Tranmere Rovers 2 Carlisle United 1
Jan 4 2011 The Journal
CARLISLE boss Greg Abbott’s Bank Holiday plans were thrown into disarray ahead of kick off at Prenton Park as the impressive James Chester was ruled out of the reckoning.
The on-loan Manchester United youngster is the subject of continued interest from Hull City, who are offering a permanent move for the young defender.
But yesterday’s game will be remembered as much for the penalties missed as for the goals that were scored as three spot kicks went begging.
The Cumbrians controlled the opening half-hour with Tranmere struggling to deal with the movement and pace of the attacking play on show.
Former Tranmere striker Craig Curran had an early shot blocked by Labadie, and Gary Madine nodded just over from a deep Marshall cross as the wide man caused problems on the flanks.
A Matt Robson free-kick from 23-yards needed just a touch from any of the advancing red shirts but keeper Joe Collister gathered it on the line.
Carlisle should have taken the lead on 16 minutes when Tim Cathalina threw his hand into the air as a James Berrett corner dipped invitingly in the area.
The referee blew immediately for the penalty and defender Peter Murphy proceeded to blaze it over the bar.
Carlisle heads didn’t drop and a neat chest down from Craig Curran invited Ben Marshall to go for the first-time volley from the edge of the area only for it to just whistle over the bar.
And the visitors were made to rue their missed first half chances when they failed to clear a Cresswell corner shortly before the break. James Berrett took a heavy touch and defender Ian Goodison smashed in a rasping drive.
Joe Collister kept his side in front with an excellent one-handed save on 48 minutes. Matt Robson supplied the cross and Gary Madine the firm volley only for the keeper to complete his heroics.
