Tranmere Rovers ran out 3-2 winners against Cheltenham Town at Prenton Park in what is likely to be one of the games of the season.
Two own goals from James Wilson and Joe Day and a cool strike from Joe Ironside rendered goals from Jordan Thomas and Josh Martin pointless as the three points remained firmly on the Wirral.
Rovers got off to a dream start, finding the net after just two minutes, courtesy of a Wilson own goal.
Jayden Joseph beat his man on the wing before delivering a dangerous low ball into the box which the Cheltenham skipper helplessly turned into his own net.
Rovers didn’t stop there as five minutes later Ironside capitalised on a short back pass from Sam Sherring, neatly dinking the ball over goalkeeper Day to double their lead.
However, the visitors announced themselves in the game in the 34th minute after Jason Lowe’s slip allowed Jake Bickerstaff to run through the defence. His pass deflected to Thomas who slotted calmly into an empty net to half the deficit.
The Robins carried on pushing as Thomas came close to grabbing his second of the game just before the break, showing great feet to create space in the Rovers box but could only fire his shot narrowly wide of the far post.
Despite some heavy pressure at the beginning of the second half, Andy Crosby’s side had chances to extend their lead again. Josh Davison initially found himself space in the box and forced a smart stop from veteran goalkeeper, Day.
Shortly after, fellow substitute Kristian Dennis was gifted the ball in the six-yard box but another fantastic save from Day kept the visitors in the game.
Josh Martin levelled in the 77th minute after the hosts failed to clear their lines on numerous occasions. The ball fell to the substitute on the edge of the box, making no mistake as he fired it through the legs of Joe Murphy.
The frantic pace of the game didn’t end there, as Davison had a huge chance to win it with only five minutes left. The substitute was slipped clean through on goal but sent his effort wide of the post under very little pressure.
However, his blushes were spared two minutes later when Charlie Whitaker’s free kick lashed off the post only to bounce off the unfortunate Day’s back and into the Cheltenham net giving Tranmere a much needed three points.
The win sees Tranmere rise to 16th in the table and five clear of the drop zone before next weekend’s clash against high-flying MK Dons at Prenton Park.
Meanwhile, Steve Cotterill’s side drop into the relegation zone following the weekend’s results with yet another potential relegation clash awaiting them next Saturday against Bristol Rovers.
