Match report: Tranmere 3 - 1 Huddersfield Town

Mar 16 2009 by Dougie Thomson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

RIP IT UP AND START AGAIN!

PLANNING for next season would appear to be Town’s remit after a defeat that realistically killed off any major hopes of a play-off slot.

Tranmere’s win put them nine points ahead of Town with both clubs having nine games left to play. It’s not a chasm but the manner in which Rovers went about claiming their three points suggested a distinct divide.

It would be easy enough to crack the old gag about Rovers being a side who are big but not clever, however the difference between the two teams was that – whatever Tranmere’s style – they were astute enough to know how to go about taking hold of the game and ensuring they came out on top.

It really was a case of who wanted to win badly enough and Town currently seem a side who really don’t have the desire to try and roll over the opposition in front of them.

There are just two many inconsistencies in Town’s form at the moment.

Faced by a footballing side at MK Dons on Tuesday, Town kept their shape, stuck to a progressive game-plan and produced arguably their best display since the defeat of arch rivals Leeds United.

Yet faced by a Tranmere side who are quite prepared to mix up some passing football with an aggressive up-and-at-them approach, and the same Town starting line-up looked ill at ease – appearing vulnerable in defence and at times impotent in attack.