Ronan Hale makes big impression on full home debut as Gillingham beat Tranmere

Ronan Hale bagged a brace on his full home debut to help Gillingham clinch all three points in a 2-1 win over struggling Tranmere at Priestfield.

The former Ross County striker found the net with an impressive 25th-minute volley before a heading home Max Clark’s corner shortly after the hour.

The hosts dominated the early exchanges and created two fine chances with Garath McCleary and Ethan Coleman forcing fine saves from debutant Marko Marosi in the Tranmere goal.

Gills deservedly took the lead when Bradley Dack’s corner was nodded away as far as Armani Little and his header back into the box was beautifully volleyed home by Hale.

Joe Ironside should have equalised just prior to the interval but from close range he could not turn home Charlie Whitaker’s low cross.

He went close again moments into the second period, but from a corner he guided his header wide.

Hale netted his second when he peeled off his man following Clark’s corner and nodded beyond Marosi from six yards.

Whitaker’s precise left-footed shot from 20 yards reduced the deficit with 12 minutes remaining, but the hosts held on.