Lowly Chichester ready for Tranmere trip

Posted Thursday, November 28, 2019 by PA

Tranmere host the lowest-ranked side left in the FA Cup, eighth-tier Chichester City, meaning manager Micky Mellon is unlikely to complain about his hefty absentee list.

Kane Wilson tops that group, serving the second in a three-game ban following his red card in the previous round.

Liam Ridehalgh (foot) and Calum Woods both failed to make the squad in last weekend’s defeat at Fleetwood but David Perkins (hamstring) did return from the bench.

Ishmael Miller, Evan Gumbs, Mark Ellis, Harvey Gilmour, Jordan Ponticelli and Ollie Banks have all been sidelined with injuries.

Chichester, ninth in the Isthmian South East Division, are dreaming of a place in third round with up to 1,000 fans expecting to follow the side to Prenton Park.

Manager Miles Rutherford appears to have a settled line-up, having made just one change in his last two starting teams.

Kaleem Haitham was the one alteration for last weekend’s 3-2 win at Phoenix Sports and made a compelling case to retain the shirt by scoring the opening goal.

Four of Chichester’s five league wins this season have been away from home, while captain Connor Cody has scored in each of his last two games.