Rovers sunk by Bolton Wanderers' second half hat-trick (From Wirral Globe)

Rovers sunk by Bolton Wanderers' second half hat-trick

11:45am Wednesday 8th August 2012 in Tranmere News

A SECOND half hat-trick from Arsenal loanee Benik Afobe saw Tranmere Rovers lose to Bolton Wanderers last night.

Rovers were defeated 3-1 in the pre-season friendly, with just Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro managing to score during the game at Prenton Park.

However Ronnie Moore’s side had chances throughout the match to secure a win with Andy Robinson and James Wallace both making attempts to score..

Bolton’s Afobe took a chance to take the lead when he shot into the net from 12 yards.

Moore replaced Joe Thompson with Abdulai Bell-Baggie but after just three minutes on the pitch, Wanderers added their second goal.

A free kick from Eagles was delivered into the area and Afobe looped a header over Rovers’ keeper Owain Fon Williams and into the net.

Two minutes later the striker completed his hat-trick.

The Arsenal loanee controlled the ball on the edge of the area, made himself a yard of space and sent a fine shot into the bottom right corner of the Tranmere goal.

Rovers got on the scoresheet with virtually the last kick of the game when substitute Max Power's corner was deflected into the net off the body of Akpa Akpro.