Dylan Jones came off the bench to score the decisive goal as Tranmere Rovers secured a 1-0 win over Shrewsbury in their EFL Trophy Group North match on Tuesday. The 69th-minute strike keeps the club's hopes alive in the competition and provides a positive result ahead of a tough league fixture this weekend.
Tranmere, who sit 10th in League Two with 10 points from seven games, were second best for possession and shots but defended resolutely. Shrewsbury had 53% of the ball and forced three saves from goalkeeper C. Boyce-Clarke, but the visitors could not find a way through. This result continues a positive run of recent form, with the team now unbeaten in three matches following a league draw with Exeter City and a win over Oldham.
The only goal arrived after a double substitution in the 64th minute. David Kamara, who had just been introduced, provided the assist for fellow substitute Jones to find the net five minutes later. Shrewsbury's Tom Anderson had been booked in the first half, with Tranmere's Oliver Scott and two more Shrewsbury players seeing yellow after the break.
Manager D. Clarke set his side up in a 3-5-2 formation, with the back three of L. O'Connor, G. Nevett and P. Brough holding firm against 11 Shrewsbury shots.
This narrow victory sets up an important home league match against Walsall on Saturday. Walsall currently occupy second place in the table, making it a significant test for Clarke's squad as they look to build on their current 10-point tally.
