Brough night as Rovers crash out

FOUR-GAME UNBEATEN RUN OVER AS TROPHY BID COMES TO AN EMPHATIC HALT

- By LOUIS PARR

TRANMERE were knocked out of the Vertu Trophy at the round of 32 stage with a 3-0 home defeat to Fleetwood Town.

Patrick Brough’s own goal and strikes from Ronan Coughlin and Mark Helm saw the visitors go through following a dominant second half performance.

Defeat for Rovers means Andy Crosby's side’s four-game unbeaten run came to an end.

An even start saw both teams miss chances to take the lead early on, Kristian Dennis going closest after three minutes.

The ball fell to the striker following tireless pressing from Taylan Harris, however Dennis’ snapshot blazed just wide of the post.

It was Fleetwood’s turn to threaten next though, as Ethan Ennis’ wicked delivery landed at the feet of Zech Medley, who fired over from the corner of the box.

Tranmere then missed a gilt-edged chance to open the scoring on eight minutes, as Joe Ironside failed to turn home Harris’ fizzed cross from six yards out.