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City 3 Tranmere 1 So, that tricky “second home league game of the season” kicked off in near-perfect conditions in front of a Bank Holiday weekend crowd of nearly 17,800. The scoreboard had a little technical difficulty in trying to show who was playing, but once that hitch was overcome, it showed that City had kept a relatively settled side: Martin in goal; Gilbert, Morrison, Hobbs and Dyer across the back; Gradel, Oakley, King and Porter (in a blazing red /range pair of boots) across the middle; Howard and Fryatt up front. City off kicked towards the Kop end – as we can now call it and Tranmere wore what appeared to be an all Fosse Gold kit, which – I guess – is an interesting fashion choice. The early exchanges were fairly even. City looked the better side technically, but Tranmere carved out half-chances, largely by hitting the ball long for the tall, busy Baz Savage to chase – which he did well. City’s centre backs were impressive all day, with Hobbs particularly dominant. He looks like an old fashioned centre back, and plays like one: he wins headers, tackles solidly and clears the ball. He was unlucky to see his 18th minute header, from another good Gradel corner, cleared off the line. City began to look much the better side after the first quarter hour, with Porter, Howard and Fryatt having half chances, although Tranmere also had their moments. It was not pretty, but had a little more about it than some of last season’s nightmares. Dyer looks to be a quick, clever player – quick of thought and of foot. That quick-thinking in the 33rd minute led him to take a 35 yard free-kick before the wall was formed, sliding the ball for Oakley to chase, cross from inside the box on the right with Howard following up to hit home from point-blank range: 1-0!...... |
