Norwood strike proves decisive as Tranmere collect first win of season

Posted Sunday, August 12, 2018 by PA

Tranmere collected their first win of the season by defeating Cheltenham 1-0 at Prenton Park in their homecoming return to the Football League.

The Rovers dominated the first half with free-flowing football and James Norwood burst the back of the net in the 12th minute with a stunning right-footed volley.

His strike partner Cole Stockton, who signed a one-year-deal with the club earlier this month after leaving Carlisle, had an effort tipped over on the half-hour mark.

Cheltenham offered very little in a dogged performance.

The Robins’ new signing Manny Duku went down holding his face in the Tranmere penalty area, following a challenge from Tranmere captain Stephen McNulty near the end of the half, and he was brought off by an unimpressed Cheltenham boss Gary Johnson.

Liam McAlinden could have brought Cheltenham level just past the hour mark but his shot rolled woefully wide.

Micky Mellon’s side could have secured their win in the final seven minutes as midfielder Ollie Banks unleashed a spiteful strike, which forced Scott Flinders to make a superb save.

Norwood’s early strike proved decisive, however, which left Cheltenham still searching for their first point of the League Two season.