Attendance: 4,163

Referee - Mr Keith Hill (Hertfordshire)

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For the second season running, Rovers came away from Saltergate with all three points with  a 2-0 win and as with Gareth Roberts last season, a Welsh International was once again on the Rovers scoresheet as Gareth Taylor scored his first goal for Rovers in addition to an own goal just before half-time.

Ronnie Moore made one change to the side that lost at Hull City in the Carling Cup on Tuesday with Jason McAteer dropping to the bench to make way for the returning Paul McLaren in the centre of midfield.  Calvin Zola’s injury once again saw Steven Jennings on the bench.

The Spireites included former Rovers players Paul Hall and Reuben Hazell in their startin eleven with fellow ex-Rover Wayne Allison on the home sides bench.

The entire first half was a pretty poor affair once again with little in the way of clear goalmouth chances for either side.  Chris McCready and Robbie Stockdale had to be alert for the visitors on a couple of occasions whilst at the other end Gareth Taylor headed just over the crossbar and Kevin Ellison had two go’s at a chance but couldn’t hit the target either.

On 25 minutes, Ian Goodison made an uncharacteristic slip when he missed a defensive header which allowed Paul Shaw a clear run at goal.  Shaw’s strike though was not good enough to beat Gavin Ward as the goalkeeper saved low to his left before the danger was cleared.

As the first half wore on, there were two further one on one chances for the home side but both times, the chances were wasted by Kevan Hurst and came to nothing much to the relief of the Rovers fans behind that goal.

Chris Shuker tested Roche in the Chesterfield goal on the half hour and a few minutes later, the wingers cross was met by Gareth Taylor who headed just wide.

As half-time approached, Rovers picked up two bookings in quick succession, Kevin Ellison was booked for diving in the penalty area and less than sixty seconds later Paul McLaren received a yellow card for a clumsy challenge in midfield,

Just when a pretty dismal first half looked likely to end goalless, Rovers took the lead in confusing circumstances.  A header across the penalty area by Gareth Taylor set up a shot for Kevin Ellison which was saved by goalkeeper Roche but the fall fell to John Mullin whose shot seemed to eventually end up in the net with no-one really knowing who had scored.  Eventually the goal down against the unfortunate Aaron Downes for an own goal.

So Rovers somehow went in 1-0 up a the break despite never really getting out of the blocks in terms of attacking play but the second half was a different story as Rovers, often known by their own fans for sitting on a 1-0 lead away from home, went for a second and made the home side uncomfortable for much of the half.

Kevin Ellison’s free kick from the right was narrowly missed by Chris McCready at the far post and shortly after, Ellison headed McLaren’s excellent cross goalwards only to be denied by Roche.

Finally Rovers did double their lead in spectacular style in the 67^th minute.  Paul McLaren played a clever through ball that sent Gareth Taylor clear of the defence and the Welsh striker made no mistake as he lobbed the goalkeeper for his first goal for Rovers.  It may have taken five and a half games to come but it was well worth waiting for.

After the second goal, Chesterfield were forced onto the offensive and gaps appeared at the back.  Unfortunately though Rovers were unable to add a third goal despite fresh legs in the shape of Carl Tremarco and Jason McAteer for Kevin Ellison and Chris Shuker.

So a 2-0 away win in glorious summer sunshine (for the last 20 minutes or so) and Rovers fourth in the League at this early stage.

Things are looking a little brighter just at the moment ahead of two home games in a week starting with the visit of Leyton Orient next Saturday to Prenton Park.

Man of the Match

Gareth Taylor – Many will disagree but Taylor complimented Greenacre well upfront and scored an excellent first goal for the Club to seal the win.

Gaffer’s Verdict

(Ronnie Moore Speaks to Tranmere’s Official Website)

"I don't think it was a brilliant game.  We were a bit scrappy in the first half but in the second half I thought we dominated the game.  With a little bit of luck we could have had one or two more goals.”

"I'm pleased with the way they are progressing. If we hit the right note at the right time, someone is going to get a good hiding.  It's nice for me to come here and get anything because in the Rotherham days we just couldn't beat the Spireites.”

"I thought we deserved it, defensively we've coped with just about everything they've thrown at us.  We were probably a bit lucky to come in 1-0 up.  But overall I don't think they can have any complaints.”

"Chris Greenacre worked his socks off up front and chased things down.  It's nice to see Gareth Taylor score, he has taken it well.  It was a great finish.  He hasn't been firing on all cylinders because he has a knock, but he wants to play.”

After he scored, we saw a different Tranmere. They got hold of it, moved it and played at a better tempo.  We're not getting carried away, but it was nice the way we bossed the game for the last 15 minutes.”

"It was nice to see the following we had. The crowd has got behind us and we appreciate that."

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