Tranmere Rovers 3, Hudds Town 0

Feb 23 2005 By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

And fourthly, if they didn't know it already, that Town's youngsters have got bags of ability to compete if only they apply themselves for the full 90 minutes.

Last night, particularly, it was Michael Collins who caught the eye with some clever play on the right flank and a series of crosses to put the Tranmere defence under real pressure.

Adnan Ahmed, once again, and Jon Worthington eventually got to grips in the centre while battling Nathan Clarke (sporting a cracker of a black eye) mopped up nicely at the back as Town improved immensely from half time onwards.

A goal at any stage would have really upped the ante, but Danny Schofield and Worthington were denied by John Achterberg and Pawel Abbott saw his close-range header hacked from near the line.

Substitute Nat Brown, too, flashed a shot across the area as Town salvaged plenty of pride, while penalty appeals by both strikers went unheard by referee Pike, whose decision-making was poor all night.

While the second half performance offered genuine encouragement against a side who may well go up, Town must learn from the fact they were ripped apart in the first period.

Tranmere's pace and passing was too hot to handle as Town stood off them, giving too much respect, and Hume and Hall were especially dangerous.

A similarly slow start against Oldham on Saturday simply cannot be contemplated and, with two away trips to come after it, the cliche `must-win' springs to mind.

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