Tranmere Rovers 2 Wycombe Wanderers 1

Last updated : 02 October 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Managerless Tranmere Rovers picked up their first win since the opening day of the season courtesy of a late own goal.

It was rough justice on Wycombe who had fought back well to draw level in the 78th minute.

Wanderers had gone behind in the 41st minute when Eugene Dadi headed home for Rovers after Danny Harrison flicked on a Micky Mellon corner.

There was never much between the two sides. The visitors rang the changes in the second period and were rewarded when substitute Andrew Bell blasted home from close range after a Michael Simpson shot was blocked.

It seemed odds on a draw but in the 82nd minute Chairboys defender Danny Senda attempted to clear a cross from Iain Hume only to hook the ball over his own keeper Frank Talia and into the net.

Harrison was excellent for Rovers, while Dannie Bulman was outstanding for the losers.

Tranmere caretaker boss John McMahon said "We needed a bit of luck to win but we deserved it after the effort we put in.

"Things had not been going right so I made changes, and it looks good now we have won. But we were very edgy trying to protect a half-time lead.

"The own goal was welcome. It happens in football and the feeling in the dressing room is one of relief." Wycombe have not won since the opening day and boss Lawrie Sanchez said: "It was an unlucky own goal, but you can expect things like that. We looked like we might win the game after drawing level, but we lacked the quality in crucial areas at crucial times.

"The effort was first class, I can't fault that. But we have boys trying to do a job for men and bad luck has been the story of our season to date."