Penalty gives victory to Rovers in derby game against Chester

Tranmere Rovers....1

A James Norwood penalty gave Tranmere three points from today's local derby at Chester FC.

With Jay Harris unavailable through suspension and Lois Maynard missing through injury, there were changes in midfield with Steve Jennings returning from suspension and Jake Kirby coming in on the wing.

James Norwood took Tranmere Rovers to victory against Chester FC. Picture: Tony Coombes

Tranmere made the early running and Kirby forced a save from Tony Thompson which resulted in a corner which was headed goalwards by Michael Higdon only for a Chester defender to clear off the line.

Rovers' players applaud the visiting support with three points in the bag. Picture: Tony Coombes

The home team's first effort was on 16 minutes when John Rooney fired straight at Scott Davies from 20 yards.

Rovers had further chances as Adam Mekki, Jake Kirby and James Norwood shot over the crossbar while Lee Vaughan had a shot saved by Thompson as the teams went in at the breaks with the scores goalless.

Tranmere began the second half lively and Kirby and Norwood forced Thompson into saves shortly after the restart.

Rovers had a penalty shout on 55 minutes when Norwood's effort was blocked by what the players claimed was a hand but nothing was given.

Rovers players shout for the alleged handball incident denying a penalty decision in the last few minutes of the game. Picture: Tony Coombes

The penalty was awarded on 68 minutes when Mekki was brought down by Johnny Hunt.

Norwood stepped up and sent Thompson the wrong way to give Tranmere the lead.

Jack Mackreth and Gary Taylor-Fletcher were brought into the action in place of Kirby and Higdon with ten minutes remaining.

Jake Kirby faces off to Chester’s Sam Hughes in the early stages of the game. Picture: Tony Coombes

Taylor-Fletcher had a header which went wide of the target with three minutes left.

Norwood hit a 25-yard free kick which flew narrowly over the crossbar on 89 minutes.

Chester’s Johnny Hunt brings down Adam Mekki for a penalty. Picture: Tony Coombes

A counter attack in the third minute saw Mekki play in Jennings whose shot was destined for the goal until a touch from Ben Heneghan turned it wide.

Jeff Hughes fends of the challenge of Chester’s Jordan Chappell. Picture: Tony Coombes

But Rovers kept the ball in the final stages and and picked up three important points, taking them back into the National League play-off places.