Tranmere defeated by Doncaster at Prenton Park

Tranmere hosted Doncaster on Friday evening in their latest game of the League 2 season.

Ahead of the game, Nigel Adkins said, “Joe Murphy will come in goal [for McGee], no issues there. Jordan Turnbull has trained this week, Jake Leake and Luke Norris have been running around again and will join the non-selected group in training tomorrow. 

“Grant McCann is a very intelligent young coach who’s done really well. It’s going to be a big challenge; Doncaster have a fluidity of movement.” 

Match Report: Tranmere Rovers v Doncaster Rovers

Tranmere Rovers 1	v	2 Doncaster Rovers
Jennings (70′)	Goals	Biggins (27′) Faal (57′)
Apter (70′)	Assists	Westbrooke (27′)
	HT 0-1

Doncaster’s recent League Two revival persisted with a win against Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park on Friday evening.

Harrison Biggins opened the scoring by tapping in a square ball from Zain Westbrooke. Later, in the second half, Modou Faal extended their advantage with a skilful chip over Joe Murphy, who substituted Luke McGee in goal due to suspension.

Connor Jennings, the evening’s captain, managed to pull one back with a low shot that beat Louis Jones. Nonetheless, the home side couldn’t level the score and suffered their first league defeat at Prenton Park since 2 September.

Kristian Dennis seized a loose ball, initiating a swift play down the right flank to release Harvey Saunders. His enticing cross aimed at Kieron Morris, but it was promptly intercepted.

In a swift counter-attack, the visiting team pressed forward. A clash of number sevens ensued as Morris successfully blocked Luke Molyneux’s bending shot.

The first 20 minutes saw few opportunities, but Tranmere came closest to scoring when Josh Hawkes’ dangerous in-swinger was cleared just before Dennis could strike.

However, after 27 minutes of play, Doncaster seized the lead. A precise through ball from Ben Close dissected the Rovers’ defence, allowing Westbrooke to deliver a square pass for Biggins, who calmly slotted home a straightforward tap-in.

Tranmere had a golden opportunity to equalize towards the end of the first half. Regan Hendry’s free-kick found a heading target but was denied by Jones on the goal line.

Shortly after, Doncaster manager Grant McCann received a red card for impeding a Rovers counter-attack by preventing Tranmere taking a quick free-kick in front of the dugout. The home team subsequently pushed up the field, and Connor Wood’s whipped cross was punched clear.

When the second half commenced, Biggins tested Murphy’s reflexes with a free-kick, and shortly after, George Broadbent’s low shot was blocked.

Faal extended the visitors’ lead by darting through and chipping the ball over Murphy with just shy of an hour on the clock.

Substitute Rob Apter swiftly joined the fray, skillfully manoeuvring in and out of three defenders before delivering a pass to Jennings, who outsmarted Jones to narrow the deficit.

Rovers relentlessly pursued the equalizer with tremendous momentum. Apter’s subsequent delivery created havoc and eventually fell to the goalscorer, Jennings, who narrowly fired a shot over the crossbar.

Biggins attempted a swerving shot that challenged Murphy in the goal, but the Irish goalkeeper parried the attempt away as the match entered its final ten minutes.

Unfortunately, it was too little, too late for Tranmere as they succumbed to a home defeat.

Tranmere visit Morcambe on Tuseday 24 October for their next game of the 2023/24 League Two season.

Match Highlights

To follow …

Gallery

Credit: Tony Coombes

Fans’ Twitter Reaction

Post Match Interview

Line-ups

League 2 season attendance

Why not follow birkenhead.news on Facebook, Twitter, and Threads? You can also send story ideas or letters to the editor to news@birkenhead.news