Lincoln vs Tranmere

[RLC]

Makes you realise the depth we've had since January, which has in part got us over the line. Bolger for Shackell, O'Connor for Pett and Rowe for Anderson aren't too shabby a changes to make, and then to bring McCartan on as well. No surprise Rhead started because if we haven't won for a couple of games he usually comes back in, generally helps Akinde out and helps us pin teams in.

I thought there was a massive gulf between the teams for the first 45 minutes. Tranmere didn't get anywhere near us and whilst we didn't pepper their goal, O'Connor's got to score his one-on-one early doors and both Rowe and Andrade were half a yard from getting in between the CB's and FB's. Tranmere were hitting everything long and the majority of the time it was over hit and going straight through. We were pressing and winning the balls back brilliantly and kept the ball moving wide.

Second half was more even of the back of a double change at HT from Mellon, but we still created the two clearest chances - Rhead off the line and O'Hara late on. Tranmere's two decent chances - wide at the far post early in the second half and Norwood on his weak foot (did he slip as he shot?), were as a result of us playing a silly ball into midfield from CB.

I'm not entirely sure what Mellon was trying to achieve this afternoon. They weren't overly defensive, but by the same token didn't go for it either. They seemed to be caught halfway and a as a result didn't really perform. With Tranmere already basically in the PO's before the game, I thought he'd gamble a bit more, especially with Mansfield and MK dropping points early into the afternoon. That said, Norwood still has that aura about him where he'll just get in somewhere because of how good his movement is.

Norwood will be a big miss for Tranmere next season if he doesn't stay. I know that's stating the obvious given that he's their top scorer but every time a Tranmere player got the ball, it was 'hit Norwood' and everything revolves around him. It doesn't matter at the minute, but they looked far too reliant on him on that performance.

Great atmosphere, though. Makes a huge difference with an away end full of people who want to help create one. If felt like a proper game between two proper sides, backed by two sets of supporters willing their sides on.

I thought it was a very similar game to the match at Prenton Park earlier in the season. You had been in control in the first half, without creating too much, but our switch to a five man midfield pretty much nullified you after half time. I don't think Mellon was being negative in the first period: we went with two strikers, but we were overrun in midfield as a result and forced on to the back foot.

A draw was a fair result over all, but I was disappointed we did not win it with the chances Norwood had in the second half. He hit everything straight at the keeper today, similar to our game at Bury earlier in the season.

You also have to bear in mind that we are missing our two best midfielders at the moment (Perkins and McCullough). We are not normally quite as reliant on Norwood as it might have seemed today. I thought it was a good performance from us, considering how many players we have got missing, and in the second half some of the link play between Harris, Jennings and Norwood was actually really good.

I was most impressed with Akinde, who was a real handful, and the two wide men for Lincoln. I liked the way the wingers hugged the touchline to really stretch the play, and some of the deliveries from Rowe were superb, but well defended by our back four.

 

[Mark kavanagh]

Makes you realise the depth we've had since January, which has in part got us over the line. Bolger for Shackell, O'Connor for Pett and Rowe for Anderson aren't too shabby a changes to make, and then to bring McCartan on as well. No surprise Rhead started because if we haven't won for a couple of games he usually comes back in, generally helps Akinde out and helps us pin teams in.

I thought there was a massive gulf between the teams for the first 45 minutes. Tranmere didn't get anywhere near us and whilst we didn't pepper their goal, O'Connor's got to score his one-on-one early doors and both Rowe and Andrade were half a yard from getting in between the CB's and FB's. Tranmere were hitting everything long and the majority of the time it was over hit and going straight through. We were pressing and winning the balls back brilliantly and kept the ball moving wide.

Second half was more even of the back of a double change at HT from Mellon, but we still created the two clearest chances - Rhead off the line and O'Hara late on. Tranmere's two decent chances - wide at the far post early in the second half and Norwood on his weak foot (did he slip as he shot?), were as a result of us playing a silly ball into midfield from CB.

I'm not entirely sure what Mellon was trying to achieve this afternoon. They weren't overly defensive, but by the same token didn't go for it either. They seemed to be caught halfway and a as a result didn't really perform. With Tranmere already basically in the PO's before the game, I thought he'd gamble a bit more, especially with Mansfield and MK dropping points early into the afternoon. That said, Norwood still has that aura about him where he'll just get in somewhere because of how good his movement is.

Norwood will be a big miss for Tranmere next season if he doesn't stay. I know that's stating the obvious given that he's their top scorer but every time a Tranmere player got the ball, it was 'hit Norwood' and everything revolves around him. It doesn't matter at the minute, but they looked far too reliant on him on that performance.

Great atmosphere, though. Makes a huge difference with an away end full of people who want to help create one. If felt like a proper game between two proper sides, backed by two sets of supporters willing their sides on.

Just a quick one on norwood going, hes come on leaps and bounds under mellon as did cookie whose ability was always there however mellon working on his touch and workrate got him a move to league 1 and based upon what norwood has done this season and my opinion cook is the better player he will score a hatful down here if walsall come down... or we get him back. Cole stockton had an amazing half season under mellon too . This gives me confidence that whoever we get mellon will coach them and get something out of him .

