Tranmere looked out of sorts as they were comprehensively dismantled 1-4 by Crewe to end a four game unbeaten league run, writes Callum Clutterbuck at Prenton Park.
Two first half strikes from the visitors all but ended the game before the break. A penalty and a precise fourth after the interval rubbed salt into Rovers’ wounds. An own goal reduced the deficit, but unwanted records were set.
This was Tranmere’s first home league loss to Crewe since 2000. It would also mark the first time the Wirral club have lost by three goals or more at home in League Two this season.
Referee Ross Joyce oversaw a stop-start opening 10 minutes after keeper Joe Murphy stayed down following a collision while rushing out to claim a loose ball. Charlie Whittaker then also required treatment shortly after, as he fell awkwardly after winning a header.
Crewe opened the scoring on the 14-minute mark after a smart move allowed Rhys Hutchinson to float in a cross, which went past the far post. Tommi O’Reilly was on hand to cut the ball back from the byline for Max Sanders to guide the ball into the bottom corner with a low, side foot finish.
Joe Ironside and Billy Blacker combined well on the edge of the box with the 19-year old’s effort sailing high over the bar but, that aside, Tranmere didn’t look like creating anything of real substance.
Jayden Joseph lifted the crowd late in the first half with a nice piece of skill. His quick feet left his marker in a spin, however, his early ball was too far in front of Ironside to latch onto.
With added time standing at nine minutes, Cameron Norman received the first booking of the game, giving away a foul on the edge of the box. In a rehearsed free kick, it was rolled to Sanders to strike first time. His shot curved high into the goal, always out of reach of the diving Murphy.
Half time was met by a smattering of boos from the home fans that only worsened after the interval as Andy Crosby’s side continued to be wasteful, allowing Crewe to stay in control.
The third goal arrived on 57 minutes. This time it was Stoke City loanee Emre Tezgel from the spot with his seventh goal of the campaign, after Josh March went down under a clumsy challenge by Joseph.
With 20 minutes to go, the game was put to bed. Sanders drove unchallenged into Tranmere’s midfield and played it into Tezgel, who shifted quickly and fired inside the near post with his weaker left foot.
The home fans that stayed after the fourth goal finally had something to cheer on the 80th minute after James Connolly’s botched clearance trickled into his own net.
