Tranmere Rovers ended their six-game losing streak in League Two with a convincing 2-0 victory at home to Crawley Town.
A brilliant goal from new loan signing Zech Obiero in the 12th minute followed by a Joe Ironside penalty just before half time gave the Rovers a much-needed three points at Prenton Park.
Crawley should have had a goal of their own as Ronan Darcy missed a 1-on-1 against Marko Marosi, who joined on an emergency one-week loan from Port Vale last week.
Andy Crosby’s side remained unchanged from their 2-1 away loss to Gillingham last week which manager Crosby believed there were plenty of positives to take.
And those positives translated onto the pitch, as the home side started brightly and had the ball in the net after just six minutes through captain Sam Finley.
Obiero’s shot was parried by Jacob Chapman only to Finley who put the ball away, but the referee Andrew Humphries flagged for an offside in the build-up.
The home side continued their strong momentum as a loose pass from Crawley’s Klaidi Lolos found Obiero, who dribbled into the box past Harry Forster and fired a thunderous shot past Chapman’s near post and into the roof of the net to give Rovers the lead.
It was the Kenyan’s first goal for the club who joined on-loan from Leyton Orient only 12 days ago.
Tranmere kept threatening Chapman’s goal in front of the Kop and came so close to doubling their advantage as a cross from Patrick Brough was met by James Plant, who hit the crossbar from 6 yards out.
Plant’s missed chance was nearly punished just four minutes later, as Darcy found himself one-on-one with Marosi, but the Slovakian keeper made himself big to keep the home side ahead.
Tranmere got the second and decisive goal just before half-time, as top scorer Charlie Whitaker was fouled in the box by Geraldo Bajrami, with the referee pointing to the spot.
Joe Ironside coolly sent Chapman the wrong way to give the home side a 2-0 lead heading into the break.
The second half was a different story, as Tranmere sat back and let Crawley dominate possession.
The Red Devils came close with substitute Justin Ferizaj firing just over, but Rovers held their line well and saw the game home with an impressive defensive spell.
The away side’s best chance came in the final minute of stoppage time, as Dion Pereira hit a shot destined for the top corner but for Marosi who pushed it onto the crossbar.
The win is Tranmere’s first since New Year’s Day as they stay in 17th in the league. The result will only boost the side’s morale as they face Accrington Stanley at Prenton Park on Tuesday to see if they can get back-to-back wins for the first time this season.
For Crawley, it is their third defeat in a row as they fall to 22nd, just four points above the relegation zone.
(Featured image provided by James Costello)
