Rovers cash-in as ITM dispenses of Wycombe
Wednesday 30th September, 2009
By Richard Ault

Tranmere finally gave their fans a win to celebrate at Adams Park on Tuesday night, a stunning first half volley from skipper Ian Thomas-Moore lifting Rovers above Wycombe in the League One table.

Rovers did have to ride their luck at times in the first half with the back four once again looking far from convincing.  With a small, yet passionate travelling support behind them though, Tranmere's first real period of pressure in the first half saw them force three successive right wing corners.

The first two were just about dealt with, but it was third time lucky as Wycombe's attempts to clear the last one fell to Thomas-Moore who brilliantly volleyed the ball over Chairboys' keeper Scott Shearer from the tightest of angles.

It was a fantastic strike worthy of winning any game, but Rovers were made to sweat.  Still lacking a real leader at the back, or even in the heart of midfield, a very poor Wycombe side dominated the second half, the dire finishing of Zebroski and Betsy getting Rovers off the hook several times throughout the night.

Ricketts saw a header turned against the crossbar late in the second half in a rare foray forward, but it finished 1-0 to Rovers.

A full report should follow this on Wednesday, but a big pat on the back to the team tonight who took another tentative step in the right direction.  Carole looked pretty dangerous on the left wing in the first half, and the back four - despite looking frail at the best of times - have to take credit for a rare clean sheet.

My man-of-the-match goes to Ian Thomas-Moore, not only for the goal, but for a hard-working performance.  Nice to see the entire team, and most of all the management team, go and applaud the travelling fans at the final whistle tonight.

Those who have followed Rovers to those midweek away games the other end of the country over the years will know what I mean when I mention the unique atmosphere.  There often isn't many in the SWA, but those there are mostly positive and as vocal as possible.  Tonight the fans were first rate.  No chants against the management.  No banners.  Just positivity all the way, and they just about got their reward.

A huge amount of work still to be done, but at least we are upwardly mobile in League One.  At last.

-Updated Wednesday 30th September, 2:28am-