Chris Merrie spoke to the local press after Sunday’s disappointing New Year’s Day defeat to Crewe Alexandra.
Merrie spoke about the disappointment of Sunday’s defeat, his personal attributes and how Rovers need to find some consistency heading into the New Year.
“It is really disappointing – we’re all gutted in there. I think we had a lot of chances in the first half, and it was a bit of a sucker-punch. A lot of opportunities, but if we carry on playing like that and put away those chances then we win that game strongly and they don’t get near us.
“It’s a poor header from me and the lad has smashed it in for their goal. But we go a goal down and then we know their game plan, just to sit in and try and hold on for a win.
“The pitch wasn’t great but that isn’t an excuse. We tried to move the ball quickly and we did get into those crossing positions, but we didn’t put away our chances. We were close on a few occasions but couldn’t find that finishing touch.”
Merrie commented on his personal game, with the midfielder admitting that he needs to chip in more with the attacking play and to hopefully score goals for Tranmere.
“I think I need to contribute more and contribute in goals. I try and build play and push the play forwards, but I think I need to chip in more in front of goal and help the lads out.
“I think that it’s definitely my best position in central midfield. I’m enjoying it, especially playing alongside Lee (O’Connor) – we’ve built somewhat of a partnership. We’ve got chemistry – we’ve played a lot together now and know each other’s games.”
The defeat on New Year’s Day meant that Micky Mellon’s side have picked up six points out of a possible nine over the festive period, after wins over Doncaster Rovers and Barrow earlier this week.
“Coming into this game, you do take that. But coming here today, looking at the last few results, we should have won the game – and if we put away our chances then we do win the game.”
Over 1,300 Rovers fans packed the Mornflake Stadium on Sunday afternoon, a tremendous backing for a local festive derby.
“I think that’s more so why we are so gutted to not get a result, for the fans. They show us great support all day and don’t really get anything back for it from the lads on the pitch when we get beat.”
Tranmere’s season was described as two steps forward and one step back, after being just one win from the play-off places prior to today’s game but now drop 5 points from the top seven after the defeat.
“That’s the story of our season so far, but we must keep going and keep on believing. With the squad we’ve got, we know that if we perform like we did today then we will get points on the board.”
Games at Prenton Park approach now for the Whites, with home games against Sutton United and Walsall coming up on the Wirral peninsula over the next fortnight.
“If we move the ball quickly and play like we did today, then we’ll definitely put up a good fight against the teams who we are up against over the next few weeks. We’ll recover properly after 3 games in a short period of time and will be ready for Sutton next weekend.”