Nicholls (pen) 54 Dadi 5

Attendance: 8954

The game ended in a stalemate that leaves Luton three points ahead of Tranmere at the top with a game in hand. Hull are two points behind Luton and one ahead of Tranmere but Hull have two games in hand on Rovers and one on Luton.

Tranmere got off to a dream start in only the fifth minute when Iain Hume found Eugene Dadi in the area and he made no mistake. Rovers held out until half time but only nine minutes into the second period Goodison challenged Howard in the area and the referee awarded a penalty that was converted by Nicholls.

Tranmere made three changes from the side that drew at Oldham in midweek before losing on penalties, with one change a pleasant surprise for the 800 Rovers fans at Kenilworth Road. Goalkeeper John Achterberg returned to the starting line-up at the expense of Russell Howarth for the first time since getting injured in that dreadful away day at Hull on December 18. The other changes saw Ian Sharps return from suspension and then illness to replace Paul Linwood at the heart of the defence and Eugene Dadi partnered Iain Hume up front at the expense of Dagnall who dropped to the bench along with Linwood, Howarth, Jennings and Whitmore.

Achterberg was pressed into early action in the opening minutes saving from both Steve Robinson and Steve Howard before Tranmere took a surprise early lead through Eugene Dadi. Hume’s excellent knock down in the penalty area was diverted home by Dadi from close range after Taylor had won possession back for Tranmere.

Luton had further chances through Curtis Davies and Vine but again Achterberg was able to deny them as Rovers made it to half time with a clean sheet. Brian Little made a tactical change at half time, replacing Hume with Whitmore and moving to a 4-5-1 formation with Dadi as the lone striker supported by Hall and Whitmore.

Nine minutes into the second half, Luton were level when Goodison challenged Steve Howard in the penalty area and referee Probert signalled for a penalty. Kevin Nicholls converted the penalty and just six minutes later Goodison departed the field on a stretcher with concussion and was replaced by Paul Linwood. Both teams pressed for a winner and Achterberg denied Rowan Vine towards the end ensuring the game ended in a draw.

Hull’s inactivity meant Rovers moved to within a point of them but the Tigers have two games in hand over Rovers. Other good news for Tranmere was that Izale McLeod’s equaliser for MK Dons seven minutes from time earned them a draw at home to Sheffield Wednesday that keeps the Yorkshire club five points behind Tranmere with the same number of games played.

Due to me not attending the game I am unable to name a Man of the Match for this game. Rovers travel to Bradford next Saturday and will be looking to avenge their 5-4 defeat by the Bantams at Prenton Park earlier in the season.

Luton:

Beresford, Foley, Coyne, Davies, Davis, Nicholls, Robinson, Brkovic, Keane, Vine, Howard.

Subs Not Used: Neilson, Showunmi, Seremet, Holmes, Andrew

Bookings: Coyne

Tranmere:

Achterberg, Jackson, Sharps, Goodison (Linwood 60), Taylor, Roberts, Rankine, Hall, Harrison, Hume (Whitmore 45), Dadi

Subs Not Used: Howarth, Jennings, Dagnall

Bookings: Sharps, Achterberg

Referee: L Probert.