Tranmere Rovers opened their Vertu Trophy campaign with a 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest Under 21s at Prenton Park, before edging a dramatic penalty shoot-out 9-8.
Goals from Jordan Turnbull and Josh Davison looked to have secured victory in normal time, only for the visitors to snatch a late equaliser, setting up the dramatic, if not pointless, penalty shoot-out.
Rovers fell behind inside the first two minutes when Faud Smith drilled home following a neat set-up by Laime Sillah. But the home side responded quickly, levelling on 14 minutes as Turnbull powered a header past Luke Campbell from Sol Solomon’s well-delivered corner. That goal steadied Tranmere after the early setback, and they grew into the contest as the first half wore on.
Davison strike gives Rovers control before late leveller
After the break, Tranmere worked themselves into a stronger position. Solomon continued to provide a threat from wide areas, while Davison gave Forest’s back line problems with his movement. The striker got his reward just before the hour mark, collecting the ball on the edge of the box and rifling low past Campbell to put Rovers 2-1 ahead.
The hosts pushed for a third and nearly extended their lead when Turnbull rose highest at a corner, only to see Campbell react smartly to deny him a second goal of the evening. Tranmere looked set to see the result out, defending resolutely while keeping Forest largely at arm’s length.
However, the visitors continued to press and found their equaliser on 89 minutes. Substitute Kalum Thompson broke in behind and calmly slotted past Ross Barrett to level the game late on. That strike meant penalties were required to decide the extra point on offer in the competition format.
The shoot-out proved a tense affair, with both sides converting confidently. Eventually, it was Tranmere who prevailed 9-8, holding their nerve to claim the bonus point in front of the Prenton Park crowd. The result ensures Rovers begin their group campaign with two points and momentum heading into the next round of fixtures.
Writer’s View
Tranmere can take plenty of positives from this performance despite the frustration of conceding late on. Turnbull’s leadership at the back and Davison’s sharp finish underlined the quality in Nigel Adkins’ squad, while Solomon’s delivery from set-pieces again proved effective.
The late leveller was a reminder of the need for focus in the dying stages, but securing the shoot-out win adds an important psychological lift. With the Vertu Trophy designed to test depth and offer opportunities, this was a solid start and a platform for Rovers to build on in the competition.
