Bromley (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Tranmere Rovers boost their promotion hopes with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Bromley at Prenton Park, courtesy of goals from Josh Hawkes and Omari Patrick.
As both clubs fought for a spot near the bottom of the League Two standings, Tranmere prepared for a crucial match against Bromley under the brilliant sun at Prenton Park.
Omari Patrick gave Kieron Morris a pass inside the box in the fifth minute, giving Rovers an early opportunity, but his low shot just missed the far post.
Cameron Congreve’s ball soared out of play for a goal kick, but Bromley had a chance to put a cross into the box shortly after. Connor Wood sent a cross into the area as Tranmere swiftly retaliated, but Ravens goalkeeper Grant Smith easily claimed it.
Kamari Grant quickly cleared the danger for Bromley as Tranmere attempted to counterattack with a beautiful cross-field ball from Sam Finley that was headed for Omari Patrick.
In the 27th minute, Brooklyn Ilunga broke away following a midfield error, giving the visitors the lead. The traveling Bromley supporters celebrated as Michael Cheek coolly tapped the ball past Luke McGee after Ilunga put a cross into the box.
Tranmere reacted right away, attempting to equalize even though he had conceded. Kieron Morris and Omari Patrick were denied on a counterattack shortly after Josh Hawkes’ effort was stopped after a corner.
Rovers’ perseverance paid off in the 32nd minute when Josh Hawkes, who is always the poacher, took advantage of a loose ball in the box. The spectators at Prenton Park was given new hope when he coolly fired a left-footed shot past a stranded Grant Smith.
Encouraged by the equalizer, Tranmere’s white shirts continued to drive Bromley’s black and gold shirts back. After Wood hit a Finley ball over the top to Morris, who was stopped by a last-ditch block inside the area, they would come near once more.
A wayward pass from the visitors across the midfield gave Patrick possession, and he soared across the Prenton Park pitch before setting Morris up for a shot from the area’s edge that went over.
Josh Hawkes’ goal put Rovers level at halftime after a fierce first half that ended with the halftime whistle.
With a determined start to the second half, Tranmere won a corner on the left after a hopeful cross was diverted behind. Despite being delivered deep into the area, Bromley’s defense managed to clear the corner.
Tranmere was given another chance for a cheap corner after a Bromley defender made a weak ball. Josh Hawkes’ effort bounced over the bar after a well-worked set piece, but the referee gave the visitors a goal kick.
With fresh resolve, Tranmere persisted in testing and pressing the Bromley goal. Goalie Grant Smith struggled to reach the post as Regan Hendry raced forward and blasted a low shot that just missed it.
Sam Finley’s cross was diverted behind, giving Rovers another corner as the noise level surrounding Prenton Park rose as they applied more pressure. Jordan Turnbull was ready to go home as the Bromley defense cleared the corner to the far post.
The visitors tried to slow down Tranmere’s increasing pressure by making three substitutions since they were frustrated with the way the game was going.
In the 66th minute, Rovers made their first substitution, replacing the worn-out Kieron Morris with Chris Merrie.
Tranmere’s constant pressure eventually paid off in the 70th minute. The Kop end went into wild jubilation after Omari Patrick broke down the left flank and curled a brilliant shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.
In the 74th minute, Tranmere made another change, sending the always dependable Connor Jennings to replace Josh Hawkes, who was given a standing ovation as he departed the field.
Joe Murphy, the goalie coach, was sent off for yelling at the fourth official after the visitors were granted a free kick, leaving Rovers without a man in the dugout for the last 10 minutes.
Despite the loss, Tranmere played good defense and came close to scoring on the counter when Cameron Norman missed a Hendry cross at the far post, which would have given them the three points.
In order to provide pace in the final minutes, Andy Crosby substituted Harvey Saunders for Kristian Dennis with four minutes left.
Everyone at Prenton Park gave it their all to see the squad cross the finish line when the fourth official announced seven minutes of extra time as the clock struck ninety minutes.
Luke McGee denied Louis Dennis a late equalizer for the visitors in the second minute of extra time by leaping across his goal and making an incredible acrobatic save.
Rovers persevered as the last seconds passed, and there was a roar of cheers when the final whistle blew. The Rovers increased their distance from the dreaded drop zone after winning and achieving favorable outcomes at MK Dons and Harrogate.
What were the standout performances from Tranmere Rovers players?
Hawkes demonstrated his ability to score under duress as he gave Tranmere the equalizing goal. After Bromley gained the lead, his performance was essential in giving Tranmere the advantage again.
In addition to scoring the game-winning goal, Patrick contributed significantly to the game. Tranmere’s offensive attempts were greatly aided by his dynamic play and ability to create opportunities.
Despite giving up a goal, the defense remained composed under duress, particularly in the closing minutes of the game. Their tenacity helped them win and stopped Bromley from scoring more goals.
The midfielders put in a lot of effort to maintain possession and assist the offense and defense, which helped the squad as a whole achieve this win.