Goals from Josh Hawkes and Peter Clarke were enough to see Tranmere Rovers past the sturdy challenge of Colchester United at Prenton Park.
Football under the lights didn’t disappoint for home supporters. They were treated to a fine performance from Micky Mellon’s men.
The first half was a dogged affair, with the away side trying to slow things down as much as they could, but it didn’t stop Tranmere creating plenty of chances.
Former Liverpool and Marine goalkeeper, Shamal George saved a Tom Davies header from point-blank range to ensure deadlock at the break.
Things ramped up in the second half with Rovers flying out of the gates.
Two corners within the first 60 seconds of the second half set the tone for a rampant display.
Tranmere finally went ahead in the 54th minute, when Josh Hawkes cut in from the right to slot home from distance.
His looping effort took a huge deflection on the way through and it was enough to see the ball sail into the top left corner.
Peter Clarke got the second 20 minutes later. The 39-year-old nodded home from a Callum McManaman cross to secure all three points for the home side.
Clarke netted his third of the season, already matching his tally of last season in the league.
Tranmere then played out a very comfortable final 20 minutes, with Colchester barely testing the back four.
The closest they went was through substitute Sylvester Jasper. He managed to cannon a shot just wide of the goal from outside the box.
That was as good as it got for Colchester, who seemingly came to Prenton Park trying to secure a draw. As soon as Tranmere went ahead, that gameplan was void.
Tranmere move up to 4th in League Two, or “joint-third” as manager Micky Mellon would have it.
They travel to Carlisle next weekend after a nice long eight-day break.
Colchester stay in 18th and have high-flying Harrogate Town at home next.
