Reading 1, Tranmere 3

Attendance: 7,069

JOHN Morrissey inspired Tranmere to thier first win in 11 outings in the Nationwide League Division One - and, most importantly, their first goals for 11 hours and 40 minutes of League football.

Rovers produced an outstanding team performance to brush Reading aside, with the recalled Morrissey and Graham Branch tormenting the Royals' defence at will.

Rovers Player-manager John Aldridge wielded the axe as Gary Jones, Micky Mellon and Andy Parkinson were relegated to the substitutes' bench.

Midfielder Kenny Irons, back in his favoured central midfield role after playing right wing in the 3-0 midweek defeat at Middlesbrough, headed Rovers into the lead after a fine cross by Stephen Frail.

The recalled Morrissey was in his element on the right wing with a licence to attack and had a hand in all three Rovers goals.

Striker David Kelly ended his personal goal drought by firing home his first goal in 12 matches - and his 11th of the season - after latching on to Morrissey's through ball.

Branch sealed the game with Rovers' third - and an absolutely magic goal. Taking Morrissey's pass, he deceived two Reading defenders on a run which took him into the box and beat the 'keeper with a lovely left foot finish. Mr Aldridge described the goal as being reminiscent of "George Best in his heyday."

Reading substitute Martin Williams pulled a consolation goal back for Reading.

Tranmere: Simonsen, Frail, Thompson, McGreal (sub: G. Jones, 70 mins), Challinor, Irons, Morrissey, Hill, Kelly, O'Brien (sub: Mellon, 61 mins), Branch. Unused sub: Parkinson.

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