Tranmere Rovers 2 Swindon Town 1

Last updated : 06 November 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Tranmere kept up their pursuit of Coca Cola League One leaders Luton with a 2-1 victory courtesy of a rare goal from Paul Hall.

The Merseysiders dominated throughout the opening half but Swindon keeper Rhys Evans made some excellent saves and it was not until the 34th minute they gained the breakthrough.

Hall advanced 20 yards before flighting a superb shot into the top right hand corner from 20 yards.

Tranmere continued to dominate after half-time when Eugene Dadi replaced the injured Calvin Zola after 51 minutes. But suddenly Swindon who had defended doggedly stepped up the pace.

They had managed one worthwhile shot up to 69th minute when Christian Roberts brought a great save from John Achterberg after a faulty back pass by Jason McAteer.

But in the follow up play David Duke netted with an angled left-foot shot from just inside the box.

Swindon could have been ahead four minutes later when Steve Jenkins was unlucky to hit a post with a superb 25-yard strike.

Two minutes later Tranmere secured their second and crucial goal. Some excellent build up play saw Iain Hume feed Hall who provided an excellent finish from the edge of the box.

Hall stole the show for Tranmere but there was also an excellent contribution from Ian Sharps and Ryan Taylor.

Matthew Heywood shone in the Swindon defence and there was an all action midfield display from Sam Igoe.