League Two top scorer James Norwood praised for Tranmere brace in Exeter win
Posted Sunday, November 04, 2018 by PA
Tranmere assistant manager Mike Jackson heaped praise on James Norwood after his brace secured an impressive 2-0 victory over Exeter City at Prenton Park.
League Two’s leading marksman scored either side of half-time to take his tally for the season to 12 and allowed Rovers to leapfrog their opponents into fourth place.
City had Dean Moxey sent off with just over 15 minutes remaining after he picked up a second yellow card but by then Rovers were in full control and are building serious momentum.
Jackson said: “James Norwood was excellent today. He’s in that vein of form. He’s causing a lot of problems.
“Straight from the off he was into their centre-backs and I think they were worried about him before the game to be honest.
“Once he gets a head of steam up he’s really difficult to play against. His goals have been excellent for us, it’s been a big plus.”
Jackson added: “We knew it would be a tough game. Exeter are going well, they’ve got experienced players.
“We knew we’d have to be at it today, but all credit to the players, the way they’ve gone about their work after the disappointment of the Forest Green result, I think it’s sparked them again.
“Some of the football in the first half was excellent and then we’ve managed the game in the second half as well. They’ve done really well and there’s been some good football played out there today.”
Rovers led just past the half-hour mark when a cross from Jake Caprice was met by the head of Norwood and although James Hamon got a hand to it, he could not keep it out.
Tranmere were playing with swagger and when Larnell Cole unleashed a breathtaking half-volley 10 minutes into the second half, it hit the base of the post and bounced into the path of Norwood, who could not miss.
Moxey collected a second yellow card for handball and was dismissed 17 minutes from time but by then the game was done.
Exeter boss Matt Taylor said: “For large parts, when we had 11 men on the pitch, we were in that game. It was a good game of football with two good sides, but we can’t concede goals like we did.
“You come in at half-time and you give your team a plan and then you go out and concede a goal like that – it’s a kick in the teeth.
“And then the sending off just compounds that. We’ve got to be better than we have been the last couple of weeks.
“We’re a bit light on numbers at the moment but we’re not going to be making any excuses in terms of that.
“For large parts our performance was OK today but the basic mistakes we are making at the moment are costing us.”
- Tag:
Photos
More»
Ex-Barcelona WAG strips completely naked
Thursday April 18 2024
[PICTURE SPECIAL] Real Madrid end City's UCL dream
Thursday April 18 2024
Glam British athlete Lauryn Davey shows off bum
Wednesday April 17 2024
Your Say