A rainbow shines across Tranmere Rover’s stadium to coincide with Rover&Out LGBT supporter’s group

An inspired Tranmere Rovers ran riot during their emphatic home victory against league leaders, Stockport County, writes Dan Green at Prenton Park.

Amidst the chaos of Tranmere Rovers’ turbulent start to the season, the Whites succumbed to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Stockport County back in late October. It has by no means been plain sailing since then, however Rovers have slowly picked up momentum, and look set to avoid the drop comfortably should they continue their run of form.

Tranmere went into this home clash against league leaders Stockport with cautious optimism. A giant killing would be a terrific statement to the rest of the League that they are here to stay.

After a cagey cat and mouse start, it was Tranmere that struck first, on the half hour mark as skipper Tom Davies bundled the ball into the Stockport net after Brad Walker floated in a free kick from down by the corner flag. The Whites were good value for their lead.

As the two sides trudged in at half-time, soaked from the mist of rain descending, the unanimous opinion from around the ground indicated that Stockport have continued their poor form into this week, despite league standings. Nigel Adkins’ men simply showed more energy, endeavour, and enthusiasm than their opposition and the scoreline reflected that.

“More of the same please” was the attitude from the home fans as the second half got underway. However, the Stockport players must have received a dressing down at half-time.

The Hatters created multiple chances early in the second half, forcing a huge save from Luke McGee just three minutes after the restart. Stockport’s Connor Evans whipped the ball into half-time substitute Will Collar who was denied from point-blank range. Moments later, Odin Bailey, brother of Aston Villa star Leon, chopped and changed his way into the box before narrowly missing the bottom corner.

Try as they did, Stockport couldn’t find the back of the net, and their frailties from set-pieces reared its head once more. Somewhat against the run-of-play, Tranmere won a free kick which was lofted in by Walker from near the halfway line. Defensive chaos in the box saw the ball bobble between Tranmere captain and the defender and find its way through to Jordan Turnbull who finished coolly from close range.

Rovers fans couldn’t believe what they were seeing. In a season which could have spelt disastrous consequences, Adkins has turned the ship around and the Whites were sitting comfortably 2-0 up against the league leaders.

The momentum was palpable and with the roaring crowd spurring them on, Tranmere made it three! Once again Turnbull got on the scoresheet, this time rising high above his man to head home from Walkers corner.

The Whites were in dreamland, and this marked a season low for Stockport, who went into the fixture expecting a comfortable three points. Tranmere added a fourth in the 86th minute to put a rubber stamp on this superb display. Rob Apter killed the flight of the ball dead with a stunning touch, which then fell kindly forConnor Jennings who converted gracefully against his former club.

Celebrations erupted at the full-time whistle. This win takes the Whites up to 17th in the table, and if they can replicate this form, a mid-table finish looks certain for Tranmere.

TRANMERE ROVERS: Luke MCGEE, Lee O’CONNOR, Brad WALKER, Tom DAVIES©, Jordan TURNBULL, Kieron MORRIS, Regan HENDRY, Connor JENNINGS, Harvey SAUNDERS, Rob APTER, Connor WOOD

SUBS: Joe MURPHY, Josh HAWKES, Charlie JOLLEY, Kristian DENNIS, Joe YARNEY, Reece MCALEAR, James NORRIS

MANAGER: Nigel Adkins

STOCKPORT COUNTY: Ben HINCHLIFFE, Neill BYRNE, Antoni SARCEVIC, Nick POWELL, Ryan CROASDALE©, Ethan BRISTOW, Connor EVANS, Tanto OLAOFE, Rhys BENNETT, Odin BAILEY, Lewis CASS

SUBS: Jordan SMITH, Ibby TOURAY, Paddy MADDEN, Kyle WOOTTON, Myles HIPPOLYTE, Rico RICHARDS, Will COLLAR

MANAGER: Dave Challinor

ATTENDANCE: 7,882

REFEREE: Alex Chilowicz

ASSISTANT REFEREES: Bradley Hall & Ollie Williams

FOURT OFFICIAL: Alex Gray

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