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Tranmere manager Darrell Clarke urged his side to enjoy the moment after they opened their League Two campaign with a 2-0 victory over Shrewsbury Town at Prenton Park.
Jordan Davies put Rovers ahead 10 minutes before half-time, meeting Bobby Faulkner’s knock-down before firing home from six yards. It was Davies’ second goal in as many games.
Shrewsbury started strong, and were close to leading when Josh Ruffels forced Harrison Male to save the ball. At the other end, Davies came close to catching out Will Brook with an ambitious lob.
The visitors continued to put pressure on Tranmere in the second half, with George Lloyd seeing his effort cleared off the line before Arkell Jude-Boyd fired narrowly wide.
Fortunately, the pressure eased off, as Tranmere scored a second goal in the 63rd minute when Charlie Whitaker weaved through the Shrewsbury defence and fired into the net from 18 yards.
However, as reported by the Wirral Globe, Clarke, who recently became manager of the club, said Rovers weren't at their best in possession, although still good in defence.
“The performance was patchy but let’s enjoy the moment,” he said. “It’s our first home win for six months and a clean sheet."
He continued, and said the boys had "given [him] everything" in their performance, including some great defending.
He called their performance "bitty" at times, but encouraged the fans to enjoy the victory, stating:
"It’s a 2-0 win and a clean sheet."
However, the club manager also said he wants the players to play at a higher level.
He also thanked the fans for coming to Prenton Park, reflecting on the first win sometimes being the "hardest" to kick the season into action.
Despite the defeat, Shrewsbury boss Gavin Cowan said there were plenty of positives for his side to take from the performance.
“We’re hugely disappointed, especially for the brilliant travelling support we had today. It was an unbelievable following,” he said.
“Possession will be ours today, and chances will be ours today, but it’s a results-based business.
“We’re not planning on being a nearly team, and when we look at the stats, I’m assuming they’re going to be in our favour, but ultimately we need to get three points.
“I think we just need a bit of an edge in front of goal and a bit of desire, and we’re really disappointed with the goals we’ve conceded today too."
“We were the better team in terms of the performance, but that’s not what it’s all about.
Mr Cowan concluded, "I think we can take a lot of heart from the performance and how we played, and there’s a lot of positives, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that we’ve got to win football matches.”
Tranmere will next play Port Vale on 22 August. The football team is based in Burslem, in Stoke-on-Trent, and Tranmere will play them on their home turf at Vale Park.
