Brave performance by Tranmere Rovers in 3-1 victory over Portsmouth

TRANMERE recorded their first league win since August as they overcame Portsmouth 3-1 at Prenton Park.

Manager Micky Adams - savouring his first league victory as Rovers manager - said he was impressed wth the bravery shown by his players who responded on the pitch to criticism from "the doubters and the cynics."

There were three changes to the side which were defeated by Southend United last weekend with Owain Fon Williams, Danny Holmes and James Rowe coming into the side.

Marcus Holness and Calaum Jahraldo-Martin moved down to the bench while Peter Brezovan missed out with a back injury.

A first-half strike by Shamir Fenelon was cancelled out by Pompey's Jed Wallace after the break, but further goals by James Rowe and Max Power ensured Tranmere's win.

The home side got off to a great start with a goal after just 75 seconds. Danny Holmes forced a corner and Max Power's delivery from the right fell to Shamir Fenelon at the back post who poked the ball over the line for his first goal for the club.

Play was stopped on 17 minutes with Holmes and Will Aimson both down following a challenge. Holmes was okay to continue but Aimson was carried off the field on a stretcher and replaced by Marcus Holness.

Wallace struck an equaliser for Portsmouth on 57 minutes. A corner from the right was half-cleared and it fell to the midfielder whose shot from 20 yards out took a deflection past Fon Williams.

Tranmere regained the lead on 67 minutes when a cross by Liam Ridehalgh was miscontrolled by Cole Stockton, the ball found Jason Rowe on the edge of the box and the midfielder curled a shot into the top corner.

Rovers were awarded a penalty when Liam Ridehalgh was bundled over in the box by Wallace. Max Power's spot-kick was saved, but the midfielder struck the rebound home off the underside of the crossbar to make it 3-1.

Adams said he was delighted with his side's performance: "It's been a tough, long week. We've worked really hard on the training ground and I think you've seen the fruits of our labour there.

"We've played well, I was really pleased with them.

"The doubters and cynics were having a field day with us - and you have to respond.

"The only way you can respond is with hard work on the training ground and trying to put it right on a Saturday.

"I was pleased with the bravery we showed on the ball. When you're bottom of the table, you can get nervous. But to a man everyone wanted the ball and showed their character."

Rovers will be in FA Cup action next Saturday, away to Oxford Utd.

The following Tuesday, December 9, it's the the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Northern semi-final against Walsall at Prenton Park, kick-off will be at 7.45pm.

Their next league fixture will be on Saturday, December 13, away to Dagenham and Redbridge.