Rovers unbeaten run came to an abrupt end on Saturday afternoon as league leaders Forest Green put in a scintillating display to beat Micky Mellon’s side 4-0 in front of a bumper crowd at Prenton Park.
Rovers made a lively start to proceedings at Prenton Park and had the first opportunity of the game, a teasing delivery from Kieron Morris almost catching out Forest Green goalkeeper Luke McGee at his far post.
The visitors started to assert themselves shortly after, however, and took an early lead through Matt Stevens, the striker slotting past Ross Doohan in the Rovers goal to put the visitors ahead.
After the shaky start Rovers settled into the game with both sides exchanging opportunities. Charlie Jolley went close to striking an equaliser, his attempt going narrowly wide of the Forest Green goal. An encouraging sign for Micky Mellon’s side nonetheless.
Just before the half-time break, however, the visitors added their second of the afternoon through striker Jamille Matt. The Forest Green skipper coolly slotted past Ross Doohan in the Rovers goal to double the away side's advantage.
That would be the final piece of key action in the first half, a frustrating 45 minutes for Rovers who struggled to deal with Forest Green's threat on the counter-attack.
Forest Green continued to assert themselves from the restart and added their third through Jordan Moore-Taylor, the 28-year-old latching onto a loose ball before slotting past Ross Doohan in the Rovers goal. A fatal blow for Tranmere in the early moments of the second half.
Rovers continued to push for a route back into the game and had their first opportunity of the second half through Callum MacDonald, the full-back blasting a low-driven strike goal bound, which went narrowly wide.
Forest Green ended Rovers hopes of a comeback soon after, as they added a fourth just before the 70th minute, a venomous strike from Regan Hendry leaving Ross Doohan rooted to the spot. The side from Gloucestershire once again ruthless in front of goal.
Despite not being at their best Rovers continued to push for a consolation and came close to getting one in added time, a powerful attempt from Josh McPake producing an excellent save from Luke McGee.
Perhaps the highlight of the afternoon for Rovers came in stoppage time as Ross Doohan produced an excellent save to deny substitute Josh March from the penalty spot.
That would bring to an end a bitterly disappointing afternoon at Prenton Park for Micky Mellon’s side, as a special performance from Forest Green brought to an end Rovers unbeaten run, with the visitors extending their lead at the top of the league table.
Tranmere team: Doohan, Dacres-Cogley, Knight-Percival, Clarke, MacDonald, Morris, Spearing (Hawkes 58'), O'Connor, McPake, Hemmings, Jolley (Nevitt 46')