 

[birkenhead tranny]

sounds like a game of two halves . similar to earlier in the season at prenton park , happy with a point maybe we could have done a forest green and stolen it ! , on to buuury now another crucial game for both teams , will we have 11 fit players ? , bring back steeeeeve ! swa swa

 

[Luke Imp]

Can't you add something more substantial to the big stand that straddles the halfway line one side of the pitch? Knock down the small bit next to it and fill the other gap to the Stacey West? I'm guessing this is easier said than done, or you'd already be looking into it, doesn't seem to be much more scope to develop the ground apart from there.

Access issues mean we're pretty penned in unfortunately. They managed to add a few seats last season and they're adding a few more (200 or so apparently) in the summer.

The smaller stand you refer to houses the manager/footballing staff offices, media suites, stadium gym and home dressing room I think.

I thought it was a very similar game to the match at Prenton Park earlier in the season. You had been in control in the first half, without creating too much, but our switch to a five man midfield pretty much nullified you after half time. I don't think Mellon was being negative in the first period: we went with two strikers, but we were overrun in midfield as a result and forced on to the back foot.

A draw was a fair result over all, but I was disappointed we did not win it with the chances Norwood had in the second half. He hit everything straight at the keeper today, similar to our game at Bury earlier in the season.

You also have to bear in mind that we are missing our two best midfielders at the moment (Perkins and McCullough). We are not normally quite as reliant on Norwood as it might have seemed today. I thought it was a good performance from us, considering how many players we have got missing, and in the second half some of the link play between Harris, Jennings and Norwood was actually really good.

I was most impressed with Akinde, who was a real handful, and the two wide men for Lincoln. I liked the way the wingers hugged the touchline to really stretch the play, and some of the deliveries from Rowe were superb, but well defended by our back four.

It was one of Akinde's better performances (in a two), although he obviously looked much more comfortable with a striker partner who does a bit more of the dirty work for him. That allows him to face the goal a bit more rather than back to goal and holding things up, which isn't necessarily his strength.

Rowe usually plays in the '10' for us (Anderson, who came on, picked up a knock at Carlisle hence why he was playing there) but he's one of those players who seems completely at ease anywhere across that supporting three. I think Ipswich will probably have a look at him in L1 next season unfortunately.

Just a quick one on norwood going, hes come on leaps and bounds under mellon as did cookie whose ability was always there however mellon working on his touch and workrate got him a move to league 1 and based upon what norwood has done this season and my opinion cook is the better player he will score a hatful down here if walsall come down... or we get him back. Cole stockton had an amazing half season under mellon too . This gives me confidence that whoever we get mellon will coach them and get something out of him .

Yeah, he was a decent players in the NL and caused us problems when he was at FGR, although he was played wider in a front three I think. His goal record from that position suggested he would probably do a little better centrally as well and improve.

 

[Luke Imp]

Oh, and I've not seen a replay yet, and I might be calling this completely wrong, but how on earth was that not a handball by the Tranmere player in the second half? His hand looked above his head when he blocked the cross, much like one we didn't get against Northampton.

 

[Reginald Fodstain]

Oh, and I've not seen a replay yet, and I might be calling this completely wrong, but how on earth was that not a handball by the Tranmere player in the second half? His hand looked above his head when he blocked the cross, much like one we didn't get against Northampton.

I thought at the time it was a clear hand ball, and that's from the other end of the pitch. We've been given one penalty all season though, so sympathy is limited somewhat.

 

[Imp in Branston]

Oh, and I've not seen a replay yet, and I might be calling this completely wrong, but how on earth was that not a handball by the Tranmere player in the second half? His hand looked above his head when he blocked the cross, much like one we didn't get against Northampton.

I also saw a video clip this morning of an incident where Rhead gets in front of the Tranmere defender and gets his shirt pulled, blatantly bringing him to the ground. I think that was the one where everyone was seething because the ref even gave the free kick the other way!

 

[Plumbob]

Oh, and I've not seen a replay yet, and I might be calling this completely wrong, but how on earth was that not a handball by the Tranmere player in the second half? His hand looked above his head when he blocked the cross, much like one we didn't get against Northampton.

Said the same as it happened, clear as day. To be fair to the ref, he did acknowledge that it had been handled. But, he seemed to indicate that it was some sort of self-protection in front of his face.

 

[Davidimp]

Don't think Backhouse has ever given a penalty either in the NL or EFL.
Just seen the youtube highlights back and yes it looks a penalty, similar to the Northampton one late on that wasn't given either.
O well we'll have VAR in league one wont we? LOL!!!

 

[Tranmerewhite]

I also saw a video clip this morning of an incident where Rhead gets in front of the Tranmere defender and gets his shirt pulled, blatantly bringing him to the ground. I think that was the one where everyone was seething because the ref even gave the free kick the other way!

Rhead was pulling our left back the entire game and diving all over the shop. The ref got wise to it after about 25mins.

Probably the best ref I’ve seen this season overall.

 

[Davidimp]

Rhead was pulling our left back the entire game and diving all over the shop. The ref got wise to it after about 25mins.

