Tranmere Rovers.......0

Bury...............................1

By Richard Garnett

BURY have won promotion back to League One after a goal from Tom Soares gave the Shakers three decisive points at already-relegated Tranmere.

The visitors took the lead on the hour when Chris Hussey found Soares in the box who poked home, sparking wild scenes.

Max Power had the ball in the net for Tranmere on 18 minutes, but his effort was chalked-off for handball.

Adam El Abd handled blatantly in his own penalty area on the half hour but referee Simon Hooper ruled in the Bury defender’s favour for shirt pulling.

On the stroke of half time Owain Fon Williams thwarted efforts from Bury’s Tom Soares and Andrew Tutte in quick succession.

The Shakers had appeals for a penalty waved away just before the hour mark, but there was a partial pitch invasion moments later as Soures broke the deadlock.

Rory Donnelly missed a great chance to equalise for Rovers on 75 minutes when he headed wide with the goal at his mercy.

Jason Koumas put a 25-yard free kick narrowly over the bar in the closing stages and Ian Hume shot straight at Nick Pope late on, as Rovers recorded yet another defeat and face up to life in non-league football.

The full time whistle sparked a large pitch invasion from the ecstatic away supporters but was largely controlled by police and stewards.

Tranmere's season to forget saw them finish rock bottom of the league with 39 points and a goal difference of -22.

Alan Rogers, caretaker manager, said: "I thought we had a go. It’s the least they could do for the fans.

"We came in at half time, we were pleased with the boys and we set the team up to stop them playing, because they like to play.

"I thought we nullified their threat, even when they were in possession they were passing sideways, weren’t really hurting us, but it’s another defeat. It’s tough to take.

The points tally doesn’t lie does it?

"At the end of the day no matter how we try to sugar coat things, we’ve not been good enough for a couple of years.

"I hope whoever comes in can get it right because it’s a great club with great fans and great people behind it.

"I just hope the fortunes can change under a new regime.

"The fans have been different class. Other clubs would have lost the fans but today they’re still cheering and singing and pushing the boys. They deserve better."

Before kick-off, the Globe spoke to fans outside Prenton Park pre-match and found the general consensus to be one of renewed optimism for next season.

Young Rovers fan Connor from Woodchurch said: “It’s the defence really that’s the problem. We need new signings. Get them and we’ll come straight back up next season.”

Peter Wharton from Upton, who has been coming to Prenton Park since 1952, said: “It will take us three seasons to get out of this league (Conference). We played Bournemouth three and a half years ago and look where they are now. They got someone in there with a bit of money.

Wirral Globe:

“Mark Palios (pictured above) has got a lot going for him. We’ve got the Solar Complex and we’ve got a good youth system here.

“We’ve had the best season of young players coming through for two or three seasons and that’s down to Shaun Garnett.

“I’ve been watching football for a long long time. I’ve seen it all here and I think it’ll take two or three seasons to come back up.”

When asked whether he thought Gary Brabin would be a good fit for the vacant manager’s seat, he said: “He’s already packed up and left Southport for Everton so I’m not sure if he’ll come here.

“I would be happy if he came though. He’s got a mouth on him and he knows the lower leagues.”

Another supporter from Birkenhead added: “Since Mark Palios has come here I think he’s done a lot to encourage fans to attend games.

"I don’t think there’s much more he can do really. He’s reduced coach prices he’s reduced ticket prices, he’s done brilliantly.”

MATCH STATS:

Referee: Simon Hooper 7/10

Attendance: 7,158.

Match rating 3/5

Star man: Tom Soures, Right midfield, Bury

Tranmere: (4-3-1-2): Fon Williams, player rating: 7, Ihiekwe 6, Dugdale 6, Donacien 6, Hill 7, Jennings 7, Power 6, Donnelly 6 (Omotola 76, 6), Koumas 7 (Kirby 90, N/A), Hume 7 (Jago 90, N/A), Odejayi 6.

Subs not used: Pilling, Laird, Stockton, Gumbs.

Bury: (4-4-2): Pope, player rating: 6, Riley 7, El Abd 7, Cameron 7, Hussey 7, Soares 8, Tutte 6 (Jones 45, 6), Etuhu 6, Mayor 6, Lowe 5 (Sedgwick 66, 6), Hope 6 (Nardiello 45, 6).

Subs not used: Lainton, Adams, O’Brien, Rose