Rovers were undone on 69 minutes thanks to a fantastic strike by Michael Turner but prior to that had looked like taking a point from the game despite having little to offer during its course.

For the third successive game, Tranmere were unchanged with Paul Hall once again partnering Iain Hume upfront.  Brentford made two changes from the 1-0 home win over Bristol City replacing Marcus Gayle and Jay Tabb with Isaiah Rankin and John Salako.

The opening quarter of the game was end to end but with few clear cut chances until the 15^th minute when Gareth Roberts curled a free kick over the crossbar after Jason McAteer had been fouled.  Brentford’s first real chance came in the 22^nd minute when the ball fell to Isaiah Rankin following a corner but Achterberg was untroubled as the shot flew over.

Just before the half hour, Hume broke free on the right and his cross found Theo Whitmore but the Jamaican hesitated too long and the danger was cleared.  The game remained end to end until half time but the score remained 0-0 at the break.

Deon Burton and Isaiah Rankin had early second half chances for the home side and Roberts fired wide for the visitors on 55 minutes after good work by Hume.  As the game went on in the same vein, it seemed that the breakthrough would never come but it was the home side who finally got a goal on 69 minutes.

Tranmere only half cleared a corner and the ball fell to Michael Turner who lashed the ball past John Achterberg.  The Dutch goalkeeper then had to save from substitute Marcus Gayle to prevent the hosts from doubling their lead.

In the final 12 minutes, Tranmere brought on Jennings, Harrison and Dagnall for McAteer, Whitmore and Hume in an attempt to get something from the game.  It was Dagnall who had Rovers last chance and one of their better ones in the whole game but the young striker shot wide.

To complete a miserable night for Rovers, Ryan Taylor was stretchered off deep into injury time and news is awaited of his injury.

Tranmere now face Blackpool at home on Saturday and a win will still see them on the brink of a play-off place.  Tonight was also only Tranmere’s fifth defeat on the road this season and their first since the 6-1 drubbing at Hull on December 18^th 2004.

Brentford: Nelson, O'Connor, Sodje, Turner, Frampton, Rankin, Talbot, Pratley, Salako (Tabb 56), Burton (Harrold 85), Scott P Fitzgerald (Gayle 68).
Subs Not Used: Bankole, Myers.

Tranmere: Achterberg, Jackson, Sharps, Goodison, Taylor, McAteer (Jennings 82), Rankine, Whitmore (Harrison 79), Roberts, Hume (Dagnall 78), Hall.
Subs Not Used: Howarth, Linwood.

Bookings: Hume, McAteer (Tranmere)

Sent Off: None

Referee: Mr Grant Hegley (Hertfordshire)

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