Tranmere greatly improved their chances of avoiding League One relegation with a vital 2-1 triumph against Accrington Stanley at the Wham Stadium.

James Vaughan gave Rovers an early lead, heading in a cross from Kieron Morris, before Mark Ellis doubled their advantage with thirteen minutes to play, after tapping home a square pass from fellow centre-back Peter Clarke.

Experienced defender Ellis has now scored in both of his appearances since returning from a long-term injury.

An Alex Woodyard own goal gave Stanley hope in the closing minutes but Harvey Rodgers was dismissed late on - picking up a second yellow card for an obvious foul on Vaughan.

Wirral Globe: Mark Ellis is mobbed by Kieron Morris after his vital goal for Tranmere. Photo: Tony CoombesMark Ellis is mobbed by Kieron Morris after his vital goal for Tranmere. Photo: Tony Coombes

His dismissal allowed Micky Mellon's men to see out the win - their first back-to-back league victories of the season - sending the 1000-strong travelling Super White Army home delighted.

With AFC Wimbledon drawing at home to rock-bottom Bolton, Rovers have closed the gap to six points behind the Dons with two games in hand on their South London rivals.