SCUNTHORPE UNITED LONDON AND SOUTH EAST SUPPORTERS CLUB

Tranmere v Scunthorpe United

Friday, October 7, 2005

Football League One

Tranmere0 (0)Scunthorpe United2 (2)

Keogh 1, Sharp 39

Tranmere :
Achterberg, Bruce, Jackson, Sharps, Goodison (Summerbee 54), Jennings, McAteer (Aiston 54), Rankine, Tremarco, Facey, Greenacre
Subs not used:
Wilson, Whitmore, Davies

Scunthorpe United :
Musselwhite, Byrne, Hinds, Butler, Williams, Till, Sparrow, Baraclough, Beagrie, Keogh, Sharp
Subs not used:
Ridley, Johnson, Taylor, Corden, Evans

SULSESC REPORT

by Jeff Hermens at Prenton Park

DON'T judge a book by its cover. Heard that saying a thousand times but never has it been more proven than by my trip to Tranmere.

I was to go it alone and catch the Supporters' Club's coach at the Baths. Going to the Honest Lawyer for a quick one before my walk up there, I asked if anyone has taken an away coach to a game. Landlord Al said he knew of no-one and could not give me any advice.

As I approach the Baths, there is one person waiting there. A gaunt looking crackhead. He sees my Scunny shirt and asks if I'm waiting for the Tranmere coach. I thought to myself 'this guy can't be a supporter'. But he is and we got into quite a nice conversation. Seems he has been to my part of the world and was even naming of suburbs of Portland he visited. This from a crackhead!

On the bus, there was an empty seat next to mine and the bus was filling up fast. On walks a deadringer for Charles Manson. Those piercing eyes. Thinking to myself, 'don't sit next to me', he sits next to me. I hope he doesn't pull a knife on me or, worse yet, talk me into joining his commune. As we get going he starts a conversation and again I am surprised.

Along the way, he points out landmarks and points of interest. Quite a nice guy.

As we arrive in Tranmere after a long trip, we all can see the impessive stadium. How can we compete against this? Off the coach and a look around. I was trying to be coaxed into coming to the home side stand by a steward. She really was confused by my accent and the fact I was wearing Musselwhite's jersey. She finally let me go to the away end, where I met up with Mr. and Mrs. Holland.

The game itself was fantastic. Keogh scored within 30 seconds. It was a nice dummy by Sharp that set Keogh to smash a shot to the left hand corner.

The second goal was Sharp at his best. Hinds headed a ball from the far post to the middle of the area where Sharp fired it home.

The rest of the game was mostly Scunthorpe and a deserved win. Keogh should have had his second but was called for a close offside. His finish was excellent though. And I must say he was my Man of the Match. Ran all over the field and his motor never quit. Quite a good display.

The way back to Scunny was much the same, but I did get to experience my first Welcome Break'. Wish we had the same here in the US.

And I must ask one question that I wish someone could answer. On our way back, Jerry 'Scunny Bunny' came round for donations. And I could swear he said it was for his effort on the trip. Does Jerry really have a cottage business by going the away games?

Like everyone else, I donated to the cause. And, by the way, I seem to be the only one who can understand him. The teenagers in the back were asking me to interpret for them. Scary, huh?

Great win and one much needed. I must say Tranmere really didn't look good. I guess I was looking for more from them.

So what looked like a drug induced knifing and a 3-0 loss turned out pretty well.