Tranmere Rovers fell to a 4-3 defeat in a thrilling encounter with Salford City at Prenton Park.

The hosts led twice in the first half, heading into the break with the lead as Connor Jennings and Kristian Dennis netted either side of a Mathieu Smith strike. 

However Callum Hendry stole the spotlight in the second half, scoring a hat-trick in front of a jubilant away end to secure the points. 

There was a late consolation for Charlie Jolley, the young striker’s first goal since returning from an injury that kept him out for the entirety of last season. 

Ian Dawes picked the same side that started Tuesday night’s 3-0 win over Harrogate Town, and they began with the same intensity. Lee O’Connor picked out Jennings with a perfect cross, who made no mistake with a header from close-range to give Rovers the lead.  

Kieron Morris launched a vicious effort towards goal which was blocked behind. Tom Davies then headed agonisingly wide from a Regan Hendry cross as the first period reached its halfway point. 

The visitors levelled proceedings with just over 10 minutes to go until half-time. Luke Bolton broke down the right and crossed for Smith who side-footed his shot across Luke McGee and in. 

Parity didn’t last long though, and the hosts led again as Dennis netted his first goal for the Club. Jake Leake’s long throw in was flicked on by Luke Norris into the path of the Rovers 14, who swiveled towards goal and fired past Alex Cairns. 

Norris was subsequently forced off after taking a knock towards the end of the half, Paul Lewis taking his place as play resumed. 

The action didn’t slow down after the interval, and the Ammies were level again as C. Hendry ran through and placed his shot beyond McGee. 

The Tranmere stopper was equal to Conor McAleny’s effort a few minutes later as the visitors looked for a third. Stoppages in play involving Lewis and Curtis Tilt prevented both sides from sustaining momentum. 

Hendry then gave Salford the lead on 68 minutes, cutting into the box from the right and calmly slotting home.

Dennis went close immediately from kick-off. Jolley headed a teasing ball in his direction, which was promptly hit but stopped by Cairns. 

Morris fired a shot into the arms of the visiting goalkeeper after twisting and turning inside the box. 10 minutes remained as Matthew Lund clipped the outside of the post as he ran through one-on-one for the Ammies. 

Josh Hawkes then curled a beautiful delivery into the penalty area for an unmarked Dennis to hit first-time, but his volley was gratefully received by Cairns. 

Hendry completed his hat-trick with a few minutes of regulation time remaining, all three strikes coming in the second half, before Jolley scored his first goal since returning from a season-long injury, forcing the ball home in a goalmouth scramble.

Dennis was millimetres away from levelling the scores as twelve minutes were added, sliding in but just missing the ball after Jennings launched a brilliant delivery into the box. 

However, all late efforts were to no avail and Rovers were beaten in a seven-goal thriller at home. 

TRANMERE ROVERS: McGee, Leake (Hawkes 76’), Davies, Turnbull, O’Connor (Yarney 46’), R. Hendry, Morris, Jennings, Taylor (Jolley 56’), Norris (Lewis 46’), Dennis 

SUBS NOT USED: Murphy, Walker, Merrie 

SALFORD CITY: Cairns, Lund, C. Hendry (McLennan 90+6’), Mallan, Tilt, Smith, McAleny (Watson 75’), Bolton, Garbutt, Shepherd (Mariappa 90+6’), Vassell 

SUBS NOT USED: Wright, Bailey, Berkoe, Dackers