Old foes Wrexham leave Tranmere's play-off hopes hanging by a thread

Wrexham...........2

Tranmere’s promotion push was left hanging by a thread after defeat by old foes Wrexham in a fierce derby at Prenton Park.

The Dragons lead at half time through Kayden Jackson but a James Norwood penalty on 78 minutes restored parity.

Rovers pushed forward for a winner but were picked off as Wrexham took the lead again through Sean Newton six minutes from time.

Jeff Hughes on the ball for Tranmere Rovers against Wrexham on Saturday. Picture: Richard Ault

Gary Brabin made one change to the side that overcame Torquay United a week earlier, bringing in fan’s favourite Adam Mekki for Lois Maynard.

Wrexham took the lead on the quarter of an hour mark after a disastrous short back pass from Steve McNulty was gifted to Jackson, who took the ball around Michael Ihiekwe before stroking it past Scott Davies into the net.

Simon Heslop tested Davies from 25 yards with an awkward dipping effort, which the Tranmere stopper managed to palm away, as Wrexham continued to offer the greater attacking threat.

A wicked ball from Jeff Hughes reached Higdon at the far post but the striker headed back across goal and the chance was gone.

A free kick from Mekki was bundled clear by Wrexham just past the half hour mark before another pass from the winger saw Steve Jennings slice the ball over from 18 yards as Rovers looked to fight their way back into the match.

James Norwood in action on Saturday. Picture: Richard Ault

A high tackle from Jay Harris conceded a free kick in a dangerous area and put the former Wrexham midfielder on a yellow card. The resultant dead ball was curled just over by Newton.

Tranmere lacked synergy in the first half but just before the break Mekki slalomed his way through the pack before putting a left foot shot just wide of the post.

Rovers returned for the second half with more conviction and Jay Harris sailed the ball just over the bar as the hosts looked to restore parity at the Kop end.

A knockdown from Higdon bounced across the face of the goal before Rhys Taylor pushed a shot from Hughes wide.

When visiting keeper Taylor spilled a cross at broke for Higdon who deliberated too long before curling a shot wide much to the disgust of the beleaguered Kop.

Wrexham had appeals for a penalty waved away as the atmosphere in Prenton Park turned white hot.

After warming up for 20 minutes, Gary Taylor-Fletcher came on for Jeff Hughes and immediately played a through ball for James Norwood who’s attempted square ball was blocked.

Roared on by the home crowd, Tranmere started to pile pressure on the Wrexham rear guard.

A fizzing free kick from Mekki was missed by Norwood at the far post when it looked easier to score before Mekki himself missed an easy header from six yards.

Taylor-Fletcher then had a shot blocked but the resultant corner was cleared as Rovers knocked on the door, testing the Dragons' resolve to the max.

It was broken on 78 minutes when Mekki was brought down in the box by Simon Heslop and referee Martin Coy pointed to the spot.

James Norwood slammed home from 12 yards leaving Rovers with 10 minutes to find a winner.

James Norwood after slamming home the goal on Saturday. Picture: Richard Ault

But with only six minutes to play Tranmere were dealt a hammer blow when a Wes York corner was flicked on by Louis Briscoe before Sean Newton bundled the ball into the net over Lee Vaughan on the line.

The full time whistle was met with boos as Tranmere dropped to seventh and must now go to Eastleigh next Saturday and win to keep their play-off hopes alive.

James Norwood celebrates after scoring for Rovers. Picture: Richard Ault

Brabin said: “It was another opportunity for us to get some points but it’s two bad goals conceded. I don’t think they created a lot to cause us any problems.

"It’s two of our most experienced players at fault for their goals.

“It’s disappointing as I thought we had a lot of possession.

"We dominated their half. When we got back into the game it felt like we were going to get that second.

"It’s hugely disappointing but there’s still a lot to play for and we’re certainly not giving up.

“We’ve got a lot of belief in what we do but you can never legislate for two of your most experienced players being at fault for the goals but throughout the season we’ve conceded goals not by being torn open but by our own mistakes.

“I still think there’s going to be a lot of twists and turns. We’re not going to stand here and feel sorry for ourselves.

"We’ve got to dust ourselves down and look to the next game.”