McNulty's late goal maintains winning start to season for Tranmere Rovers

Maidstone Utd.............1

TRANMERE won their fifth National League fixture of the new season with a 2-1victory over Maidstone at Prenton Park.

Last season's 24-goal man, Andy Cook, put the hosts ahead with his second of this campaign after battling past two defenders on the left and slamming home.

Though the score was close Tranmere in truth could have won by more.

James Norwood headed Steven Jennings' corner against the post and Cook was denied by a clearance off the line.

James Norwood attempts one of numerous chances in a dominant first half home display. Picture: Tony Coombes

Alex Flisher levelled midway through the second half, squeezing the ball under Scott Davies.

However Steve McNulty bundled home a deserved winner 10 minutes from time, as another Jennings corner caused trouble in the Maidstone box.

The victory keeps Rovers' advantage at the top of the league at three points from Dagenham and Redbridge.

Manager Gary Brabin named an unchanged side for the fourth game in a row and consistency appears to be paying dividends.

Andy Cook breaks through the Stones defence to then score a 41st minute opener. Picture: Tony Coombes

The manager said: "We kept on going and created chances and thankfully got the winner and could have had a third towards the end too.

"We dug in, stayed patient and had some really good chances and got ourselves back in front, deservedly so I think."

Brabin had praise for the two goalscorers and said their performances thoroughly deserved to have been the players to win Tranmere the game.

He added: "Cookie (Andrew Cook) has worked really hard up there and got his goal, and I thought Macca (Stephen McNulty) was immense today.

Maidstone's Alex Fisher then scored to pull the visitors level, after 62 minutes. Picture: Tony Coombes

"We know that we have more in the tank and now we have a full week of preparation ahead of the next game against Southport next Saturday."

After the game McNulty said that there are better performances to come but it was vital to maintain the 100% record.

"It wasn't our best performance today but it's three points and confidence we take into the next game and try to keep the winning run going for as long as we can and stay top of the league," he said.

Players celebrate with McNulty. Pictiure: Tony Coombes

"They defended deeply and so it was difficult to get in behind them, but we kept plugging away and I thought there was only to be one winner and that was us, and thankfully it worked out that way.

"If you're going to win leagues, you need to keep clean sheets, and that's not just down to me and the back four but the whole team.

"We've worked really hard on that since the end of last season. Last season, we conceded too many goals particularly at home so we want to put that right this term."