Tranmere Rovers 1 Luton Town 0

Last updated : 10 April 2004 By Footymad Previewer

A ninth goal of the season from Gary Jones earned Tranmere an 11th home victory against play-off hopefuls Luton Town at Prenton Park.

Defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for Mike Newell’s Hatters who had their chances on the day but failed to take them, including a first half penalty.

Tranmere at times struggled but Paul Hall was unlucky in the tenth minute when he saw an angled shot strike a post and run for a corner.

Hall volleyed over in the 26th minute before the only goal in the 29th minute.

Jones produced a stunning volley on the turn from a cross by Tyrone Loran with the ball going in off a post.

Emmerson Boyce saw an early Luton chance blocked by defender Ian Sharps.

Ahmet Brkovic volleyed over in the 21st minute before Lee Mansell brought a superb save from home keeper John Achterberg in the 23rd minute.

Luton's penalty chance came on 41 minutes when Steve Howard was pushed by Loran as he went for a cross by Enoch Showunmi.

Steve Robinson planted his shot towards his right-hand post but Achterberg made an excellent diving save.

Chances were few and far between in the second period with not one strike on target.

Adrian Forbes, who went on as a substitute in the 67th minute, headed wide moments later. Mansell also put a header off target and skipper Chris Coyne had no better fortune with a clear chance in the 82nd minute.

Ian Goodison and Sharps were excellent in defence for Tranmere who extended their run without conceding a goal to six matches.

Luton boss Mike Newell said: "We had enough chances to win the game and we are disappointed we haven't. It was a bit of a wonder-strike which earned all three points for the home side.

“Mentally we are fine and we are not going to throw in the towel. We have got to keep going and maintain a belief in ourselves.

“Over the full 90 minutes I am not unhappy with our display but I would rather we played poorly and got a result." Tranmere manager Brian Little said: "I thought we were just second best today so it was a good outcome for us. At times we looked a little bit tired.

“It was a hard fought game for us and fortunately our keeper made two great saves. We hung in there and got a goal and ground out a result.

“It was certainly a superb goal by Jones. It was reward for a very workman-like performance by him.

“It will be interesting if we win again on Monday. You never know then what might happen."