Tranmere Rovers.......0

Chester........................0

Tireless Tranmere threw the kitchen sink at rivals Chester put could find no way past inspired goalkeeper Alex Lynch in an entertaining stalemate at Prenton Park.

The Chester gloves man made a string of reaction saves and Connor Jennings hit the post as, despite their concerted efforts, Rovers had to settle for a frustrating draw.

Following the hugely disappointing news that winger Ben Tollitt is out for a further 12 weeks with a cracked kneecap – his comeback lasted all of 40 minutes – Micky Mellon was forced to make one change to the XI that started against Leyton Orient midweek.

On-loan wide man Dylan Mottley-Henry, who impressed as a substitute against the O’s, replaced unlucky Tollitt, while another new loan arrival, Gerry McDonagh, was granted a place on the bench.

With the visitors in good numbers for the short journey up the road, the players entered the field to thunderous noise, creating a true derby match atmosphere.

Rovers started in command and almost took the lead when Andy Cook’s knockdown teed up James Norwood, but his half volley was brilliantly tipped around the post by Alex Lynch.

The Chester keeper was called upon again moments later, saving a low-drilled effort from Ollie Norburn.

A delightful chip from Jennings put Norwood in on goal but he could not control the ball efficiently enough and miscued his strike on goal.

Norburn was next to try his luck from the edge of the box, but he could only shank it into the Cowsheds, to the delight of the travelling contingent.

Tranmere continued to press for the opener with Norwood glancing a vicious cross from Adam Buxton just wide of the goal.

Cook then repeated the feat when Liam Ridehlagh provided a similar delivery from the opposite flank.

Chester’s first meaningful attempt on goal arrived in the 23rd minute, when Ross Hannah capitalised on hesitancy in the Rovers’ midfield but could only screw his 20-yard shot wide.

Just a minute later Norwood wanted a penalty when he tangled with Seal’s stopper Lynch, but instead he was awarded a yellow card for simulation by referee Peter Wright.

A clever quick free kick from Jeff Hughes put Norwood in on goal, who went round his marker before seeing his shot saved by the legs of Lynch who recovered well to hold Cook’s header on the rebound.

Kinglsey James pulled a 25 yard effort well wide as the visitors temporarily halted the one-way traffic but it was Rovers who were bossing the match.

A controlled half volley from Jennings was punched clear by the outstretched Lynch before his rear guard mopped up the danger.

Blues manager Marcus Bignot would have been please to see his side make it to half time without conceding, such was the dominance of the home team.

Rovers started in similar vein after the break, but it was Chester who had the first shot of note on 50 minutes, when Tom Shaw saw his powerful shot blocked by the head of McNulty.

Shaw found himself in another goal scoring position moments later but again Tranmere’s imperious captain foiled him.

As the Super White Army increased the noise levels in the Kop, Buxton burst towards the penalty area and unleashed a low drive that hit the front post side netting.

James Akintunde tried his luck from 30 yards but he could only send his dipping effort over Scott Davies’ crossbar.

A clever back heel from Mottley-Henry allowed Buxton to cross for Cook, but under pressure he failed to get his head on the ball.

McDonagh was handed his home debut on the hour mark – replacing Cook – as Rovers continued to try and unpick the Chester lock.

Mottley-Henry almost made the breakthrough in the 66th minute when he got his head on the end of a Ridehalgh cross, only to see Lynch brilliantly claw it off the line.

But there was more from Lynch to come. With 20 minutes to play a sweeping counter from Tranmere saw Norwood play in McDonagh, however with a maiden goal in sight, the inspired stopper stood tall and deflected the loanee’s shot out for a corner.

Still Rovers pressed. Norwood mistimed one before McNulty saw a deflected effort held by Lynch who then pushed another Norwood effort around the post.

On 80 minutes Lynch was finally beaten but saw a deflected effort from Jennings come back out off the post, as the Chester goal appeared to be living a charmed life.

McNnulty steered a bullet header just wide before Lynch held Hughes’ curling effort as the spoils were shared.

A healthy crowd of 7,172 witness the match on national non-league day and despite the lack of goals, there was no shortage of entertainment.

Manager Mellon said: "I’m very happy with the performance but very disappointed not to take any of the chances that came our way.

“They’ve not had a chance and we’ve had six or seven real ones. I’d take one of them every game an expect to win but that’s the way it is, we’re not blaming anyone.

“We’re creating some unbelievable chances. The frustration is understandable, we all feel the same. We can only continue to do what we’re doing.

“How they’re goalkeeper has performed – we were laughing in the end. I’m scratching my head. We don’t really have any answers."

Match Stats:

Tranmere Rovers 0 Chester 0

Half time: 0-0

Star man: Steve McNulty (Tranmere centreback)

Attendance: 7,172

Entertainment: 3/5

Tranmere (4-4-2): Davies player rating 6; Buxton 7, McNulty 9, Sutton 6, Ridehalgh 6; Norburn 7 (Harris 90, NA), Hughes 8, Jennings 7, Mottley-Henry 6; Norwood 7, Cook 6 (McDonagh 61, 5)

Subs not used: Pilling, McEverley, Alabi

Chester (4-5-1): Lynch 9; Halls 6, McCombe 7, Astles 7, Rowe-Turner 7; James 6, Turnbull 5, Dawson 6, Shaw 7 (Joyce 90, NA), Akintunde 6; Hannah 6

Subs not used: Chapell, Bell, Jones, Waters