Tranmere Rovers........1

Altrincham..................0 

Rejuvenated Tranmere moved up to eighth in the Vanarama National League after James Norwood’s 11th goal of the season saw off Altrincham in a hard-earned victory.

This was Rovers’ second consecutive three points over the festive period and third match without defeat as Gary Brabin’s men showed a marked improvement in work rate, desire and commitment to the cause.

Brabin kept faith with the 4-5-1 formation that has laid the foundations for recent improvements, with Lois Maynard operating behind lone striker Norwood.

It was the visitors who should have taken the lead three minutes in when Tranmere were caught sleeping at a set piece, but with the goal at his mercy James Lawrie could only stick his sliding shot wide at the far post.

Two minutes later Scott Davies had to be at his best to save a close range effort from Simon Richman as the hosts endured a sustained spell of Altrincham pressure.

In the 21st minute Norwood attempted an audacious lob over the advancing Tim Deasy but his weak effort was easily held by the Robins keeper.

Adam Mekki then danced his way around Jordan Sinnott before pulling it back for Norwood but the former Forest Green striker could not get the ball from under his feet and the chance went begging.

Shortly before the half hour mark Rovers took the lead when Lois Maynard knocked a perfectly weighted ball over the top for Norwood who punished Deasy’s hesitancy with a perfectly executed right foot finish.

Three minutes later Altrincham almost drew level when Davies was forced to palm away a fierce shot from Richman.

The tireless Maynard found Norwood again in the 38th minute with a cross from the by-line but Deasy held his attacking header.

Altrincham refused to sit back however and five minutes before the break Richman volleyed over from the edge of the box.

Mekki then released Norwood again but the legs of Deasy saved his left foot shot.

Rovers thought they had a second from the ensuing corner after first Steve McNulty headed against the post before a chaotic goalmouth scramble cleared to uncover Deasy clutching the ball on the goal line.

A knockdown from Steve Jennings put in Mekki who blazed over from close range before the summer trialist sliced another off target in a frantic finish to the half.

Just past the hour mark Norwood put one wide of the post as Rovers tried to kill off the visitors’ threat.

Moments later Altrincham’s Damien Reeves found himself clean through on goal but his tame shot was no trouble for Davies.

Lawrie then forced the Rovers stopper into more serious action with a low drive, reminding Brabin’s men that the job was far from done.

On 71 minutes Norwood had the chance to put the result beyond doubt, but he was foiled by the on-rushing Deasy and took a clattering off the Robins keeper for his troubles.

With quarter of an hour to play a cross from Nicky Clee was diverted over Davies’ crossbar before the substitute had another shot deflected wide from the resulting corner.

Lawrie then blazed over from eight yards for Altrincham as nerves started to jangle at Prenton Park.

Lawrie had a golden opportunity to draw the visitors level when he met a Ryan Crowther cross but as the congregation held it’s breath he could only head wide.

As Rovers retreated, Altrincham went even closer when Scott Leather glanced a header against the base of the post.

Lee Sinnott’s side were now throwing the kitchen sink at Rovers, bombarding the box with high balls, most of which were nodded to safety by the overworked Steve McNulty.

In an absolutely gripping finale Davies denied Damien Reeves from point blank range before Rovers broke away at the other end only for Deasy to foil Norwood in a one-on-one.

In the end Tranmere just held on for a very hard fought but deserved victory that could serve as a turning point in this stuttering campaign.

Match stats:

Tranmere Rovers: 1 Norwood 28

Altrincham: 0

Half time: 1-0

Star man: Scott Davies (Goalkeeper, Tranmere Rovers)

Attendance: 5,414

Entertainment: 4/5

Ref rating: Richard Wigglesworth (8/10)

Tranmere (4-5-1): Davies (player rating) 9; Vaughan 8, McNulty 8, Ihiekwe 7, Hill 6; Mekki 8 (Mangan 65, 6), Jennings 7, Harris 7, Maynard 8, Tomlinson 6 (Kirby 86, NA), Norwood 8.

Subs not used: Turner, Sutton, Stockton A

ltrincham (4-4-2): Deasy (player rating) 8, Sinnott 6, Havern 6, Leather 7, Griffin 6, Lawrie 7, Richman 7, Moult 6, Crowther 7 (Bowerman 86, NA), Rankine 6 (Clee 61,6), Reeves 7.

Subs not used: Heathcote, O’Keefe, Williams