Charlie Whitaker goal sees Tranmere end losing run with home win over Fleetwood

Charlie Whitaker’s seventh goal of the season saw Tranmere return to winning ways with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Fleetwood at Prenton Park.

Whitaker’s strike in the 23rd minute ended a run of two successive defeats for Rovers and inflicted only a second loss in 10 matches on the Cod Army.

Fleetwood almost took the lead in the sixth minute when Matty Virtue’s close-range effort was saved by Joe Murphy before Will Davies’ follow-up was cleared off the line by Jordan Turnbull.

Tranmere responded as Whitaker struck the crossbar from close range following a corner, with Jay Lynch beaten.

The forward made no mistake moments later, firing home from six yards after Kristian Dennis’ header fell invitingly into his path.

Fleetwood started the second half on the front foot, with Ethan Ennis denied by Murphy and Mark Helm firing narrowly wide.

Tranmere weathered the pressure and went close to extending their lead when Billy Blacker was denied by an excellent save from Lynch.

Despite late pressure from the visitors, including efforts from Ryan Graydon and Lewis McCann, Rovers held firm to secure all three points.