A sixth minute strike from Liam Feeney sealed a third win in a row for Tranmere Rovers with a 1-0 win at home to Newport County.
Tranmere made two changes from the win at Leyton Orient, with David Nugent coming in for the injured James Vaughan, and Keiron Morris replacing Danny Lloyd, the latter on the bench.
In the sixth minute, Tranmere won the ball from just inside the Newport half, as Nugent battled to nick possession from the left back, allowing Kaiyne Woolery to play a pass into Feeney to strike low in the far corner past Newport goalkeeper, Nick Townsend.
Newport’s first effort on goal was in the 18th minute when central midfielder Matty Dolan hit a half volley from the edge of the box which flew wide.
Minutes later, Peter Clarke made a vital block to deny Nicky Maynard a certain goal, coming across to make the crucial block. The pair came together again soon after with Maynard looking to cause problems, but Clarke won the ball back for TRFC.
Rovers won a free-kick on the edge of the penalty box as Morris was fouled by a yellow shirt just before taking a shot. Full back Calum MacDonald stepped up to take the free kick, forcing a strong save from the goalkeeper.
The first half finished with a crucial header by Lee O’Connor and a strong block by Jay Spearing, with Tranmere defending resolutely throughout the opening 45.
There were limited opportunities in the opening 20 minutes of the second half, with Woolery coming the closest, fizzing a strike wide of the post from just outside the penalty area.
Tranmere’s first change came in the 64th minute as Liam Ridehalgh replaced Nugent, as the striker completed his first hour since joining the Club on loan from Preston North End.
The hosts next opportunity came from a corner when George Ray, with his back to goal, attempted a back heel, but the goalkeeper was fully aware to make the stop.
The second Tranmere change came in the 89th minute as Lloyd switched places with Morris.
Tranmere: Davies, O’Connor, Clarke, Ray, MacDonald, Spearing, Lewis, Feeney, Woolery, Morris (Lloyd 89), Nugent (Ridehalgh 64). Unused subs: Murphy, Blackett-Taylor, Kirby, Crawford, Monthe
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