Tranmere Rovers have avoided relegation from League 2 on the final day of the season after a 1-1 draw against Grimsby Town at Prenton Park.
Justin Amaluzor’s close range finish just before half-time gave Grimsby the lead and left the hosts relying on results elsewhere, setting the tone for a tense second half.
Nathan Smith’s 64th minute header levelled for Tranmere from Charlie Whitaker’s corner, with the point securing their status in League 2 for another season.
Tranmere came into this final day fixture in a tight relegation battle, sitting just one point above the drop zone in Sky Bet League Two.
Anything less than a win for Rovers would have left their fate in the Football League out of their hands.
The game had the tone of an end-to-end encounter from kick-off.
In the fourth minute, Grimsby’s Andy Cook dragged an early effort low and wide left of the post, from edge of 18 yard box.
Tranmere attempted to respond three minutes later.
Whitaker picked up ball just outside the left edge of the 18-yard box. His curling effort flew over the crossbar.
After 15 minutes, Tranmere keeper Marko Marosi gifted the ball away when attempting a long pass out from the back.
Grimsby’s Kieran Green scuffed his effort wide and right.
On 35 minutes, Grimsby’s Jamie Walker’s charging run resulted in a low shot.
This was gathered expertly by Tranmere’s shot stopper Marosi.
Grimsby took the lead on the stroke of half time.
A fine passage play on the edge of the box saw the ball fall to Amaluzor on the left edge of the six yard box.
He smashed the ball into the left side of the net, to give the visitors the lead after 43 minutes.
Four minutes into the second half, the away side nearly doubled their lead as Amaluzor met Green’s low cross from the right with his effort flying over the crossbar.
Rovers nearly levelled on 62 minutes as Joe Ironside picked up the ball and went on a darting central run.
He found himself through on goal, only to be denied by the advancing defender at the last second.
Tranmere then levelled the tie on 64 minutes after a Whitaker’s corner was swung in from the right and was met high at the back post by Nathan Smith.
His headed effort was guided past Grimsby’s Jackson Smith into the left corner of the net.
Grimsby very nearly regained the lead on 83 minutes.
Amaluzor’s effort from the right edge of the Tranmere 18-yard box forced an expert save from Marosi as Grimsby then failed to capitalise on the rebound.
The game ended 1-1, with fans entering the pitch in celebration after results went in favour of Tranmere with safety finally confirmed.
This result sees Tranmere maintain a spot in League Two for the 2026/27 season and avoid relegation to the National League, finishing in 21st, two points clear of the drop.
This comes after Harrogate Town lost 2-1 at home to Barnet, with Crawley Town also failing to win.
This meant a point was all that was required for Rovers to secure another year in the fourth tier.
(Featured Image by Ross Parry)
