TRANMERE interim manager Nigel Adkins was left frustrated after Rovers could not take advantage of an excellent start before losing 4-1 away at AFC Wimbledon. 

Iraqi international Ali Al-Hamadi bagged a hat-trick as the Dons earned their first home win of the Sky Bet League Two season which leaves Tranmere in the relegation zone, where they started the day, having won only two of their first 10 games this season.

Rovers had snatched an early lead through Connor Jennings, but after Armani Little brought AFC Wimbledon level, it all went wrong for the visitors.

However, Adkins nonetheless found encouragement by the start his team made to the game.

He said: “We started both halves really, really well. The first half especially.

“Our intensity, our passing, our movement, our identity, our understanding of what we wanted. For the first 20 minutes, it was spot on.

“And then goals changed the complexion of the game.”

A key moment of the game came eight minutes after the interval, when Josh Turnbull saw red after a rash challenge on Isaac Ogundere.

The challenge was right under the nose of Adkins, who understood referee Daniel Middleton’s decision to dismiss Turnbull.

“It’s a thunderous challenge going in, committed,” Adkins added.

“We want committed challenges going in, but I think in the climate of today, maybe a follow through is just enough [to be a red card].

“It’s a fraction harsh, but the referee had a decision to make and we went down to 10 men.”

Tranmere faced Bradford at home on Tuesday before hosting Grimby Town on Saturday but for the interim boss it is clear where the major issues lie. 

"We haven't won away from home as a football club since February and that has to change," added Adkins. 

"We'll reflect on the goals and we've got to learn very, very quickly - we cannot concede the goals we've condeded today but we have to keep building on the good things that have gone on.

"It's fair to say we were very good for 20-25 minutes but we're a collective - it's me, everybody - we've got to find a way. 

"This division is relentless and it's Saturday, Tuesday for a long time but if we can bring the 20 minutes we brought here in the first half and the ten minutes we brought at the start of the second half and combine it we'll be better."