Micky Mellon hails Tranmere reaction in five-star Crawley win

Posted Sunday, October 28, 2018 by PA

Tranmere boss Micky Mellon praised the reaction of his players after they responded to the midweek loss at Forest Green by thrashing Crawley 5-1 at Prenton Park.

Connor Jennings gave Rovers a 25-minute lead before James Norwood notched his ninth and 10th goals of the season either side of half-time.

An Adam Buxton penalty and a thunderbolt from Paul Mullin took the tally to five before the visitors pulled back a consolation through Olly Palmer.

Mellon said: “The boys have done fantastic, especially after Tuesday night. To bounce back and get a result the way that we did, we’ve got to say ‘well done’ to them.

“Crawley are not at the right end of the table for any other reason than they are a decent side. We were clinical at times and took the chances when they came.

“We’re disappointed that we didn’t keep a clean sheet and I really mean that. But we’re happy to get the three points and get a load of people on the scoresheet.

“The most important thing was to get a result after Tuesday. We were very disappointed and took our medicine. We really worked hard Thursday and Friday to try and make sure we got back on track today.

“I think Larnell Cole is a fantastic talent. I had no hesitation in giving him a shot. He’s a real talent and it’s no real surprise to me that he’s played that way when the opportunity has come.”

Crawley manager Gabriele Cioffi said: “We are a squad who cannot afford to have two or three players underperforming. We are a squad who cannot afford to not stick to the plan.

“We were really light in a couple of situations so we suffer two goals from corners.

“Basically, we didn’t play football. If you ask me is it fair, the result, maybe it’s too heavy, but yes, it’s fair.

“We respect everyone, but I think our squad is a strong squad. I trust my lads. This is a massive lesson because a big club like Tranmere – but with a humble mentality – show us that if you are not 110 per cent, that’s what can happen.

“They can score because they are stronger, but if they score because they are unmarked it is different. We became in average team.”