Tranmere Rovers made it four wins in a row in League Two with a 1-0 win against neighbours Crewe Alexandra in front of nearly 8,000 fans at Prenton Park.
Striker James Norwood scored his 26th goal of the season late in the second half to secure the win as Friday night football returned to Tranmere with a bang!
Manager Micky Mellon named the same team that claimed a 1-0 win at Exeter City last Saturday.
The league’s top goal scorer, James Norwood, had an early sight on the visiting goal after Connor Jennings harassed the defence into a mistake, but unfortunately the striker got his bearings wrong and miscued his strike.
Jonny Smith nipped in behind the Crewe defence to have Tranmere’s next chance in the 12th minute, after Norwood slipped the winger in, however, Smith’s effort was scuffed wide.
Tranmere were working hard, both in possession and without the ball, but in the 27th minute, a long ball from the left hand side caught out the TRFC defence, and Chris Porter was left alone at the back post, but Scott Davies quickly closed Crewe’s number seven down to make the save.
The first change of the game for Rovers came in just the 38th minute, as former Crewe man Zoumana Bakayogo was replaced by fellow full back, Adam Buxton.
Tranmere’s number two looked to make an impact straight away, striking a 30-yard effort on target, but keeper Ben Garratt made a comfortable save.
A quiet first half came to a close with the score still 0-0. Into the second half, Tranmere smashed the post in the first six minutes, as Davies long ball upfield landed to Norwood in the penalty box, on the turn, the striker hit a fierce low strike against the left stick.
The second Rovers change came in the 62nd minute, Ollie Banks introduced into the fray for winger Smith.
B&M February Player of the Month Connor Jennings linked up well with sub Buxton, collecting the defender’s pull back from the left, but hammered over the frame into the Essar Kop Stand.
Tranmere’s patience paid off and in the 72nd minute, Sky Bet League Two’ leading goal scorer Norwood scored his 26th of the campaign. The striker perfectly took down Davies’ pass from his own half, and by doing so, turning the Crewe and firing into the far corner.
Our third change came in the 76th minute, Harvey Gilmour coming on for Ben Pringle.
TRFC were finding openings as Crewe pushed forward but a world class save from captain Scott Davies preserved our lead. Doing what he does best, the keeper made himself big to cover the goal with Crewe’s Shaun Miller three yards out from goal, and pushed away to safety. Incredible.
The lads held out for the win as they collected their fifth win in six games and third consecutive 1-0 triumph. The next game is on Tuesday night at Prenton Park against Grimsby Town with tickets available via www.trfctickets.co.uk.
Tranmere: Davies, Caprice, Ellis, Monthe, Bakayogo (Buxton 38), Smith (Banks 62), Perkins, McCullough, Pringle (Gilmour 76), Jennings, Norwood.
Attendance: 7,898