TRANMERE took another step on the road to recovery from a wretched run of results with a merited success against fellow strugglers Wycombe Wanderers at Adams Park last night.
Ian Thomas-Moore’s spectacular 17th-minute strike secured Rovers’ second win of the League One campaign and their first on the road in five attempts this season.
Following hard on the heels of a 1-1 draw with high riding Colchester last Saturday, the performance suggested John Barnes’ team may be finally running into some form.
The three points took Tranmere one place above the Chairboys into 22nd place.
The victory was built around a composed and disciplined performance in which every player made a contribution.
The visitors controlled the play through periods of the first half, with some neat passing football, then defended coolly and without a mishap when under pressure for much of the second.
Goalkeeper Luke Daniels had one of the quietest games in a Tranmere shirt, thanks to the quality of the defensive work in front of him while all of the back four hardly put a foot wrong.
Tranmere were also impressively served by Paul McLaren, who produced a performance of authority and influence at the heart of midfield.
Tranmere’s strong and composed first half show was rewarded by a 17th-minute goal from Thomas-Moore.
The visitors worked hard at hustling and muscling Wycombe out of their stride in the opening quarter hour, making sure there was no threat to goalkeeper Luke Daniels.
Then after a burst of pressure, in which they won four corners in succession, Rovers struck.
McLaren’s flag-kick from the right was met by a powerful header from Michael Ricketts that struck a defender and rebounded to Thomas-Moore.
The skipper struck a dipping half volley from a tight angle on the right, high into the far corner of the net.
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