TRANMERE Rovers bounced back from defeat in the FA Trophy semi-final with a 4-1 win against North Ferriby United in national league action last night.

A Jay Harris hat-trick helped Micky Mellon's side to victory at the Eon Visual Media Stadium.

It was the perfect boost for Rovers, who were denied a trip to Wembley on Saturday as Macclesfield dumped them out of the FA Trophy in a tight semi-final second leg at Prenton Park.

Last night's game didn't get off to the best start for Rovers, who went a goal behind in the opening stages, but a dominant display yielded results.

Connor Jennings had the first chance o the game when he fired towards goal on seven minutes, an effort which was scuffed but expertly steered towards goal by James Norwood only for Ryan Watson to make a smart save.

But Rovers went a goal behind on 13 minutes when a right wing free cross was headed home by Mark Gray from close range.

Micky Mellon's team responded well and, after a spell of pressure, equalised 10 minutes later.

The ball was played forward to Andy Cook who chested it down for Jay Harris to run onto and the midfielder fired low and hard into the bottom corner of the net.

Norwood had a couple of efforts off target as the first half drew to a close but the striker was to play an instrumental part in a second goal in first half stoppage time.

After a right wing corner, the ball fell to his feet and his nudged the ball past a defender before being brought down by the challenge.

A penalty was awarded and Jeff Hughes saw his spot kick parried by Watson but Harris was the quickest to react and he turned home the loose ball.

That gave Rovers an important lead at the interval and 15 minute after the restart, the visitors extended their advantage.

Following a superb tackle by Steve McNulty, Harris played a great ball down the right which was superbly controlled by Norwood who then sent over the perfect cross for Andy Cook at the back post who nodded home his 20th goal of the season.

There were further chances with Harris and substitute Andy Mangan going close, but Rovers had to wait until the final minute of stoppage time to complete the goalscoring and it was Harris who completed his first career hat-trick.

Another second half substitute, Adam Mekki, jinked his way past a couple of challenges before sliding the ball in to Harris who did the rest.

That completed a successful evening for Rovers who move closer to top spot with other results.

Their national league campaign continues on Saturday, facing Braintree Town at Prenton Park