Tranmere visited Walsall at the Bescot Stadium this afternoon for a 3pm kick-off, in their latest game of the 2021/22 League 2 season.
Ahead of the game, Micky Mellon said the reaction from the players on Tuesday was “fantastic but not surprising,” with the squad dedicating their victory to young Nate Gidman.
“I’ve got to stress that I’m not surprised, that’s just the way we are … we didn’t stage it, it was just the emotion of something so tragic. That’s how it made us feel and we wanted to show our support and I think we did that.
Turning to today’s game, he continued, “It’s about winning the next game, preparing properly tomorrow. We’ve worked hard today getting the boys ready, preparing again tomorrow and then going to try and pick up another three points.”
Match Report: Tranmere Rovers v Walsall
| Walsall FC 1 |  v  | 0 Tranmere Rovers |
| Wilkinson (85′ pen) | Goals | |
| Assists |
Tranmere suffered a disappointing defeat this afternoon away to Walsall. A late penalty from Conor Wilkinson broke the Saddlers seven-match 63-day losing streak.
Chances for Tranmere were few and far between during the first half and it was hard to believe this was the same Rovers that beat Swindon just a few days ago.
Walsall’s Wilkinson made the penalty count in the 85th minute after being brought down by Peter Clarke who had a thoroughly torrid game.
The first half was the least exciting game ever witnessed as neither side managed to even get a shot on target. Tranmere’s best chance was an attempt from Kane Hemmings that sailed majestically over the bar.
Tranmere were a bit more vigorous after half time, but more vigorous than dull is just a bit less dull.
The second half wasn’t without its redeeming moments, such as an attempt on goal by Elliot Nevitt which really did test the Walsall keeper, Carl Rushworth.
The nail in the coffin came when countering Walsall stormed towards the Tranmere goal, leaving skipper Clarke to decide that the only option was to concede a penalty, which Wilkinson made count.
Thoroughly disappointing for the travelling fans, but Tranmere stay second, 11 points shy of leaders Forest Green.
Tranmere visit Hartlepool for a 7:45pm kick-off on Tuesday 15 February in their next League 2 fixture.
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Tap or click to follow birkenhead.news on Twitter Wallsall – Formation 4-4-2
12 Carl Rushworth GK
2 Hayden White DF
30 Reece Devine DF
5 Donervon Daniels DF
6 Emmanuel Monthe DF
8 Liam Kinsella (C) MF
28 Tyrese Shade MF
20 Sam Perry MF
7 Brendan Kiernan MF
11 George Miller 28’ FW
9 Conor Wilkinson FW
Substitutes
1 Jack Rose SUB
18 Tom Leak SUB
24 Rollin Menayese SUB
3 Stephen Ward SUB
16 Alfie Bates SUB
17 Jack Earing SUB
10 Emmanuel Osadebe SUB
Manager
Neil McDonald
Referee
Sam Allison
Assistants
Abbas Khan, David Hunt
Fourth Official
Scott Tallis
Tranmere Rovers – Formation 4-4-2
25 Ross Doohan GK
2 Josh Dacres-Cogley DF
3 Calum MacDonald DF
5 Tom Davies DF
26 Peter Clarke (C) DF
22 Lee O’Connor MF
7 Kieron Morris MF
19 Lewis Warrington MF
15 Josh Hawkes MF
12 Charlie Jolley FW
10 Kane Hemmings FW
Substitutes
13 Joe Murphy SUB
4 Nathaniel Knight-Percival SUB
17 Sam Foley SUB
14 Callum McManaman SUB
27 Jake Burton SUB
21 Joshua McPake SUB
20 Elliott Nevitt SUB
Manager
Ben Garner
Attendance: 5440
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