Football: Morrissey's tasty chips
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Tranmere Rovers. .3
Oldham Athletic. .0
TRANMERE held their nerve in the face of another resurgence to complete the mission which proved beyond them at Oldham. John Morrissey created the first goal in this replay and superbly converted two more in the second half to secure Tranmere a place in the fourth round of the FA Cup for the first time in 21 years.
Tranmere, who relinquished a two-goal advantage in the original meeting, subjected Oldham Athletic to an early bombardment. But John Aldridge, sent off at Boundary Park, again found Craig Fleming in his path. Fleming's partner, Richard Jobson, however, was a little too determined for the liking of the referee, Robert Hart. When he prevented Chris Malkin breaking free, Jobson was booked and made to pay a heavier price still from the free-kick.
Neil McNab played a short pass outside the defence, Morrissey chipped in a centre and the defender Steve Vickers headed the First Division side into the lead.
Yet the goal stiffened Oldham's resolve. Tranmere's defender Steve Mungall denied Ian Marshall after Ian Olney created the opening and, when Marshall returned the compliment, the goalkeeper Eric Nixon saved splendidly from Olney.
Oldham introduced Steve Redmond for Nick Henry at the start of the second half, pushing up Gunnar Halle and the Norwegian almost swivelled on to an instant chance. Pat Nevin's spin and shot ended the siege and Oldham's goalkeeper, Paul Gerrard, was required to make a fingertip save.
Suddenly the tie had changed direction again and, on the hour, Morrissey delivered Tranmere a second goal from 40 yards. Gerrard was stranded after his attempted clearance merely set up the opportunity for Morrissey to demonstrate once more his exquisite chipping ability.
Nine minutes from the end Morrissey jinked through and went round Gerrard before sliding in Tranmere's third.
Tranmere Rovers: Nixon; Higgins, Nolan, Irons, Mungall, Vickers, Morrissey, Aldridge, Malkin, McNab, Nevin. Substitutes not used: Muir, Martindale.
Oldham Athletic: Gerrard; Halle, Barlow, Bernard, Jobson, Fleming, Henry (Redmond, h/t), Olney, Marshall, Milligan, Brennan (Sharp, 64).
Referee: R Hart (Darlington).
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments