Tranmere deserved late leveller, says Rovers boss Mellon

Posted Sunday, September 01, 2019 by PA

Tranmere manager Micky Mellon believes his side deserved the late point they salvaged in their 1-1 draw at Rotherham.

Stefan Payne’s strike, in the fifth minute of injury time, ensured the visitors’ late pressure paid off and they took home a point.

Academy graduate Ben Wiles had struck the opener earlier in the second half – his first career goal – but Rotherham could not hold on.

Mellon said: “I always try and be sporting and we thoroughly deserved a point. It didn’t really matter when it came.

“It was just important that we got just rewards from a really good performance from our boys.

“They did everything that we asked them to do. They left nothing on the pitch and kept fighting for the fantastic support that roared us on. I was delighted that we gave them something to cheer about at the end.

“I was really, really pleased with the performance. This has set a benchmark. We have shown that we are prepared to fight at the tempo that League One is asking of you.”

Mellon feels the point will give his side momentum following a slow start.

He added: “We were brave and wanted to try and get something and kick-start our season.

“We were able to do that. To come here against a fancied team and go toe-to-toe with them for long periods. With due respect to Rotherham, I think we had the better chances.”

Rotherham boss Paul Warne felt the ball went out of play ahead of the leveller.

He said: “It’s a bitter blow to take that late in the game. I thought the ball went out. It’s hugely disappointing. In my opinion it’s gone out. I haven’t got all the angles but it definitely looks out.

“If you’ve got a lead, they’ve got to come at you. That’s just football. I thought we stood the pressure quite well.

“It doesn’t detract from the fact that we were poor. We played a lot better in the second half. We just didn’t move the ball quick enough first half.

“For whatever reason we didn’t perform in the first half.

“Teams come here and are happy with a point. There was no flow to the game first half. We got frustrated and it reflected in our play and in the terraces.

“We got involved in the whole frustration thing. I think they made different decisions and they got more frustrated.

“We are going to have to get used to the slowing the game down tactic and fast.”