Mellon hails Tranmere for having ‘wee bit of quality’ against Port Vale

Posted Sunday, August 26, 2018 by PA

Micky Mellon felt his Tranmere side had a little bit extra quality after grinding out a 1-0 victory over Port Vale at Prenton Park.

With the game seemingly heading for a goalless draw, James Norwood scored his fifth goal of the season to clinch all three points for Rovers and move them up to 10th in League Two.

Mellon said: “I thought it was well earned. All credit to Port Vale, at times in their 18-yard box they defended for their lives with some great blocks and headers.

“But we knew that if we just kept going we had that wee bit of quality and if we could get a break then we could get a winner.

“Then we had a couple more chances at the end but every credit to the back four boys, everything was launched right on them. They’re a big side at the top end of the pitch.

“We kept battling away. (Steve) McNulty and (Mark) Ellis were magnificent. It showed that every game asks you a different question and when it does, we’ve got boys who can stand up and be counted.

“I think we’ve had three games now in seven days. That’s going to take it’s toll and that’s when you’ve got to be able to call on the boys in the group to come on and carry things forward and the subs can certainly be pleased with the impact that they made.”

The match was low on goal-scoring opportunities with first-half efforts from Ollie Banks and Connor Jennings before Leon Legge headed one over for Vale after the break.

But with 13 minutes remaining, a shot across goal from Banks was met on the slide by Norwood who poked the ball home at the second attempt, condemning Vale to 15 away matches without a win.

The Valiants saw two late penalty appeals turned down leaving boss Neil Aspin fuming.

He said: “I’m very disappointed because we’ve had two penalties given against us this season.

“One, we’ve had an apology to say it wasn’t a penalty, the other against Carlisle was harsh and now we should’ve had one today.

“It’s very disappointing. We just don’t seem to get any decisions in our favour.

“I’m just getting sick of it because it’s time and time again we don’t seem to get enough decisions. It sounds like I’m bleating but it’s frustrating.

“Of course it’s concerning that we haven’t won an away game since December. It has to change but we’re all aware of it.

“We need to make more chances when we play away from home. But I don’t think you can fault the players’ effort. Whether we’re good enough or not is another question.”