Shaun Whalley scores big goal for Accrington at fellow strugglers Tranmere

Shaun Whalley netted the winner as Accrington boosted their League Two survival hopes with a 1-0 victory over fellow strugglers Tranmere at Prenton Park.

Stanley’s first win in seven games lifted them to 20th, seven points above the relegation zone, with Tranmere five points behind after no win in 10 matches piled the pressure on boss Nigel Adkins.

The visitors could have been ahead through Donald Love and Ash Hunter, who both wasted good chances inside the first 10 minutes.

At the other end, Billy Crellin denied Connor Jennings an opener as he tipped his close-range header just over the bar.

Hunter had another glorious opportunity before half-time but failed to convert with only keeper Luke McGee to beat.

But just five minutes after the restart Stanley were ahead when Whalley broke free following a defensive mix-up and smashed home his eighth goal of the season.

Rovers pushed forward in search of an equaliser and were almost level when substitute Kristian Dennis fired just over the bar from six yards.

Despite further good chances falling to Dennis, Josh Hawkes and Regan Hendry, Rovers were unable to avoid a fifth defeat in seven games and left the field to a chorus of boos.