Tranmere Rovers 3-1 Halifax Town - Match Report

Goals from Sam Turner, Eric Byrne and Charlie Glennon secured Tranmere Rovers a place in the next stage of the FA Youth Cup, defeating a spirited FC Halifax Town 3-1 at Prenton Park.

Tranmere started the tie as the better side, having the ball in plenty in their final third however, the only sight of goal came in the form of a goal unfortunately called back for offside. Sam Taylor latched onto a long ball over the top of the Halifax defence and lobbed the onrushing Charlie English, but the offside flag was up within a flash to cut short the premature celebrations.

The visitors from Yorkshire had a brief spell of attacking threat, with plenty of crosses blocked and thwarted however, a goal nearly came from Mthabisi Chinembiri zipped effort flashed past the post and a dangerous free-kick whipped in was the first time Raq Khalid was called into action.

Tranmere went back to their attacking prowess and in particular, Turner, who this time made amends for his offside strike by netting the first. Charlie English was left stranded and a calm finish by Turner was the icing on the cake from a great move.

Chinembrini was almost on hand to secure a perfect Halifax response however, a shot by himself flew wide of the post.

HT: Tranmere Rovers 1-0 Halifax Town

Taylor threatened Halifax’s abode straight from kick-off and one swerving shot and a flick-on from a corner gave English a scare before Halifax gained confidence in the tie. Threatening shots came and went before Duarte Furtado’s efforts forces Khalid into a brave stop. Tranmere’s resistance never lasted long as Mthabisi Chinembiri close ranged effort was squirmed home, bringing the game.

Both Flight brothers, Jack and James coming from Bootle, had notable efforts that caused English problems. James’ free-kick stung the Halifax shot-stoppers palms with Jack’s stretching volley sailed high over the bar. Tranmere had other chances in plenty to nick the game in normal time. Sam Turner looked a constant threat and only for a great last-ditched tackle by Alfie Gibbon, he would have had his and Rovers’ second.

Khalid was kept on his toes with a string of efforts by Halifax being cut off sharply by the Tranmere shot-stopper before extra-time was required.

FT: Tranmere Rovers 1-1 Halifax Town

Tranmere took control in extra time and within the first half of it, they netted two to make the score line 3-1. Eric Byrne done well to gather the ball before rocketing in an effort from the perimeter of the area to put them back in front before Glennon placed home to give the hosts comfort following the first goal-scorer Turner turning provider.

Taylor continued to cause havoc and forced English into a great save to deny a second for him and Rovers’ fourth and from there, the hosts saw the game out - putting themselves in the hat for the second round.

AET: Tranmere Rovers 3-1 Halifax Town