Mellon’s men Cook up a fine Cup replay

GRANT McCann couldn’t hide his frustration after Peterborough United were forced into a replay by non-league Tranmere Rovers in the FA Cup first round.

Off-colour Posh took the lead through Jack Marriott early in the second half but they were pegged back when substitute Andy Cook nodded home 18 minutes from time to take the tie back to Prenton Park.

It was no less than National League outfit Tranmere deserved after they matched their Football League hosts all over the park, making light of their two division inferiority.

United manager McCann said: “It was a disappointing result really, especially on the back of last week’s performance.

“I think we just lacked a lot of quality. It’s surprising I’m saying this with the people we have on the pitch. We lacked any sort of menace around the box or link-up play. We almost played as individuals, especially in the final third, and it’s cost us.

“Take nothing away from Tranmere. I thought they played well. We didn’t. Too many players were well below-par. It cost us.”

Buoyed by a solid start, Rovers threatened early on and James Norwood was only denied by the feet of Posh keeper Conor O’Malley.

United came out for the second half with renewed vigour and should have taken the lead on 47 minutes when Gwion Edwards volleyed Marcus Maddison’s free-kick over the bar from six yards out.

Scott Davies could take no chances five minutes later when he flicked a teasing ball from Maddison around the post but from the subsequent corner, Peterborough took the lead when Rovers failed to clear the danger and Marriott pounced on the turn for his 11th goal of what is proving a very fine season.

Tranmere responded brilliantly to falling behind and their endeavour was rewarded 18 minutes from time when a cross from Jeff Hughes was headed downwards by Cook, with the ball squeezing past O’Malley for the equaliser.

Satisfied Rovers manager Micky Mellon said: “We wanted to ensure that Tranmere Rovers were represented properly and I think from the first minute to the last, the boys did that.

“We showed the qualities that were needed and unfortunately we just couldn’t get that winner at the end.

“It was nip and tuck for most of the game and probably anyone could have won it.

“Credit to all the players for the way they attacked the game and made it a proper FA Cup tie.”