1     vs      3

Ryan Taylor, 7                                                  Ellison, 43

                                                                     Price, 63

                                                                     Fagan, 69

It was dubbed Rovers biggest game this season. Was it all over-hyped? Perhaps not, we did look up to it.

Before the kick-off I could tell people wanted to come to this game. For one thing, we werent able to park the car in our "spot". And we were unfamiliarly early, dont think I've ever been early, well not this early.

Was I myself being part of the early banter crew, people who go really early to see the players exercise and get prepared for the game.

Even going down the road to the stadium I could hear fans screaming the pride of their club, I loved it. I now knew what was going to be up for this game - our promotion futures.

As i sat in my regualr season ticket spot, which probably has my bum incarved into the seat, I pondered the what-ifs.

Then before I knew it the players streamed out to the welcoming and booing of opposition fans. It was the Mighty Whites versus the Black and Amber Tigers. This was it.

We now have a reputation of scoring early and losing the lead. So when we scored after only over 5 minutes, I knew we where in for a long ride.

A free-kick on the edge of the box, and a bit more. I knew it!! Our gem, Ryan Taylor was standing over it, like a giant over a dwarf. He was in control. He stepped back 3 paces and ran at the little thing and unleashed his right foot, which hit the ball and travelled into the back of the net, untouched by any of Hulls defenders. Great goal, I celebrated wondering, "What The Hell!!!"

So off we went like a steam engine, pushing threw everything in their way, we fought for everything. And our captain, Jason McAteer was on form and looked asertive and must have put his eye in today. I say that because sometimes he looks like he doesnt have any vision, next game he looks like hes got an "eye" for a great ball.

THen one of Tranmere biggest character, Eugene Dadi, went down the pitch carrying the ball. With anticipation he ran and ran. He was inthe box, I was screamin for him to shoot. Then I saw his left foot llok to shoot, then he went off balance and a third and forth foot came into the equation. He was clearly fouled in the box. Then that amazing sound of the whistle it felt like heaven, it was a penalty. Then I heard alot of usual moans and scream, and I was thinking " Shut it! It's a penalty, stop moaning" But guess what I was wrong! Dadi got booked for diving. Injustice or what!

Phew!!! 43 minuts on the clock and we've held onto our lead. Yes, my big mouth opened again!! THe ball bounced, both Ian Goodison and Ryan Taylor went for the ball, and then this huge bald fellow came threw like a brick wall and stole the ball and simply placed it in the net. Great!! 1-1

Ok then, lets go for the draw. But Hull said no, lets not!

Just over an hour gone. A new lad came onto the pitch, Hull's new signing, Craig Fagan, replaced the veteran Nick Barmby. Then what do you know, only three minutes later they score, but not Craig Fagan, oh no thats for later, it was a Tranmere Reject, if you can call him that.

Former Rovers player, Jason Price, recieved the ball from a through ball from first goalscorer, Kevin Ellison. I was certain that Pricey was OFFSIDE, but again theres so many different opinions of the rules you will never know what the correct one is. So Pricey tok the ball around Achterberg who had come miles off his line. It was simple it was like there were only two things on the pitch, Jason Price and thee goal with no goalie. You know what happened. 2-1 Hull

Remember Craig Fagan, well here he is now. He picked up the ball, I felt people just watched his shiny wihte boots as they went near him but didn't tackle. He cut inside the right-flank, skimming both our centre backs, then rolling the ball into the opposite corner of the net. The Cowshed went wild. He jumped with a jubilation, and a sulked with annoyance.

So there you have it, once had a chance of automatic, now it looks bleak.

Tranmere: Achterberg, Taylor, Sharps, Goodison, Roberts, Whitmore (Jones 76), McAteer, Rankine, Hall, Hume, Dadi (Dagnall 68). Subs Not Used: Howarth, Harrison, Jennings.

Booked: Hume, Dadi, McAteer.

Hull City: Myhill, Stockdale, Cort, Delaney, Edge, Price, Ashbee, Lewis, Ellison, Elliott (France 80), Barmby (Fagan 60). Subs Not Used: Duke, Hessenthaler, Wilbraham.

Booked: Price, Elliott.

Attendance: 12,684

Referee: G Salisbury (Lancashire).

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