Two penalties either side of half time from David Nugent and Danny Lloyd secured all three points for Tranmere Rovers against Exeter City in a hard fought 2-1 win at Prenton Park.
City’s goal came in the 20th minute courtesy of Joel Randall but it was the home side that were victorious.
Otis Khan and Lee O’Connor returned to the starting line-up for the game against the Grecians, whilst former TRFC man Jack Caprice was named on the bench for the visitors.
A great chance for Tranmere just before the 15 minute mark, as Liam Feeney picked out Kaiyne Woolery who was unmarked in the box, but his header was off target, a big opportunity for the hosts.
Rovers were awarded a penalty kick when Peter Clarke was fouled by Rory McArdle in the box after a Khan cross. Up stepped experienced front man, Nugent, who slotted home from the spot for his first goal for Tranmere.
Tranmere’s lead lasted less than two minutes, and in the 20th minute, as Randall raced through on goal to slot past Davies, but the goal scorer was injured when he scored and was replaced straight after.
Both teams were contesting to take control of the game, and George Ray was withdrawn after he bravely won a header at the back post to win a header, but he went over the advertising board and into the Cowsheds stands. Manny Monthe came on for his fellow centre back with 41 gone.
Tranmere made two changes before the hour mark, as Lloyd and Paul Lewis came on for goal scorer, Nugent, and Keiron Morris as Rovers looked for a goal to retake the lead.
Sub for Exeter, Jack Sparkes, had opportunity to test Davies with a free-kick from 30-yards, but it was over the frame.
Exeter had another opportunity soon after, as Ryan Bowman tried to lob Davies, but he put too much on the effort due to pressure from Monthe and Peter Clarke.
Tranmere were awarded a second penalty when Khan’s cross was handled by an Exeter defender. Sub Lloyd stepped up to send the goalkeeper the wrong way and TRFC were back ahead.
Lloyd had a second chance soon after, at a tight angle from a great long pass by Davies, he tried to catch the goalkeeper off guard, but it was well saved.
With 84 minutes played, Woolery was replaced by Liam Ridehalgh as Tranmere looked to see out the match and sustain their advantage at Prenton Park.
Tranmere Rovers held on firmly for the win to seal an important three points with eleven league games now remaining this season.
Davies, Khan, Clarke, Ray (Monthe 41), MacDonald, Spearing, O’Connor, Feeney, Woolery, Nugent (Lloyd 56), Morris (Lewis 56). Unused subs: Murphy, Ridehalgh, Kirby, Crawford.
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The match report is sponsored by MAIN.