Tranmere hosted Harrogate Town yesterday evening in their third fixture of the 2023/24 League Two season.
On Wednesday, 9 August, the club reported the passing during the previous night of Associate Director of the Club, and Chairman of the Tranmere Rovers Supporters’ Trust, Ben Harrison.
Both sets of fans observed a minute’s applause on the 60th minute to celebrate Ben’s life.
A book of condolence has been placed in the club shop so that supporters can share their memories and thoughts.
A personal statement from the Chairman and Vice Chair said, “In the 9 years since we have been back at the Club, Ben became a key member of the senior management team, a trusted advisor, but above all a personal friend to us both. He was absolutely key to the Club forging a fantastic working relationship with the Supporters’ Trust – something which is rare in football – and which has seen us collaborating so successfully on a number of projects, including support to the local community during Covid and beyond through the delivery of food parcels, the SWA2# community tickets scheme (now known as Nate’s Tickets).
“He dreamed big and was hands-on and indefatigable in bringing those dreams to life – as is so well exemplified by the new fan zone, which was his brain-child and something that many thought he would never be able to make happen. That building will stand as a permanent legacy to his vision and tenacity, and it is tragic that he never got to see it opened, although he was closely following its progress right up to the day of his passing.
“Although Ben became a personal friend, he was never afraid to challenge us when he disagreed with something, and we hugely valued his input, safe in the knowledge that he absolutely had the best interests of this great Club, and its fans, at heart.
“He lived his life with passion and compassion. He was a fearless champion for the underdog, but also a creative and astute businessman – a rare combination.
“When you meet people in life, one of the questions we always ask ourselves is “Would you have them in the trenches with you?” and the answer in relation to Ben was a resounding “yes”. He stood up proudly for everything he believed in, he took on huge challenges and ran at them headlong. As Ben’s family so beautifully said, “He died as he lived, fearlessly and without compromise.”
“We will both miss him enormously, as will everyone at the Club.”
Match Report: Tranmere Rovers v Harrogate Town
 Tranmere Rovers 3 | v | 0 Harrogate Town  |
| Norris (24′) Taylor (26′) Morris (89′) | Goals | |
| Jennings (24′) Norris (89′) | Assists | |
| HT 2-0 |
At the third attempt and with three goals and a clean sheet, Tranmere secured their first league win of the season at Prenton Park last night.
Three minutes into the match, Rovers seized their initial opportunity as Jake Leake manoeuvred in from the left flank and passed the ball across to Regan Hendry. However, the midfielder’s attempt went over the crossbar.
Five minutes later, Tom Davies positioned himself to block a shot from Liam Gibson at the edge of the penalty area, as the visiting team aimed to shift the early momentum in their favour.
In the 20th minute of the game, Luke Norris tested Harogate keeper, Mark Oxley, with a swift shot from the edge of the penalty area, but Oxley made a solid save.
Tranmere broke the deadlock in the 24th minute as Luke Norris directed a header that bounced in off the crossbar.
Merely a minute afterwards, Sam Taylor skillfully placed the ball beyond Oxley, extending the Rovers’ advantage to two goals.
As we neared the half-hour point, Harrogate aimed to narrow the gap, yet Sam Folarin’s attempt sailed over Luke McGee’s goal.
Right before the first half concluded, Norris took a shot across the goal from a Leake throw-in, but it missed the target, and as a result, Rovers maintained a two-goal advantage heading into halftime.
Both groups of supporters took part in a minute’s appluase at the hour mark to honour the memory of Ben Harrison.
Displaying nimble footwork, Kieron Morris embarked on a drive towards the Harrogate defensive line. He eventually released a shot from within the penalty area, but the attempt missed the target.
Harrogate had a promising opportunity in the 64th minute, as Matty Foulds played the ball across the goal for Luke Armstrong. However, the striker narrowly missed connecting with it.
In the 89th minute, the home team extended their advantage. Following impressive hold-up play by Norris, Kieron Morris advanced confidently and calmly placed the ball past Oxley, making it three goals for the whites.
Ultimately, Rovers earned all three points to accompany their three goals, as Ian Dawes’ team smoothly sailed to a convincing victory.
Tranmere host Salford City on Saturday 19 August for their fourth game of the 2023/24 League Two season.
Match Highlights
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Credit: Tony Coombes
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