Report, highlights & reaction: Morecambe 1-0 Tranmere Rovers

The Shrimps made it seven games unbeaten following a battling 1-0 victory over Tranmere at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium.

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Tom Bloxham was causing all sorts of problems down the right side, and his cross on 13 minutes was headed wide by Jordan Slew.

The Shrimps came close to an opening on 20 minutes with a lovely spell of one-two play between McKiernan and Bloxham which saw the latter find space down the right, his resulting cross was eventually dealt with.

Eight minutes later, a gilt-edged chance came the way of the Shrimps as Bloxham, once more delivered a dangerous ball into the mix, this time McKiernan met it with a shot on target, but it lacked the power to truly test McGee.

McGee was also called into action on 42 minutes to deny McKiernan from close range.

Into the second half, and Michael Mellon had an opportunity with a free kick he struck straight at McGee, before Slew’s effort from distance was deflected behind for a corner.

For Rovers, sub Rob Apter cut inside onto his left and looked to curl one, but Adam Smith was once more equal to the strike.

The Shrimps broke the deadlock on 72 minutes. An Adam Mayor corner was cleared to defender Chris Stokes, who after a one-two, sent a deep cross into the area, which flicked off the head of Rovers’ defender Jordan Turnbull and into the back of his own net.

It was nearly a second just three minutes later as Bloxham was released down the right, he advanced before striking the ball over the crossbar.

A point blank save from McGee kept Morecambe’s lead to one on 80 minutes as Bloxham again fired at goal from eight yards out, the visiting goalkeeper managed to scoop the ball off the line and away to safety.

McGee then came to Tranmere’s rescue on 86 minutes. Jacob Bedeau picked out Mellon down the right with a delightful through ball before the Burnley loanee’s strike was saved by the goalkeeper’s leg.

In a tense end to the game, two huge chances for the opposition came seconds apart in stoppage time for an equaliser. Apter drive was saved to Smith’s right, but with the goal gapping, Connor Jennings couldn’t direct the rebound on target.

The result leaves Derek Adams’ men just a point outside the League Two play offs with two games in hand on the sides above.

Morecambe: A Smith, Love © (Stokes, 10’), Tutonda (Melbourne, 64’), Bedeau, Songo’o, Bloxham, Mellon, McKiernan, Mayor, Senior, Slew (Davenport, 74’).

Subs not used: Pedley, C Smith, Walker, Brown.

Goals: Turnbull OG (72’).

Bookings: Bedeau, Mayor.

Tranmere Rovers: McGee, O’Connor, Walker (Lewis, 58’), Davies ©, Turnbull, Morris (Apter, 58’), Hendry, Dennis (Jolley, 83’), Jennings, Saunders (Hawkes, 78’) Wood (Pike, HT).

Subs not used: Murphy, Yarney.

Goals: None.

Bookings: Hendry, Jennings.

Attendance: 3,678 (526 away).