THERE was a standing ovation for Tranmere Rovers' striker Andy Cook after he scored all four goals against Gateshead at Prenton Park last night.

Micky Mellon's side came from two goals down to win 4-2 and take all three crucial points in the National League clash.

It was a bright enough start by Tranmere, but the game went into a bit of a lull with neither team keeping hold of possession for sustained periods which led to a flat atmosphere in the stands.

The visitors created a couple of half openings, but nothing which caused goalkeeper Scott Davies too much trouble.

Gateshead started the second period on the front foot and a dangerous low cross just evaded York at the back post before Jordan Burrow fired wide from 20 yards.

The equaliser came eight minutes into the second half when Ridehalgh sent over a low cross which Cook met on the turn 15 yards from goal, swivelled and hit a sweet shot into the bottom corner of the net.

He did well to get by a couple of defenders before firing inches past the post while Ben Tollitt sent over a low cross into the danger zone which Norwood could not quite get on the end of.

The turnaround was complete on the hour mark as Rovers took the lead and Cook secured the matchball.

The big number nine had a shot saved by the goalkeeper’s legs before he notched his and Rovers’ fourth of the evening.

Ollie Norburn picked up the ball just outside the Gateshead penalty box, looked up and fired in a low shot which Cook diverted into the opposite corner to where it was heading to bamboozle the 'keeper and make it 4-2.

Gateshead had the ball in the net with 10 minutes remaining but the assistant referee had his flag raised for offside so the goal did not count.

Andy Cook was the first Rovers' player to net all four of Tranmere's goals in a competitive game since one-time manager John Aldridge did in November 1994.

Praising his number nine's four-star performance, manager Micky Mellon said: "I think in the second half, that is as good a striking performance as I've seen in a long time.

"It had everything in it, he led the line incredibly well, every time he touched the ball the next touch was a Tranmere player.

"Being in the right place at the time is not down to luck.

"You don't score as many goals as Cookie has and just be lucky, he knows where the back of the net is."