Jennings and Greenacre Earn Rovers Crucial Win

Goals from Steven Jennings and Chris Greenacre helped Tranmere beat Swindon Town 2-0 on Friday night to keep themselves in the play-off hunt. Rovers made it hard for themselves in the final half hour of the game after holding a 2-0 half-time lead in the game.

Tranmere R 2 - 1 Swindon T

Attendance: 5,815

Match Referee: Rob Lewis (Shropshire)

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Tranmere got another vital three points on the board against a Swindon team that had nothing much to play for.  First half goals from Steve Jennings and Chris Greenacre were enough to give Rovers the win despite Billy Paynter pulling one back for the visitors.  The win put Rovers back in the play offs overnight.

Ronnie Moore named the same eleven that lost to Bournemouth but had John Mullin on the bench instead of the injured again Chris Shuker.

The conditions yet again were appalling as the rain and wind combined to create difficulties for the players.  This may have affected the number of fans at the game, but the ones that were there tried their hardest to get behind the team.

After the first ten minutes had been filled with the players getting to grips with the conditions the first real clear chance brought a goal for Rovers. 

It was a classic counter attack goal as a Swindon corner was cleared to Myrie-Williams who came away with it and although it looked like the winger's touch had been too heavy, the ball fell to Paul McLaren who found Shane Sherriff.  The Australian's neat turn and through ball put Steve Jennings clean through and despite not taking it in his stride he poked the ball past Brezonvan in goal.

Just moments later, Sherriff's volley was well saved after he had been set up by McLaren and on 17 minutes it was close to being 1-1.  After Ian Goodison misjudged a ball going out, McGovern found McNamee and his shot was cleared off the line by Ben Chorley.

At the other end Chris Greenacre shot wide on 22 minutes before Danny Coyne then saved well from Paynter.  Myrie-Williams then tested the Swindon keeper who had to save at the second attempt.

Rovers got a corner five minutes before half time which Paul McLaren curled into the penalty area and when it was flicked on, Chris Greenacre was there at the back post to squeeze the ball home from a tight angle for his 50^th Tranmere goal despite the defender on the line doing his best to keep it out.

HALF-TIME: TRANMERE ROVERS 2 - 0 SWINDON TOWN

Early on in the second half, Rovers were again forced to clear off the line, this time Robbie Stockdale being handily placed to head away.

Shortly after that scare, Ian Moore nearly made it 3-0 with a shot that deflected off a defender and was looping in but Brezonvan held on well to the ball.

On 64 minutes Coyne saved well from Cox as Swindon pushed to try and get a goal back and a couple of minutes later they did get their reward when a counter attack ended with Cox beating Ian Goodison to the by-line and crossing for Billy Paynter to tap in.

Myrie-Williams was soon replaced by Calvin Zola and Ian Moore went to right midfield.  Moore then came close when Steve Jennings found him but his powerful shot was well saved by Brezonvan.

With just minutes left Cox's volley went just wide and at the other end McLaren did well to beat this marker but his shot was weak and easy to save.

There were a few nervy moments for the home side, including a Swindon free kick but Steve Jennings nearly got a third from long range for Rovers.  Thankfully though, Rovers held on and the play-off dream is still alive ahead of next Saturday's trip to Walsall.

FULL-TIME: TRANMERE ROVERS 2 - 1 SWINDON TOWN

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