Match ends, Tranmere Rovers 2, Chester FC 0.
TranmereTranmere Rovers2ChesterChester0
Tranmere Rovers triumphed for the first time in five matches to win the first West Cheshire derby with Chester in 25 seasons.
Liam Hogan's early header set Rovers on their way before James Norwood doubled the lead on 37 minutes with a superb solo dribble and right-footed shot.
Chester rallied after the break and had a chance to reduce the deficit when Sam Hughes won a penalty for handball.
But keeper Scott Davies dived to his left to block John Rooney's spot-kick.
Chester old boy Gary Brabin's Rovers would have won by more had it not been for two fine one-on-one saves by visiting keeper Jon Worsnop to deny Norwood.
Tranmere Rovers manager Gary Brabin told BBC Radio Merseyside:
"It was a deserved three points. We played some great stuff in that first half and it was a class goal from James Norwood.
"We all know 2-0 is a dangerous lead and we expected Chester to come out kicking and screaming after the break. They're a good side.
"But, for all that, we still had plenty of chances. Scott Davies has made a fine save to keep out the penalty and all in all, it's a very pleasing result in front of a good crowd, which made for a great derby atmosphere."
Chester manager Steve Burr told BBC Radio Merseyside:
"It was poor defending for both the goals, especially for their first. You expect your keeper to come to take balls like that.
"And, for the second, although it was a wonderful goal by Norwood, he still started in his own half. We should have stopped him.
"Looking at it from their bench, it was a great goal. Looking at it from our bench, it was a poor one."
Line-ups
Tranmere
Formation 4-4-2
- 1Davies
- 12IhiekweBooked at 40mins
- 2Sutton
- 8Harris
- 16Hill
- 5Hogan
- 17Mekki
- 4Jennings
- 20DawsonBooked at 39minsSubstituted forJacksonat 78'minutes
- 10NorwoodSubstituted forMargettsat 90+4'minutes
- 14ManganSubstituted forMaynardat 86'minutes
Substitutes
- 3Ridehalgh
- 7Jackson
- 11Maynard
- 13Turner
- 19Margetts
Chester
Formation 4-4-2
- 1Worsnop
- 4KayBooked at 82mins
- 22Heneghan
- 10RooneyBooked at 81mins
- 3Hunt
- 6Sharps
- 2Higgins
- 8Shaw
- 7MahonSubstituted forHughesat 46'minutesBooked at 51mins
- 9HannahSubstituted forHobsonat 70'minutes
- 16O'HanlonSubstituted forRichardsat 65'minutes
Substitutes
- 11Chapell
- 12Hughes
- 13Forth
- 15Richards
- 19Hobson
- Referee:
- Simon Bennett
- Attendance:
- 7,433
Match Stats
Home TeamTranmereAway TeamChester
- Possession
- Home50%
- Away50%
- Shots
- Home8
- Away10
- Shots on Target
- Home3
- Away5
- Corners
- Home2
- Away2
- Fouls
- Home12
- Away9
Live Text
Post update
Full Time
Second Half ends, Tranmere Rovers 2, Chester FC 0.
Post update
Foul by Jay Harris (Tranmere Rovers).
Post update
Kane Richards (Chester FC) wins a free kick.
Substitution
Substitution, Tranmere Rovers. Jonathon Margetts replaces James Norwood.
Post update
Corner, Tranmere Rovers.
Post update
Attempt blocked. James Norwood (Tranmere Rovers) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
Post update
Attempt missed. Michael Kay (Chester FC) left footed shot from outside the box misses to the left.
Substitution
Substitution, Tranmere Rovers. Lois Maynard replaces Andy Mangan.
Post update
Foul by Craig Hobson (Chester FC).
Post update
Steven Jennings (Tranmere Rovers) wins a free kick.
Post update
Attempt missed. Ryan Higgins (Chester FC) right footed shot from the left side of the six yard box is too high. Assisted by Johnny Hunt with a cross.
Post update
Offside, Tranmere Rovers. Andy Mangan tries a through ball, but Andy Mangan is caught offside.
Post update
Foul by Liam Hogan (Tranmere Rovers).
Post update
Craig Hobson (Chester FC) wins a free kick.
Booking
Michael Kay (Chester FC) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Post update
Foul by Michael Kay (Chester FC).
Post update
Adam Mekki (Tranmere Rovers) wins a free kick.
Booking
John Rooney (Chester FC) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Post update
Foul by John Rooney (Chester FC).
