Tranmere Rovers drew 1-1 with Colchester United on Easter Monday at Prenton Park.
Three changes to Nigel Adkins’ XI from Friday’s game saw Jordan Turnbull, James Norris and Reece McAlear start in place of Joe Yarney, Dan Pike and Harvey Saunders.
Tranmere started on the front foot, and went ahead seven minutes in when Rob Apter charged down the right before sending in a cross for Kieron Morris, who nodded home in front of the Kop.
Colchester equalised just seconds later though, Alistair Smith with a sweet strike to put us back on level terms.
Rovers looked to respond just as quickly, Morris and McAlear going close with volleys in the following moments, but couldn’t quite forge back in front.
Colchester captain Connor Hall was forced to clear off his line when Morris headed at goal from an Apter cross shortly after.
After a lively beginning, the game calmed as the first half progressed, both sides looking to break each other down. Apter and Connor Jennings both put shots narrowly wide of the same post on the half-hour mark.
Two minutes later, Apter beat his man again down the right and sent a threatening low ball across goal, but the Colchester defence stepped in before a Rovers foot could get to it.
Regan Hendry went close next as Rovers continued to dominate, the midfielder setting himself after a clearance fell perfectly in his path but volleying just over.
Just before the break, Colchester had a second sight of goal but a stunning double-save from Luke McGee ensured it was 1-1 at the break despite Rovers’ dominance.
Five minutes after the restart, two former Rovers under-9s teammates combined as James Norris spotted the run of Apter in behind, but Owen Goodman just about got there first.
Morris went incredibly close to a second goal on 67 minutes with a fierce strike, but Goodman found a way to make an excellent save.
Harvey Saunders came off the bench in the second half and typically proved a menace with his pace, also going close with a header from a corner, but it was just wide.
Late on, substitute Josh Hawkes went close with an effort which was deflected into the side netting before Tom Davies headed narrowly over the bar from the resulting corner.
Despite a late push from the visitors, it ended a point apiece.
Tranmere Rovers: Luke McGee, Lee O'Connor, Tom Davies (C), Jordan Turnbull, James Norris, Rob Apter (Josh Hawkes, 73), Reece McAlear, Regan Hendry, Kieron Morris (Sam Taylor, 90+7), Luke Norris (Harvey Saunders, 63), Connor Jennings.
Unused subs: Conor Robson, Kristian Dennis, Chris Merrie, Jean Belehouan.
Colchester United: Owen Goodman, Ellis Iandolo, Connor Hall (C), Cameron McGeehan (Conor Wilkinson, 83), Tom Hopper (John Akinde, 83), Arthur Read, Harry Anderson, Jay Mingi (Fiacre Kelleher, 88), Alistair Smith, Jayden Fevrier (Tom Dallison, 59), Bradley Ihionvien (Noah Chilvers, 46).
Unused subs: Sam Hornby, Matt Jay, Samson Tovide.
Attendance: 5,793 (167 away).
