Match report: Tranmere Rovers 0 - 2 Huddersfield Town

Feb 24 2010 by Dougie Thomson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Tranmere Rovers v Huddersfield Town

LETHAL Lee Novak delivered that most rare of commodities – a Town victory at Prenton Park.

The Geordie struck early in each half as Lee Clark’s side made it three wins from three games on the road and 10 unbeaten in the League I.

It was only the club’s fourth win in 22 visits to Tranmere, and their first at the venue since 1998-99.

And it provided the perfect launchpad for Saturday’s big home derby against Leeds.

The game only got the go-ahead following an afternoon inspection, with the pitch, which had been partially frozen, showing signs of wear.

Town were unchanged for the second game running as they aimed to build on wins at Carlisle and Hartlepool.

Tranmere were without Manchester City defender Shaleum Logan due to suspension, and had another loan player, Leicester’s Luke O’Neill, in at right-back.

The bitterly cold and snowy conditions were reflected by the use of an orange ball in the opening stages, but Town fans were soon warming their hands thanks to a seventh-minute goal.

Danny Drinkwater was the initial architect, nicking past Ian Goodison on the right and delivering an accurate low cross to the near post.

Jordan Rhodes shot first time, with keeper Luke Daniels doing well to parry for a corner.

When Gary Roberts delivered the flag kick with pace, Novak’s first header was cleared off the line and his follow-up pawed back out by Daniels, only for referee Andy Penn to rule it had crossed the line on the advice of an assistant.

It was a great start for Town, and they caused panic in the home penalty area in the 13th minute, when Anthony Pilkington’s low cross had Rovers at sixes and sevens.

All it needed was a touch from a Town player, but somehow the ball was hacked to safety.

Antony Kay, making his first return to Prenton Park after two seasons as a Tranmere player, tried his luck from 25 yards out in the 18th minute, but his shot fizzed over.

While Craig Curran and Ian Thomas-Moore both had early shots blocked, on-loan Watford striker Marvin Sordell was looking lively for Rovers, and his flick put Goodison into space in the 21st minute.

Alex Smithies spread himself well, however, and the Jamaican defender screwed his attempt over.

Town’s stopper then came racing out of his area to clear from Sordell on the half hour.