Big-time CHARLIE!

WHITAKER'S 10TH OF SEASON GIVES ROVERS VITAL VICTORY

- By LOUIS PARR

TRANMERE secured a vital three points with a 1-0 Boxing Day win over Fleetwood Town at Prenton Park to end their run of back-to-back defeats.

Charlie Whitaker's first-half volley was enough to seal victory for Rovers in a hard-fought clash with The Cod Army.

The results sees Andy Crosby's side pick up just their third home win of the season in League Two, thanks to some resolute defending against the inform visitors.

An action-packed first half saw Tranmere indebted to their goal keeper, as Joe Murphy pulled off a trio of excellent saves inside the opening ten minutes.

The first chance of the game fell to the visitors, as Matty Virtue latched on to Ched Evans’ lofted pass only to be thwarted by the onrushing Murphy, before a superb goal-line tackle from Jordan Turnbull denied Will Davies’ followup.

The veteran stopper was required again two minutes later, getting down smartly to his left to parry Ethan Ennis’ drive after a mistake from Aaron McGowan.