Tranmere Rovers suffered their first defeat of 2026 in a disappointing 2-0 loss against top of the table Bromley as League Two’s top scorer Michael Cheek bagged a clinical brace.

The result sees Rovers slip further away from the play-off places on a day where they had the opportunity to climb up to 11th, due to weather-based cancellations and FA Cup fixtures across the division.

Andy Woodman’s Bromley side took the lead through Cheek, who rose highest at the back post to head home after just 90 seconds. The veteran forward jumped above Aaron McGowan and Patrick Brough to meet Mitch Pinnock’s pinpoint cross and net his 13th goal of the season.

Richie Smallwood and goalkeeper Jack Barrett both misplaced passes in the build up to the away side’s opener and were punished accordingly.

Sloppiness in possession continued to be a theme across the rest of the first half as Tranmere struggled to get the ball down and play attractive football. This led to boos from the Kop ringing around Prenton Park upon referee Martin Woods’  half time whistle.

Cheek doubled both his and his side’s tally for the afternoon with a left-footed half volley into an open goal following a mix up amongst the Tranmere back line off the back of Ashley Charles’ cross.

Andy Crosby’s side looked better when they came out for the second period but still struggled to get a foothold on the game.

The Rovers boss rolled the substitutions in the 65th minute, replacing Kristian Dennis, Joe Ironside and Richie Smallwood with Connor Jennings, Josh Davison and Billy Blacker.

The removal of captain Smallwood was greeted with cheers from the Super White Army as he struggled to make a positive impact on the game.

To the further annoyance of Rovers fans, after scoring so early into the match Bromley made sure to take as long as possible for every throw in, goal kick and corner.

Despite this, the Greater London side were deserving winners on the day as they imposed themselves physically on Tranmere and executed a well-worked game plan.

Goalkeeper Grant Smith had little to do but was forced into back-to-back saves from Josh Davison’s late duo of headers as the Super Whites pushed for a consolation.

Cameron Norman, who scored a spectacular brace against Harrogate Town on New Year’s Day, was one of the only bright sparks for the home team, providing the crosses for both of Davison’s efforts.

Crosby’s side return to Prenton Park next Saturday in an early kick off to face Bromley’s title rivals, third place Walsall, whom Tranmere suffered a 4-2 defeat to earlier in the season.

 

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