Tranmere triumph over Forest Green in commanding victory

Tranmere hosted Forest Green Rovers on Saturday afternoon in their latest game of the League 2 season.

Ahead of the game, Nigel Adkins said, “Dave’s gone in, new manager, obviously done well through the academy at Southampton, they’ve got a philosophy of how they want to go and play and sometimes it’s challenging, but when it comes off, it’s very good.

“From my point of view, we’ll look at that, and just focus as much as we can on understanding Forest Green Rovers, and focus on what we can do at Prenton Park to give ourselves an opportunity to win the game of football.”

Match Report: Tranmere Rovers v Forest Green Rovers

Tranmere Rovers 3	v	0 Forest Green
Omotoye (8′ og) Dennis (47′) Apter (71′)	Goals
Jennings (47′) Pike (71′)	Assists
	HT 1-0

Tranmere Rovers resoundingly defeated Forest Green at Prenton Park as the crowd noise could be clearly heard as far as the Lidl on Oxton Road.

In a crucial match with each team positioned near the bottom of the table, the hosts initiated a perfect start as Jordan Turnbull’s header struck Tyrese Omotoye, leading to an own goal.

After the half-time interval, Kristian Dennis doubled the lead with a beautifully curled shot from the edge of the box. The advantage further increased when Forest Green’s Dom Bernard received a second yellow card for a handball offence.

Rob Apter secured the victory with a remarkable low shot into the far corner, showcasing exceptional skill as he navigated past his opponent in the box.

The first attempt of the game came from the visitors through Omotoye, but it posed no challenge for Luke McGee, who was facing his former side.

The significance of the match became evident in the dynamic exchanges at the start. Following Apter’s in-swinging delivery, Rovers earned a corner that resulted from the ball being deflected.

The corner saw Turnbull swiftly arriving to head the ball against Omotoye and past James Belshaw in the Forest Green goal, marking a flawless beginning for Tranmere.

Rovers maintained their intensity post-goal, applying sustained pressure and winning numerous set pieces. This included a free kick skillfully taken by Brad Walker, only for it curl agonisingly wide of the far post.

As the game passed the half-hour mark, the Gloucestershire team started gaining momentum. Dabo’s cross from the right found Jamie Robson on the far side, unleashing a fierce first-time shot into the arms of the Tranmere goalkeeper.

The most promising opportunity for the visitors in the first half came through winger Omotoye, whose header across goal forced McGee to stretch and make a crucial save. Troy Deeney attempted a volley, but it was blocked and cleared before the half-time whistle.

Tranmere maintained their momentum from the fast-paced start into an even quicker second half. Exploiting a defensive lapse, Dennis coolly curled the ball past Belshaw from the edge of the box, doubling the lead.

Forest Green’s challenges escalated as Bernard received a second yellow card for handball in his own half.

Turnbull dispossessed Deeney in the Forest Green half, surging forward and passing to Luke Norris, who hit the post in a one-on-one effort. Moments later, Belshaw palmed clear a header from the Rovers forward.

Apter sealed the outcome with 20 minutes remaining. Operating in space, the Blackpool loanee skillfully manoeuvred past his defender and found the far corner with a precise low shot.

Dan Pike came close to a fourth goal after Apter set up the full-back. Pike’s powerful effort struck the post, leaving Belshaw stranded.

Harvey Saunders entered the game, replacing Norris, who had taken a knock just beyond the halfway line. Saunders immediately made an impact, as his attempted cross was goalbound but parried clear.

Following Apter’s outstanding performance on the right, he shifted to the left in an attempt to find the net. A powerful long-range effort tested the away goalkeeper, marking the final notable chance.

With no further significant opportunities, Rovers secured a crucial three points in front of their jubilant home supporters.

Tranmere host Wigan Athletic on Tuesday 14 November in the EFL Trophy and then visit Sutton United on Saturday 18 November for their next game of the 2023/24 League Two season.

Match Highlights

Gallery

Credit: Tony Coombes

Fans’ Twitter Reaction

Post Match Interview

Line-ups

League 2 season attendance

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