Tranmere Rovers suffered a disappointing defeat on the road this Saturday against Leyton Orient.
A first half own goal and a Paul Smyth strike 15 minutes from time was enough to see the hosts beat Rovers and stay top of the league.
It was tight in the opening exchanges at Brisbane Road with both sides enjoying the ball in spells. Kane Hemmings showed the first glimpse of attacking threat when he nutmegged Happe in the box and attempted to cut the ball back to McAlear but Orient cleared.
The home side had their first chance not long after. Moncur’s corner sat up nicely for Kelman just inside the box but Turnbull got his body in the way to block.
On the 20th minute, Rovers should have taken the lead. Patient build up play resulted in Dacres-Cogley getting into the box before cutting it back to Nevitt but his side footed effort went over the bar.
Ten minutes before the break, Orient edge in front in fortuitous circumstances. Hunt crossed from the right for Orient and Turnbull stretched to cut it out before seeing it trickle into the far corner past Doohan.
With the last attack of the half, Nevitt picked out Hawkes on the edge of the box but his first time powerful drive was blocked by James.
Rovers started the second half on the front foot. Nolan worked some space on the edge of the box and stung the palms of Vigouroux who spilt it into the six yard box but Happe was there before both Nevitt and Hawkes to clear.
Orient should have doubled their lead after the hour mark. Paul Smyth crossed onto the head of Charlie Kelman inside the box but he couldn’t guide the effort on target.
With Tranmere searching for an equaliser, Orient killed the game off. Smyth picked up the ball in acres of space just inside the box and arrowed a shot into the far corner past Doohan.
Orient managed the game well and kept Tranmere at arms length for the remaining five minutes, leaving Rovers empty handed on the road.
Tranmere team: Doohan, Dacres-Cogley, Byrne, Turnbull, Bristow, O’Connor, Nolan (Hughes 64’), McAlear (Lewis 64’), Hawkes (Simeu 68’), Nevitt (Burton 68’), Hemmings