A late, thoroughly deserved equaliser for West to take a point in our return to league action following two cup quarter-finals.

West started brightly, pressing the ball really well. However, with their first effort on target, Tranmere hit the back of the net with a great strike from outside the area. They had another similar effort which dropped wide, and West were limited to a couple of underhit efforts comfortably dealt with by the Tranmere keeper, until Shortz clipped the top of the bar on 38 minutes.

Half-time: 0-1

The second half started in much the same way – West with the majority of possession, but creating few chances. It was building up to be a frustrating afternoonfor West, attempted through balls and passes just slightly over hit allowing Tranmere to protect their lead. A succession of corners with 10 minutes left also came to nothing.

West’s fitness saw them battling until the end, and we finally got the reward. There was a scramble for the ball in the Tranmere area, Taylor’s initial effort saved and the rebound fell to Shortz whose shot looped up and in. That was the second minute of added time, and we almost grabbed an even later winner as Biff clipped the top of the bar with a free-kick.

Team: Jefferson (GK), Mason, Blöchl, Bracegirdle, Mitchell, Edmondson (c), Vyas (Kerr 58’), Mundell (Sumner 71’),  Hodges (Bowett-Robinson 75’), Livesey, Gunn

Unused sub: Dolan

Scorer: Edmondson