A first-half strike from Cameron Norman was the difference as United were defeated at Prenton Park.
Mike Williamson made four changes from Wednesday’s last-gasp defeat to Crewe Alexandra. Both Callum Whelan and Elliot Embleton entered the line-up for their United debuts, whilst Aaron Hayden and Kadeem Harris also regained a starting place.
Dan Adu-Adjei, Harrison Neal and Jack Ellis were dropped to the bench and there was no place in the squad for the Blues’ number 11, Jordan Jones.
Rovers’ right-back, Norman, converted beyond Breeze after alluding his marker, Cameron Harper at the back post following a low cross from Kieron Morris, ultimately netting what would go on to be the winner.
Elliot Embleton’s first big contribution in United colours came on six minutes. After receiving the ball on the edge of Tranmere’s box, he looked to lift a cross towards Dominic Sadi at the far post but the ball was over hit and evaded the latter.
A few minutes later, the hosts had their first sight of goal but Morris blasted wide of the target to the relief of the Cumbrians’ faithful beyond Gabe Breeze’s goal.
Debutant Callum Whelan came agonisingly close to hammering United in front after a quarter-of-an-hour, Elliot Embleton, who was also making his first appearance, slipped in the midfielder who caught the ball brilliantly but it flew just wide.
The visitors continued to assert their dominance in the moments that followed with over 1,200 travelling supporters in full voice behind them.
On 23 minutes, it was Rovers who struck first through Norman. Morris glided down the left before sending a ball into United’s box which was turned home at the far post by the right-back.
Former Carlisle man, Omari Patrick, looked to make it two 11 minutes before the interval, but after spinning with the ball just outside the area, he curled the ball into Breeze’s arms.
Prior to Harvey Saunders forcing United’s shot-stopper into a great low save to turn behind the attacker’s nodded effort.
On 39 minutes, Harris had arguably the best chance of the half for Mike Williamson’s side but his left-footed effort flew over Luke McGee’s crossbar.
HALF-TIME: Tranmere Rovers 1-0 United
The Blues’ skipper, Sam Lavelle, had to be on hand to deal with Rovers’ counter on 53 minutes as they looked to make it two - the centre-back turned the ball behind for a corner which was headed away by Aaron Hayden.
On 56 minutes, Harris’ deflected effort prompted a United corner in front of the away end which ended with Hayden being involved once again, his lofted header over the ‘keeper was smashed off the line by Connor Jennings.
After being booked moments earlier, Tranmere defender Davies was in the right place at the right time to block Whelan’s goalward strike.
Substitute Dan Adu-Adjei had a fine chance to draw the visitors level on 67 minutes. Luke Armstrong showed superb strength to hold the ball and set Whelan, who knocked the ball left into the man on loan from Bournemouth, but his tame effort was saved by the hosts’ goalkeeper.
With 20 minutes remaining, Williamson’s side had back-to-back corners with Embleton taking both with in-swinging deliveries on both feet, however, neither were a threat on the Tranmere goal.
Kristian Dennis came within inches of making it two as the clock ticked closer to 90 minutes, but despite not hitting the target, it wouldn't matter as they held out to claim all three points in a huge game at the foot of the Sky Bet League Two table.
FULL-TIME: Tranmere Rovers 1-0 United
Teams:
Tranmere Rovers - McGee, Norman, O’Connor, Davies ©, Turnbull, Bradshaw, Finley, Morris (74’ Khan), Saunders (74’ Dennis), Patrick (63’ Davison), Jennings
Unused subs - Murphy, Solomon, Wood, Drysdale
United - Breeze, Harper (58’ Adu-Adjei), Lavelle ©, Hayden, Biggins (58’ Neal), Mellish, Sadi, Armstrong, Harris, Whelan, Embleton (79’ Dudik)
Unused subs - Smith, Charters, Ellis, Barclay
Goals:
Tranmere Rovers - (23’ Norman)
United - N/A
Yellow cards:
Tranmere Rovers - (38’ Patrick), (59’ Davies), (90+3’ Jennings)
United - (77’ Hayden)
Red cards:
Tranmere Rovers - N/A
United - N/A
Match officials:
Referee - Sebastian Stockbridge
Assistant Referee - Martin Parker
Assistant Referee - Daniel Smith
Fourth Official - Paul Stonier
Attendance:
6,856 (1,286 away)
