Report: Tranmere Rovers 5-0 Bolton Wanderers

Tranmere Rovers picked up the points at Prenton Park as they ran out 5-0 winners.

Goals from Ollie Banks, Morgan Ferrier (2), Connor Jennings and Stefan Payne went unanswered against a young Wanderers side.

Team News

Phil Parkinson’s men were without the services of Liam Edwards and Dennis Poltic who both picked up knocks following the midweek game at Rochdale.

First Half

The hosts had a bright and energetic start and Remi Matthews was pressed into action early on and had to tip over Ollie Banks’ right sided cross-cum-shot for a corner.

Wanderers broke away well and although King-Harmes found Darcy with a pinpoint cross, the young attacker was unable to get a strong touch and the chance was lost.

The visitors were holding firm, led by captain Lowe who was partnering Zouma at centre half, and when they had the ball they looked good and positive in possession.

Morgan Ferrier was lucky to receive a yellow card for a heavy challenge on Broackbank which left the defender requiring treatment.

Matthews again thwarted Banks from distance with a comfortable stop after the midfielder tried his luck from distance.

Things were getting a little heated as the half wore on and Brockbank had his name taken for a late challenge on Monthe.

Banks, by far Tranmere’s most threatening player, broke the deadlock on 38 minutes when his long ranger flew into the roof of Matthews’ net.

One became two and moments later Ferrier doubled the hosts’ lead after bundling a loose ball over the line.

Matthews stood up to prevent Morris from making it three just before the break after the midfielder broke into the penalty area.

The half time whistle couldn’t come soon enough for the young Wanderers though Weir’s free-kick right on the whistle was tipped onto the bar by Davies in the Tranmere goal.

Second Half

Tranmere got their noses further ahead just after the restart when Ferrier lost the close attentions of Zouma to pant a low shot into the bottom corner.

Zouma earned Wanderers a corner after a mazy foray in to the Tranmere box but the hosts broke away from the resulting set piece which culminated in Blackett-Taylor firing into the side netting.

A foul right on the edge of the box on King-Harmes gave Wanderers a chance from distance but Weir’s well struck free kick went over Davies’ bar.

The hosts’ fourth goal came through Jennings whose shot just crept over the line after some good work by Morris on the flank.

Stefan Payne added a fifth with just over ten minutes remaining.

Wanderers screamed for a penalty after substitute Brown-Sterling was apparently held as he tried to get on to Brockbank’s low centre.

The scoreline flattered Tranmere but every Wanderers player out on the pitch could hold their heads up high for the effort they put in right until the final whistle.

Bolton Wanderers: Matthews, Lowe(C), Murphy, Weir, Brockbank, Darcy, Zouma, Brown (Riley 88), Graham, King—Harmes (Brown-Sterling 75), White (Boon 68)

Subs Not Used: Alexander, Senior, Richards, Osigwe

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