Victory over Eastleigh propels Tranmere to top of National League

Eastleigh......................1

A last gasp strike from James Norwood propelled Tranmere to the top of the National League after three games as they overcame Eastleigh at Prenton Park.

Steve Jennings put Rovers ahead, but the Spitfires drew level after half an hour courtesy of a goal from former white Adam Dugdale.

When Norwood crashed a spot kick against the crossbar with 15 minutes to play it looked like they would have to settle for a draw but the striker held his nerve at the death, finishing a one-on-one that sparked a riotous scenes.

Michael Ihiekwe battles it out with Eastleigh's Jake Howells in a well contested first half. Picture: Tony Coombes

Gary Brabin selected the same side that had – in chaotic circumstances – eventually started against Barrow, with Lee Vaughan back in the side at right back and Jeff Hughes covering for the injured Liam Ridehalgh at left back.

Lois Maynard, who had performed superbly midweek, retained his spot in midfield.

Norwood tried a curler from the edge of the box three minutes in but it was straight into the midriff of Ryan Huddart.

Steve Jennings laid one back for Andy Cook, but his 20-yard effort was sliced wide, as Rovers tried to offer a greater attacking threat.

Rovers take the lead through Steve Jennings 24th minute, as the players celebrate. Picture: Tony Coombes

It paid off as they took the lead on 24 minutes through captain Jennings.

Eastleigh keeper Huddart could only parry a Norwood free kick and the skipper was only hand to smash the ball into the roof of the net from eight yards out.

But the lead was short-lived. A high ball into the box wasn’t dealt with by the Rovers rear guard and when the ball fell for former Tranmere defender Adam Dugdale, he had the easiest of tasks, stroking the ball home for the equaliser.

Tranmere could have gone back in front 10 minutes before the break when a low Lee Vaughan cross found Andy Cook but the former Barrow hit man could only blaze over.

The ex-Cheltenham right back was proving industrious down the flank and he nearly put Connor Jennings in before Huddart smothered the ball at his feet.

On the stroke of halftime Prenton Park was left seething as referee Karl Evans missed a blatant handball in the penalty area.

Rovers concede their first home goal of the season - as Eastleigh celebrate Adam Dugdale's goal which levelled matters for the visitors ten minutes later. Picture: Tony Coombes

Rovers went in search of a winner after the break, pegging the visitors back and the Bebington Kop roared them on.

An early free kick from Vaughan put Connor Jennings in on goal only for the official to pull play back for taking the dead ball from the wrong position. Norwood then had a penalty appeal waved away at the atmosphere turned white hot.

Norwood then turned provider just past the hour mark, playing Cook though on the break, but he didn’t have the legs to outstrip the Spitfires’ defence and the chance came to nothing.

A delightful flick from Steve Jennings released Harris but his drilled shot from 12 yards was punched away by Huddart.

A real chance went begging when Harris lofted a ball across the box, which was knocked down by Steve Jennings for Cook, but with the goal at his mercy he blazed over again.

With quarter of an hour to play Tranmere were awarded a penalty when Lois Maynard was upended in the Eastleigh penalty area.

With the game destined for a draw, Norwood has the last shout, beating Eastleigh keeper Huddart. Picture: Tony Coombes

But expert spot kick taker Norwood, who found the net from 12 yards midweek – looked aghast as his strike rattled the underside of the crossbar and was cleared to safety.

That looked to be it for Rovers, but with the referee about to blow his whistle, a header from Steve Jennings got Norwood in behind the Eastleigh defence and his cool finish ensured Tranmere have a maximum return from their first three matches, setting the standard in the National League.

Brabin felt the victory was deserved: “The most pleasing aspect is the character we’ve shown today because nothing was going for us.

"It was a carbon copy of the game against them last year, where we felt decisions never went for us and after playing well we ended up losing the game.

“We deservedly went in front but we’re disappointed as a team with the goal we’ve conceded. We’re better than that.

Total joy - Players celebrate the 90+4 minute winner, sweet revenge for last season's 1-2 home defeat. Picture: Tony Coombes

“We had to dust ourselves down, come out and show a little bit game knowhow which we did. We looked really good and patient.

“It wouldn’t have been a disaster – a point at home to a team like Eastleigh – but we made changes to try a win the game.

“We kept the ball, we looked organised, we were patient and we never stopped believing that we could get that winner.

"As cruel as it is for the opposition I thought it was a well deserved three points.”

Match Stats:

Tranmere Rovers 2 S Jennings 24, Norwood 90+4

Eastleigh 1 Dugdale 30 Half time: 1-1 Star man: Lee Vaughan (Tranmere right back).

Attendance: 4,619

Entertainment: 3/5

Ref rating: Karl Evans (6/10)

Tranmere (4-3-3): Davies player rating 6, Vaughan 8, McNulty 7, Ihiekwe 6, Hughes 6; Harris 7 (Stephenson 89, N/A), Maynard 6, S Jennings 7; Norwood 7, Cook 6 (Kirby 6, 76), C Jennings 7.

Subs not used: Turner, Sutton, Mekki

Eastleigh (4-3-3): Huddart player rating 7, Coulson 7 (Reason 6, 80), Dugdale 7, Cresswell 7, Green 6; Pipe 6, Drury 6, Howells 7; Constable 7, Mandron 6, Bird 6 (Wilson 6, 75).

Subs not used: Flitney, Dawson, Obileye