Wolves were the superior side throughout as they achieved their first league
victory under new manager Dave Jones.
They were helped along the way by a crazy own goal by Tranmere skipper Sean
Flynn in the opening half.
The Merseysiders were not helped through injury to Paul Rideout who had to be
stretchered off midway through the opening half after an accidental collision
with visiting goalkeeper Michael Oakes.
But Rovers could make little impression on a determined Wolves outfit
throughout the 90 minutes as their relegation fears increased.
Wolves looked smart from the outset but their opening goal came as a major
surprise in the 21st minute.
A harmless cross by Michael Branch bounced in the area and Flynn tried to hook
the ball clear.
But the former West Brom midfielder managed to put a fierce left-foot shot out
of the reach of keeper John Achterberg and just inside the right-hand post.
Wolves doubled their advantage a minute after half-time. Adam Proudlock found
the net from close range following a cross by Keith Andrews and after good work
by Michael Branch.
Branch was a key figure for Wolves throughout. He caused mayhem in the home
defence and was unlucky not to register a goal himself.
Achterberg made some important stops for Tranmere whose best player on the day
was Andy Parkinson.
Kevin Muscat and Paul Butler were excellent in defence for the winners.
Ludovic Pollet also did well but was replaced after half-time by Joleon
Lescott.
Tranmere threw on a third striker, Scott Taylor, for the last half hour but
they never really looked like saving the game. Indeed, Wolves went close to
adding to their lead in the dying minutes.
Pollet, Lee Naylor and Andy Sinton all collected yellow cards for Wolves.
while there was also a booking for home defender Clint Hill who was unlucky with
two late efforts, one of them saved by Oakes and the other flashing over the
bar.
Teams:
Tranmere: Achterberg, Challinor, Jobson, Hill, Hinds, Yates,
Flynn (Perry Taylor 60), Hamilton, Koumas, Rideout (Hume 24),
Parkinson.
Subs Not Used: Murphy, Henry, Roberts.
Booked: Hill.
Wolverhampton: Oakes, Muscat, Butler, Pollet (Lescott 45),
Naylor, Branch (Ketsbaia 90), Dinning, Andrews, Robinson,
Sinton, Proudlock.
Subs Not Used: Emblen, Stowell, Ndah.
Booked: Pollet, Naylor, Sinton.
Goals: Flynn 21 og, Proudlock 47.
Att: 9,678
Ref: K Hill (Royston).
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