Match Preview: Exeter City

17 April 2022

It’s the second game of the Easter double header as we’re back on home soil with Exeter City the visitors to Prenton Park on Monday afternoon.

After claiming a late point against Bradford City last time out, Micky Mellon’s side look to make it four games unbeaten in Sky Bet League Two as we chase the current teams occupying the play-off positions.

But Exeter make the long journey up north in brilliant form having seen a late surge in positive results land them in the automatic promotion places heading into their last five games of the season.

With Rovers sitting a point outside the play-off spots, every game holds an invaluable three points with the end of the season fast approaching.

Team News:

Micky Mellon should have the same group of players available from Friday's game against Bradford.

One to Watch: Timothee Dieng

The midfielder has proved to be an impressive bit of business for the Devon side having previously suffered two consecutive relegations whilst playing for Southend United.

Having started his career in France, he moved over to England in 2014 when he signed for Oldham Athletic in a stint that lasted two seasons. He then moved over to Yorkshire where he spent two years at Bradford City.

In 2018, Dieng joined Southend and was made club captain. But the spell wasn’t as successful as the Senegal-man would’ve hoped for as they suffered two relegations and were left in the National League.

But last summer, Dieng joined Exeter on a one-year deal and has proved a hit down at St. James Park.

He’s the current top scorer this season and despite playing midfield for the majority of his spell, he’s been in fine form as of late, scoring three in his last six games and making it 12 goals this season.

Manager: Matt Taylor

After taking over from long-serving manager Paul Tisdale, Taylor saw his first season in charge finish with City finishing just outside the League Two play-off spots by a single point.

Taylor had made more than 150 appearances for the Grecians and was a popular appointment when the announcement was made back in 2018.

This year has been a successful one for Taylor and his side and they’re a couple of results away from securing automatic promotion to Sky Bet League One as they sit seven points above fourth-placed Northampton Town and could even challenge for the league title as they trail Forest Green Rovers by two points.

Match Coverage:

Both UK and International supporters can watch this game live on iFollow for just £10! Click here to get your match pass

You can follow the action through our social media channels below, with full text coverage during the fixture, followed by a match report.
Twitter: @tranmererovers
Facebook: @trfcofficial
Instagram: @tranmererovers

Match reaction from Micky Mellon and a player will follow on our website and YouTube channel.

Match Previews

Match Reports

Stevenage 2-0 Tranmere Rovers

23 April 2022

Tranmere Rovers suffered another defeat on the road on Saturday afternoon as Stevenage came out 2-0 winners.

A goal either side of the interval for the hosts was enough to comfortably see off Rovers.

It was a cagey opening 15 minutes with the only pressure from either side coming from set pieces or long throws.

Stevenage opened the scoring on the 21st minute. Josh Hawkes was judged to have handled a cross from the right and Luke Norris buried the resulting corner into the bottom right corner past Ross Doohan.

Very few clear cut chances followed in the remaining minutes of the half, however the home side continued to keep Rovers mainly in their own half.

Tranmere started the second half brighter and put a few testing crosses into the Stevenage box to no avail.

A mix up between Ross Doohan and Josh Dacres-Cogley following a through ball nearly led to the home side doubling their lead however Clarke was there to pick up the pieces and clear.

Shortly after, the hosts did grab a second. No Tranmere player closed down Coker as he crossed from the left and Luke Norris leapt highest at the back post to divert his header into the top corner.

Tranmere had a glorious chance with 15 minutes left to halve the deficit. Maynard turned well in the box but lost his footing with a free shot at goal from 10 yards out before Hemmings blazed over the bar.

Rovers first tested Pym in the Stevenage goal in added time as Sam Foley’s volley was well tipped over the bar.

A bitterly disappointing result and performance leaves Rovers in 8th place whilst Stevenage secure their safety in League Two.

Tranmere team: Doohan, Dacres-Cogley, Clarke, Foley, Merrie, Hawkes (Spearing 45’), Warrington, O’Connor (Maynard 73’, McManaman, Nevitt, Hemmings