Probably the best ref I’ve seen this season overall.

Backhouse has reffed us for a while, don't think he's given a penalty on Rheady.

 

[wangle]

Rhead was pulling our left back the entire game and diving all over the shop. The ref got wise to it after about 25mins.

Probably the best ref I’ve seen this season overall.

He was a very good ref. I couldn't really see the hand ball from my view but the reaction of. Our players suggested it was handball. The only slightly disappointing decision was not allowing a few seconds to continue when rhead scored. Not saying he would have scored had advantage been played, but he didn't give it a chance.

 

[Pablosammy]

Very good ref. Saw through any silly stuff, kept Rhead in check, and got almost all the decisions right while letting the game flow. I though the handball peno would have been harsh, he would've needed ninja reactions to dodge that one.

 

[StrangelyBrown]

Problem for any ref is how to deal with (all) teams gamesmanship- whether it is taking an extra 10 yards at a throw-in or free kick, time wasting or going down as if poleaxed with the slightest touch and then picking up on the genuine penalties amongst all the shenanigans.

You either deal with it all game or you let it go all game- we have too many refs who try to set the stall out early but then give up and just let the players almost do what they want in the game.

Backhouse tried but ultimately gave up trying to get free kicks and throw ins taken anywhere near where they should have been.

Missed a penalty (IMO) but wasn't the worst we have had by a long way.

 

[Imp in Branston]

On Banter, (the occasional time I go on there that is) there is a decent clip of the shirt pulling on Rhead, which is a nailed on penalty all day long. Problem is Rhead doesn't do himself any favours some time and I think this is why he doesn't get some decisions that are definitely fouls on him.

Wasn't the worst ref by any stretch and if we had taken the three very decent chances, it wouldn't have really mattered as much.

 

[Pablosammy]

On Banter, (the occasional time I go on there that is) there is a decent clip of the shirt pulling on Rhead, which is a nailed on penalty all day long. Problem is Rhead doesn't do himself any favours some time and I think this is why he doesn't get some decisions that are definitely fouls on him.

Wasn't the worst ref by any stretch and if we had taken the three very decent chances, it wouldn't have really mattered as much.

As you say, he doesn't do himself any favours and Monday's ref had already had multiple 'words' by the time that penalty shout came. At one point he literally threw Bakayogo to the ground, which the ref saw and pulled him to one side for yet another word, and it can only have swayed the ref's later decision making.

However, shirt pulling seems to be becoming a normalised occurence - a few of our players posted pictures after the FGR game with their shirts being stretched to their limits - and it needs to be penalised more.

 

[Reginald Fodstain]

As you say, he doesn't do himself any favours and Monday's ref had already had multiple 'words' by the time that penalty shout came. At one point he literally threw Bakayogo to the ground, which the ref saw and pulled him to one side for yet another word, and it can only have swayed the ref's later decision making.

However, shirt pulling seems to be becoming a normalised occurence - a few of our players posted pictures after the FGR game with their shirts being stretched to their limits - and it needs to be penalised more.

Spot on with the shirt pulling, but I remember premier league refs trying to clamp down on it a season or two ago by giving some very soft pens. They came under quite a lot of stick for it and they quickly seemed to give up and let the wrestling resume.

 

[Impish]

Best ref I've seen for a long long time. Let the game flow, when there was a coming together he often gave nothing either way which was great. Too many refs' knee jerk reaction when someone hits the deck is to give a free kick...CONTACT SPORT STILL!

Football's thoroughly enjoyable when a game ebbs and flows, well done Mr Backhouse.

 

[Luke Imp]

Yeah, he was a good ref.

Only minor gripe (penalty aside) was the Toffolo throw-in where it wasn't taken in the correct position (and only just!) but he clearly didn't hear the reft tell him to move back. And then Caprice takes it in the wrong position, too!

It was refreshing that a L2 ref was happy to allow players to get stuck in and be competitive.

 

[Imp in Branston]

Am all for a bit of contact and physicality, we just need consistency for both sides from the refs.

 

[Plumbob]

Yeah, he was a good ref.

Only minor gripe (penalty aside) was the Toffolo throw-in where it wasn't taken in the correct position (and only just!) but he clearly didn't hear the reft tell him to move back. And then Caprice takes it in the wrong position, too!

It was refreshing that a L2 ref was happy to allow players to get stuck in and be competitive.

Even then, to be fair to him, he did tell him twice! I don't mind that decision. But, this is one of those where you have to be consistent . I didn't see it happen again during the game, yet there were still plenty taking the piss.
Similarly, I think a throw that doesn't make it onto the pitch should be turned over, as should a goal kick that doesn't get out of the box!

 

[Luke Imp]

Even then, to be fair to him, he did tell him twice! I don't mind that decision. But, this is one of those where you have to be consistent . I didn't see it happen again during the game, yet there were still plenty taking the piss.
Similarly, I think a throw that doesn't make it onto the pitch should be turned over, as should a goal kick that doesn't get out of the box!

No issue with him telling Toffolo, I'm just saying that the ref was trying to grab his attention from too far away and with Toffolo right in front of the Co-op. He had no chance of hearing him and not once even looked at the ref.