
An absorbing game at Prenton Park saw Scott Wootton score late on to mark a dream debut and earn Tranmere a draw against high-flying Brighton.
A failure to create clear-cut chances has been a regular criticism levelled at Les Parry's side since the season began.
But no such complaint could be issued today as Rovers created a whole host of chances in the second period, hitting the post twice and being denied what looked a clear penalty.
While the first half was a largely even affair, Rovers dominated the second and peppered the Brighton goal as they looked to cancel out Murray's first half volley.
And they got what their performance deserved when Wootton rose highest to claim a point for Les Parry's side in the 87th minute.
Rovers lined up in the now familiar 4-3-3 formation, Jennings and Akins either side of target man Showunmi with Welsh in the holding role behind Mendy and Labadie.
The only change from the midweek victory over Bristol Rovers saw on-loan Man Utd defender Scott Wootton make his debut in place of the now departed Jermaine Grandison.
Brighton began the game confidently, centre backs Elphick and Dunk passing out of defence in a way seldom seen at this level.
Despite the away side looking more comfortable on the ball it was Rovers who looked more dangerous in the opening stages.
17-year-old Dale Jennings, on his full home debut, found space twice down the left, the second time following a neat interchange between Showunimi and Labadie, but his final ball was behind Akins and came to nothing.
Rovers had a great chance to take the lead after ten minutes. Showunmi found space between the Brighton centre backs but as he charged toward goal he was denied by a superb last ditch tackle.
Some tidy play in midfield saw Mendy presented with a chance to strike on the quarter hour, and his ambitious 25-yarder was well dealt with by Ankergren in the Brighton goal.
There was a good flow to the game as the two styles made for an absorbing contest - Brighton passing the ball out wide, and Tranmere pressing the away side into mistakes and working the ball through the middle.
But after a period of few chances, Brighton took the lead with a wonder strike from on 34 minutes.
Following a spell of Rovers possession, a long kick upfield from Ankergren led to confusion in the centre of Rovers' defence, and as Goodison battled Barnes for the ball, it fell invitingly for Murray who smashed home a volley from all of 25 yards.
And the away side were nearly gifted a second minutes later, when Gulacsi spilled a fierce drive from the left straight to Barnes, who this time hammered high over the bar.
Brighton had two further chances to extend their lead as half time approached, but Gulacsi did well on both occasions to prevent Tranmere going in two down.
That was how it stayed as the half time whistle went, an even game until that moment of class from Murray, but Brighton dominated after that, with Dale Jennings struggling to make any impact on the Rovers left.
A quiet start to the second half exploded into life in the 53rd minute. Akins teed up Showunmi, who powered into the box and unleased a sizzling left foot strike that canoned back off the post.
Minutes later Akins again did well from a move started by Mendy, and Showunmi spun before sending a low drive just wide. Rovers were really motoring and Dale Jennings teased Calderon on the left before firing over as the Wirral side looked for an equaliser.
And Jennings again caused chaos in the Brighton area on 60 minutes, pulling the ball down before skipping around his man on the edge of the box, his deflected shot falling to Showunmi six yards out.
But with the goal gaping, the big striker's shot struck a Brighton leg and went just wide.
Rovers continued their assault on Albion's goal, with first Akins' deflected cross spinning onto the post, and then after 62 minutes, Jennings danced past his marker but his pull back was cleared.
A break by Brighton nearly put an unfair gloss on the scoreline when sub Sandaza found space in the box but he dragged his first time shot wide of the target.
Rovers were denied what looked a clear penalty in the 80th minute.
Akins again got the better of Painter and the ball found its way to Showunmi, who pushed the ball past his man only to be tripped as he lined up a shot.
But referee Simpson thought otherwise, and waved appeals away.
Rovers finally got the goal their performance deserved though, when Wootton rose to head home a Cresswell free kick three minutes from time.
With 4 minutes of time added on, both sides pushed for a winner but an entertaining game finished one-a-piece, and Parry will be delighted with his side's performance.
Rovers team: Gulacsi, Blanchard, Cresswell, Goodison, Wootton, Welsh, Labadie, Mendy, Jennings, Showunmi, Akins. Subs: Collister, Wood, Cathalina, McLaren, Morrow, Fraughan, Bakayogo
Post a comment