corner SuperJo Tessem headed the ball back following a weak punch from the keeper, Bradbury flicked on again and KUFFOUR spun to volley an opportunist tenth of the season past the shellshocked Coyne.
With a mixture of amazement and jubilation the fans sung the team on till half time as the rain poured and even Bradbury started flying into ball winning tackles – there was even a pass from SuperJo that found a team-mate. Could it get any better?
HT Bournemouth 2 Tranmere 0
The second half started with a lucky escape – Jennings charging clean through from a Sheriff through ball but then firing well over the crossbar when confronted with Forde. Tranmere missed another opportunity just after when Forde and Hollands collided leaving Greenacre to cross to an empty net but Bradbury arrived to rescue the day. It was then our turn for two quick Kuffour chances. Gradel releasing the dimiutive front man for Coyne to make a brilliant one handed stop and then a stooping headed also from Gradel’s cross brought out the second best save of the match from Coyne.
The best save of the match award goes to Forde, clearly not wanting to be outdone. When Taylor got round Bradbury and Goodison arrived with a thunderbolt header towards the top corner it looked like we were in for a shaky last half hour. Forde had other ideas though and somehow got across goal to claw the ball away at the last second – and got a standing ovation from the North Stand as a reward.
Tranmere had a real go at getting back into the game with long periods of possession as we sat back and the dangerous bean pole Zola starting to cause problems after his arrival as sub. Bournemouth were playing on the break with good effect though and McQuoid and Gradel broke well and exchanged passes for the latter to bring another good save off Coyne. Moore blazed over another glorious chance for Tranmere before they did grab a late consolation to jangle the nerves of Bournemouth fans. SuperJo conceded a needless foul for a push on the edge of the box and KAY headed in unmarked at the back post on the 86th minute.
There was one goalmouth scramble to survive with Zola at the heart of it before we passed our way to the corner flag and the final whistle for a brave and deserved win.
FT Bournemouth 2 Tranmere 1
Player Ratings
David Forde – 7
Still an uncertain kicker but great shot-stopper and cross handler.
Lee Bradbury – 7
A performance verging on heroic from the veteran centre forward turned right back. Dominant in the air and on the ground and looked like he enjoyed it.
Shaun Cooper – 7
A great composed centre back showing reminiscent of his season there when SOD was boss.
Jason Pearce – 6
Backed Cooper well but less composed when in possession.
Billy Franks – 6
Nice steady debut with a through ball to remember for a long time. Looked calm and stuck to a difficult opponent doggedly although a bit wasteful in possession.
Max-Alain Gradel – 8
Another match winning performance from the crowd favourite – murdered the full back and created chances.
Marvyn Bartley – 7
Tough battling and strong defensive covering – would like to see him dictate play to become finished article.
Danny Hollands – 7
See above for Bartley!
Jo Tessem – 5
A nice stroll about for old times sake – shame he forgot there were points at stake and we were in red.
Josh McQuoid – 6
Very quiet and looked the more nervy of the debutants, missed some real opportunities to go at people.
Jo Kuffour – 7
Battled well in a strange loan role for a man of his height and took goal like a master poacher.
Tactics & Overall
We don’t give tactical credit to Kev much so well done for realising 4-5-1 was our best chance today and that SuperJo would have been murdered in a four man midfield. Still would like to see Partington play in his place as there is nothing at stake although I get the logic that three youth team debutantes might have been too much against a powerful Northern side – although does it really matter anymore??!!
