Craig Curran finished well on the hour mark to earn Rovers a vital three points against mid-table Brentford at Prenton Park.  The game certainly wasn't a classic but the result was the most important thing and it moved Tranmere off the bottom of the table and another step closer to safety.

Les Parry named the same 11 that drew at Huddersfield mid-week, so the team looked like this...

It was a gloomy December day with 4,839 Rovers fans present at Prenton Park and all were hopeful that Rovers could continue their recent good form against Brentford.

Rovers started the better and had the first chance just moments into the half when Craig Curran cut in on his right foot and blasted an effort just wide from the edge of the box.  Brentford then wasted two corners in quick succession.

Curran carved out an chance from John Welsh's low drive but the striker's swivel and shot was palmed behind by the goalkeeper for a Rovers corner from which the hosts could not capitalise. Soon after Gareth Edds set up Terry Gornell who's effort tested Wojciech Szczesny.

Brentford's Bostock then curled a free kick that scraped the side netting and that was as close Brentford came to a goal in a half which ultimately and perhaps deservedly ended goalless.

Half Time: Tranmere Rovers 0 - 0 Brentford

Ian Goodison headed wide with the first chance of the second half despite Brentford having come out the hungrier of the two sides.

However it was Rovers having the chances in front of goal including one for Terry Gornell who shot wide on 50 minutes.

Ten minutes later on the hour mark though, Rovers scored the goal that would ultimately win them the game and the vital three points.

Craig Curran's Second Half Goal Handed Rovers the Three Points

Rovers were awarded a free kick in a central position about 40 yards from the Brentford goal and after initially standing over the ball, Craig Curran made a surging run into the box and Welsh put the striker clean through and with Curran staying composed, he slotted past Wojciech Szczesny to give the home side the lead.

It could have been two just moments later when Gornell flashed an effort wide from a tight angle whilst Balkestein headed over for Brentford at the other end.

Curran did well to carve out a chance for Thomas-Moore down the left as he beat his man and squared for the captain to shoot at Wojciech Szczesny and Gornell couldn't convert the rebound.

Rovers did well to see the game out and move up a place thanks to Stockport losing to Wycombe although had those two sides drawn, Rovers would have moved up two places rather than one and Rovers are now just four points from safety.

Full Time: Tranmere Rovers 1 - 0 Brentford

Terry Gornell

Terry lead the line superbly and worked really hard for the team.  He held up play well and has made a different since coming into the team in recent weeks.