Tranmere Rovers’ have parted ways with manager Micky Mellon following the 3-1 loss to Newport County at Prenton Park.

The club announced the sacking on Sunday after slipping to 14th place in League Two, making it four matches without a win.

Despite earning back-to-back promotions in his first stint in charge, the Scottish manager had won just six matches since mid-October.

Goals from Aaron Wildig, Charlie McNeill, and Calum Kavanagh cancelled out Regan Hendry’s injury time volley in a cagey mid-table clash.

Tranmere started brightly as midfielder Josh Hawkes hit a volley goalwards from outside the box in the third minute, which comfortably forced Joe Day’s first save of the match.

Eight minutes later, Ethan Bristow set up another opportunity for Hawkes, who had his attempt from outside the box deflected over the top for a corner.

The home side were the better team for the opening 25 minutes before Wildig struck a loose ball into the back of the net from the middle of the box, after rebounding off defender Jordan Turnball.

The pressure didn’t stop there as the visitors doubled their lead five minutes later through Manchester United loanee Charlie McNeill. The home side failed to clear an in swinging free-kick from the left side of the area where McNeill was waiting to hammer the ball into the goal, for the first time in his senior career.

Omar Bogle had the chance to put County three goals up ten minutes before the break, following an electric counter attack. McNeill played the ball to Bogle on the left side of the box who dragged the ball wide of the right post.

The first chance of the second half fell to Tranmere defender Tom Davies, who did well to steer Regan Hendry’s free kick cross on target. The 30-year-old managed to volley the ball back across to the far corner, but it was comfortable enough for Day to collect it out of the air.

Harvey Saunders had his shot saved after it looked destined for the top corner, right on the middle mark of the second half.

But the game was soon put to bed by Calum Kavanagh in the 82nd minute after Wildog played the ball through to the substitute on the left side of the box. The 19-year-old opened up his body and bent the ball round the goalkeeper, securing the three points for the visitors. 

Turnball then found space for a free header in the 88th minute, but directed the ball over the crossbar from a corner cross.

Despite going home empty handed, Regan Hendry gave the home fans something to cheer about when he scored a consolation in injury time. Mickey Demetriou poorly cleared an in-swinging cross from the right channel, where Hendry tucked the bouncing ball home from the right side of the area, preventing Newport County getting a clean sheet.

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