Kane Hemmings scored twice as Tranmere Rovers dispatched Swindon Town with ease to move four points clear of third place on an emotional evening at Prenton Park.
Paul Glatzel, on loan from Liverpool, was also on the scoresheet to round off a 3-0 victory.
Tranmere manager Micky Mellon said after: “Swindon are a really good side and we managed to make really good decisions.
“We scored goals at good times and I’m pleased.”
Both sets of fans paid tribute in the fifth minute to Tranmere fan Nate Gidman, who sadly lost his battle with medulloblastoma this week.
As the applause rang around the ground, Hemmings raced away and finished calmly after an error in the Swindon backline.
😇 Kane Hemmings grabbed his first Rovers goal at the same time as the entire ground stood to applause in the fifth minute for Nate…
The rest of the highlights ⬇️#TRFC #SWA
— Tranmere Rovers FC (@TranmereRovers) February 9, 2022
The January signing held up a shirt with ‘Nate 5’ on the back in celebration.
Mellon said: “That shows you what kind of club we are. We care about our supporters.”
Superb display delighted to get the goals but the game and the goals have to be dedicated to young Nate and his family @Gidsentinel to be able to score in the 5th minutes, some things are written 💙 rest easy young King 👑🕊 pic.twitter.com/wqbd4AVbCP
— Kane Hemmings (@kaneh10_) February 9, 2022
Swindon poor again
Swindon’s poor form continues after two wins from their last 11 leaves them in ninth-place after 29 matches.
The Wiltshire side had 64% possession but failed to create clear cut chances against a resolute Rovers, who now have 17 clean sheets from a possible 30 in League Two.
Striker Josh Davison had their best chance but his header fell tamely wide.
Chances for the Robins were limited by Tranmere, who remained resolute to pick up their 17th clean sheet from a possible 30 in League Two this term.
Swindon will nervously await news on the injury picked up by midfielder Jonny Williams.
Williams was substituted in the first-half after sustaining a groin injury.
Swindon head coach Ben Garner said: “We got punished for mistakes that we made and made it very difficult for ourselves.
“Lots to learn, lots to improve and a tough evening.”
Tranmere’s second half control
Both sides had penalty shouts waved away after the break as Davison went over in the area and Glatzel’s appeal for handball was waved away.
Tranmere’s dominance paid off when the Liverpool loanee doubled their lead after steering home from Josh Dacres-Cogley’s powerful cross.
Hemmings should have made it three after being put through on goal but his effort bounced off the post.
A foul on Tom Davies in the area saw Hemmings make up for his miss by coolly finishing into the bottom corner to ensure three goals and three points.
What it means for Rovers and Town
Tranmere’s lead over third place is now four points after Sutton United were held to a goalless draw at home to Salford.
League leaders Forest Green left it late to beat Rochdale to maintain their 10-point advantage at the top.
The next obstacle for Tranmere is a 3pm trip on Saturday to lowly Walsall, who sacked head coach Matt Taylor on Wednesday.
Swindon will host bottom-of-the-table Scunthorpe at the same time.
