TRANMERE fell to their third consecutive league defeat as Jordan Turnbull’s own goal gave Morecambe a 1-0 win over Rovers at the Mazuma Stadium.

The defender was unfortunate to divert a superb Chris Stokes cross past his own keeper Luke McGee with 18 minutes to go.

Tranmere started well, with Kristian Dennis missing a great early opportunity, but it was Morecambe who created the better chances, with McGee twice saving well from JJ McKiernan in the first half after good work from Tom Bloxham.

The visiting keeper had to be at his best after the break with a superb save from Bloxham’s close-range effort with his feet and another excellent block from Michael Mellon.

The Shrimps finally broke through with Turnbull’s own goal before Tranmere wasted two glorious late chances to get back in the game.

Connor Jennings fired over from 18 yards before missing the target from close range from the rebound after Adam Smith had saved well from the impressive Rob Apter.

Tranmere’s caretaker boss Nigel Adkins admitted the defeat was a blow but was proud of his team’s efforts.

He said: “We are in the mire at the moment but you could see tonight how everyone is together and fighting for this club.

“Everyone could see the commitment and with every single player and every member of staff giving their all for the cause and for this football club.

“On another day we could have scored three, four or five goals but it hasn’t happened and one really unlucky deflection (decided the game).

“Ultimately we didn’t get the result we were after but our luck will change because we will all work as hard as we can to make sure that does.”