When you've lost your first three league games of the season, then all you want to do is win.
Defeats against Wycombe Wanderers, high-flyers Luton Town and Plymouth Argyle, made sure Hatters' boss Carlton Palmer was already staring down the barrel of an early season crisis.
And the player-manager's woes were nearly heightened when Eugene Dadi scored a glancing header in first-half injury-time to give Tranmere the points.
But thankfully Luke Beckett was there to save the day for the home side - although the Sheffield-born hitman was shown red for his goalscoring celebrations after earning the home team a point.
In the 87th minute Ian Sharps handballed in his own penalty area and Jon Daly took the responsibility from the spot.
Daly missed though, but Beckett's predatory instinct in front of goal made sure County's blushes were spared with a valuable point. However, Beckett removed his shirt in delight, only to see Mike Thorpe brandishing the red card.
County had dominated the opening exchanges and it was unlucky that they had gone behind. Beckett, player of the year last term at Edgeley Park, twice came close with flicks from teasing crosses from Kevin Ellison on the left wing.
Daly, the promising Republic of Ireland Under-21 international, also went agonisingly close, heading over from a curling free-kick from Owen Morrison, who himself saw a shot fly just wide of the left-hand post from 25 yards out.
But, however hard the home team tried, they lacked a killer-instinct in front of goal, and that was highlighted when Beckett was needlessly booked on the stroke of half-time for kicking the ball away in frustration.
Beckett, in all honesty, just didn't get the service which helped him score 27 times in the league last season.
However, it was the defence who were to blame for Tranmere's opener, as they fell asleep in the second minute of injury time, with Dadi jumping unmarked to nod home a cross from Gareth Roberts on the left.
It was hard luck for County, but they should have been more decisive with their finishing.
Palmer introduced wingers Andy Welsh and Ali Gibb in the second-half to add a bit of attacking flare up front.
But even that didn't do the trick as the home team toiled to break down Tranmere's defence and create a decent goalscoring opportunity for themselves.
Eventually, Daly did manage to get a good shot on target, swivelling inside the penalty area and firing in a low left-footed drive.
John Achterberg, though, saved well, getting down low to tip the ball wide of the right upright.
A minute later Tranmere could have extended the advantage, but substitute Ryan Taylor fired wide with a dipping free-kick.
But it was Beckett, with three minutes to go, who didn't miss from inside the box to end County's miserable start to the season although he might just have to curb his goalscoring celebrations.