Attendance: 8586

Referee - Mr Ray Olivier (West Midlands)

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Tranmere recorded an opening day victory over Oldham Athletic at Prenton Park thanks to a 24^th minute header from last season’s top scorer Chris Greenacre as The Latics also ended the game with just nine men after two late dismissals.

Despite Oldham having the better of the game in terms of possession and corners, they lacked a cutting edge up front and when Tranmere striker Chris Greenacre showed the Latics players how it’s supposed to be done in the 24^th minute, it proved enough to seal three points for Rovers.

New Rovers Boss Ronnie Moore named all nine of his new signings in the starting line-up alongside last season’s squad members Ian Goodison and Chris Greenacre with the latter partnering Gareth Taylor upfront.

Oldham had the better of the opening 20 minutes but failed to create a genuine chance whilst at the other end Rovers also struggled to create a decent goalscoring opportunity.  Gavin Ward had to be alert in the 4^th minute to save from Malongo whilst Gareth Taylor just failed to find Chris Greenacre at the other end.

Despite having the better of the possession in the opening twenty minutes, Oldham found it hard to create clear goalscoring opportunites and eventually they were made to pay in the 24^th minute when somewhat against the run of possession, Rovers took the lead with a well worked goal. 

A Chris Shuker cross from the right was headed back across goal by Kevin Ellison and Chris Greenacre flicked the ball into the top corner of Pogliacomi’s net with his head to give Rovers the advantage.

Having been somewhat subdued for the early part of the game, Rovers seemed to liven up a little after taking the lead and John Mullin had a brace of chances to double Rovers lead but was unsuccessful on both occasions but Rovers went into the half-time break with a one goal advantage.

Just five minutes into the second half, Greenacre should have doubled Rovers lead after Paul McLaren had been expertly set up by Chris Shuker down the right hand side.  The little winger broke down the right and crossed for McLaren in space in the penalty area.  It looked as if McLaren had the chance of an angled shot at goal but instead he chose to square the ball for Greenacre whose shot trickled just wide of the post.

Around the hour mark, Rovers keeper Gavin Ward had two saves to make in quick succession first from Malongo and then from Richie Wellens as Rovers hung on to their advantage.

Taylor and Greenacre were looking good together upfront for Rovers and Greenacre’s cross to Taylor saw the striker head straight at Pogliacomi in the Oldham goal before the favour was returned a few minutes later when a flick from Taylor found Greenacre but once again the striker beat the goalkeeper but saw his shot trickle wide of the post.

Rover’s winger Kevin Ellison took a knock and was replaced by Carl Tremarco in the 70^th minutes and with six minutes remaining, Calvin Zola replaced Gareth Taylor upfront for Rovers.

Almost immediately after his introduction, Zola broke clear of the Oldham defence and Latics substitute Chris Taylor was very harshly adjudged to have fouled Zola to concede a free-kick.  Taylor was shown a straight red card by referee Olivier although whether the card was for the challenge or the subsequent abuse of the referee’s assistant remains unclear.  If the red card was for the challenge on Zola then it was somewhat harsh on the Latics substitute.

Rovers annoyingly wasted the free-kick by trying to kill time near the corner flag but in spite of this, there was still time for Oldham to go down to nine men with substitute Zola again involved.  Calvin was brought down on the Johnny King Stand touchline and whilst on the floor, Eardley booted the ball in Zola’s face to earn a deserved straight red card.

Rovers hung on through four minutes of injury time to earn an all important opening day win ahead of two away matches in the space of five days this week as they visit Cheltenham on Tuesday and then Doncaster on Saturday.

Whilst a draw may have been a fairer result, Rovers fans will not be complaining and three vital points are already in the bag early on.

Rovers Boss Ronnie Moore later confirmed that Kevin Ellison may miss the trip to Cheltenham on Tuesday night following the knock he received in this game.

Man of the Match

Chris Greenacre – Scored the decisive goal in the game and was unlucky to miss at least two other good opportunities.  Seemed to help out in all areas of the pitch and worked hard.

Gaffer’s Verdict

(Ronnie Moore Speaks to Tranmere’s Official Website)

"It was hard fought, but we created the better chances. There weren't many chances in the game.  The goal was a nice move and there were one or two chances we created to kill the game off but when you don't you're always vulnerable.

"They've got some good players who can hurt you but I think we've just deserved it. We said we had to be patient and overall that plan worked for us. I can't remember our keeper making too many saves.”

"There were one or two scary moments where we gave away needless corners and free kicks, but we defended them well.  I'm pleased and proud with the way we handled the shape they played today.”

"It was important to get the first points on the board but we need to move the ball quicker.  The passing wasn't as crisp as it can be and we gave away some unnecessary balls."

"It was about us winning.  The game wasn't about Ronnie Moore, it was about Tranmere Rovers winning, and that's what we've done.  There was good banter early on. They had a little go at me and I had a little go at them.  I loved the banter, if we'd lost 3-0 I wouldn't have."

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