Tranmere Rovers...........1

Grimsby Town................0

Tranmere’s hopes of returning to the Football League at the first attempt are over as victory over Grimsby Town at Prenton Park was rendered immaterial by Braintree Town.

A first half close range strike from captain Steve Jennings gave Rovers the points, but with Altrincham unable to defeat the Iron, Rovers are condemned to a second season of non-league football.

Wirral Globe:

Grim faced, the players applaud fans at the full time whistle

Gary Brabin made two changes to the side that won at Eastleigh, recalling winger Adam Mekki for Jake Kirby and Martin Riley for Steve McNulty, who is still suffering with an eye injury sustained at the Silverlake Stadium.

In stark contrast and with one eye on next week’s play-offs, Grimsby made eight changes, with only Richard Tait, captain Sean Pearson and Danny East retained from the side that lost at home to Chester last time out.

After an eventless opening Adam Mekki slalomed his way through the Mariners’ defence in the eighth minute, eventually finding James Norwood, but the ball wouldn’t stick and the danger was cleared.

A breakaway then found Norwood on the edge of the box, who’s first time near post effort was repelled by Andy Warrington for a corner.

Wirral Globe:

Steve Jennings congratulated by team mates after scoring

Tranmere took the lead in the 24th minute when Shaun Pearson got in a tangle trying to the clear a Lee Vaughan cross.

The Grimsby captain looked set to score an own goal before Steve Jennings slammed the ball home on the line.

Rovers could have doubled their lead almost immediately when Norwood found himself clean through but Warrington saved and Rovers’ top scorer could only put a second attempt over the bar.

Jennings fed a ball though for Maynard two minutes before the break but his outstretched flick was easily held by Warrington.

As news that Braintree led by two goals filtered through, the closing stages of the first half were played out in a subdued atmosphere.

Wirral Globe:

Manager Gary Brabin: 'Dust ourselves down and go again next season'

Early in the second half Harris released Jennings, but his pass was over hit and the Rovers captain could not prevent the ball from going for a goal kick.

A cross from Maynard was clawed away by Warrington before Vaughan saw a volley inside the box blocked as Rovers went in search of a second.

An attempted overhead kick from Norwood resulted in a boot in the face for Tait before Mekki saw a shot deflected wide by Warrington moments later.

Liam Ridehalgh found Mekki in the penalty area just past the hour mark but his header was flicked wide of the post.

Ryan Jennings flashed a shot wide of Scott Davies’ left hand post with 20 minutes to play as the Mariners – already secured a playoff place – finally responded.

A 20-yard free kick by Danny East was deflected just wide for a corner before Davies confidently claimed the resultant corner.

A through ball from Mekki found Norwood clean through on goal but stretching to touch it past Warrington, he could only prod wide.

Warrington had to be at his best to deny Norwood a minute later however; pushing a drilled left foot shot round the post before Ihiekwe nodded the ensuing corner over.

As Grimsby’s 555 supporters partied behind the goal Ryan Jennings flashed a 25-yard volley wide in a rare attack from the visitors before Tranmere saw out the win.

As Rovers face up to another year in the fifth tier of English football they can point to nine home defeats as to where their season went wrong, none of which would prove more significant than the 2-1 loss to Braintree on  December 5.

Wirral Globe:

Brabin, above, said “We’re all disappointed. We definitely thought lady luck would be looking down on us and we’d get in the playoffs.

“All we could do today was concentrate on ourselves and win this game, which we did but unfortunately other results haven’t gone for us and we just miss out.

“We’ve lost the last couple at home which dented our chances but it was important that we got back to winning ways. I’m just disappointed with the other result.

“I think every club could look back at some of the disappointing results and points they’ve dropped over the season and we’re no different.

“At the time I think we weren’t quite ready. I do feel that the squad has got stronger. We are excited about next season. I think we’re going to be better prepared for it.

“It was always going to be a big ask and it was going to be tough to completely rebuild the squad.

"I’m delighted with the players we’ve brought in and we’ve looked better and better since the turn of the year.

“We’ve got to get over the disappointment of just missing out but we dust ourselves down and we go again.”

Match Stats:

Tranmere Rovers: 1 Jennings, 24

Grimsby Town 0

Half time: 1-0

Star man: Adam Mekki (Midfielder Tranmere Rovers)

Attendance: 6,637

Entertainment: 2/5

Ref rating: Adrian Homes (7/10)

Tranmere (4-4-1-1): Davies player rating 6; Vaughan 6 (Hogan 65, 6), Riley 7, Ihiekwe 7, Ridehalgh 6; Mekki 8, Jennings 7, Harris 7, Hughes 7; Maynard 7 (Kirby 76, 7), Norwood 7.

Subs not used: Turner, Taylor-Fletcher, Mackreth

Grimsby (4-4-2): Warrington player rating 7, Tait 7, Robertson 6, Pearson 5, East 6, Jennings 6, Clay 6, Henderson 5, Arnold 5 (Marshall 54, 6), Pittman 6 (Venney 62, 6), Hoban 6 (Bogle 74, 5).

Subs not used: Clifton, Nsiala