It was 2004 when the Spireites last won at Prenton Park and, sadly, that poor run continued as they went down to a 4-0 defeat. Rovers stepped up the gears in the second half and, after a goal-less first half, bagged four goals – without reply – for the first time this season.
The hosts scored the opening goal in the first minute of the second half but thereafter they grew in confidence and stroked the ball around well and deservedly won with ease.
Tranmere picked up a huge three points in their quest to steer away from the foot of the table and the Spireites need to bounce back next Tuesday if they are to resume their challenge for a play-off spot.
With a six-match unbeaten run, including three consecutive away wins, behind them, the Spireites arrived in Birkenhead feeling able to pose a threat to a Rovers side that had been on a similar run until their midweek loss to the Sulphurites.
Paul Cook chose to make two changes to the starting line-up from the team that began midweek against Carlisle United; Bim Pepple and Tom Naylor took over from Will Grigg and John Fleck, while Kyle McFadzean was fit enough to claim a place on the bench.
The Spireites kicked off defending the end housing another large following of Chesterfield supporters. Tranmere took the early initiative and ex-Spireite Kristian Dennis broke through and forced an alert save from Ryan Boot; thankfully the off-side flag was raised to save any further threat.
Lots of possession by both sides followed with neither making it count in terms of openings, although on a couple of occasions Rovers’ two top scorers, Omari Patrick and Dennis, combined well down the left.
In the 16th minute, the Spireites could have edged ahead. A superb 35-yard diagonal ball from Lewis Gordon found Liam Mandeville on the edge of the six-yard box; he picked up but couldn’t control and home keeper Luke McGee was happy to claim.
Three minutes later, Gordon picked up the game’s first yellow card for a clumsy challenge on Regan Hendry.
Pepple was looking lively and mid-way through the half he played a gem of a pass to ex-Rovers player Ollie Banks who was clean through; his first-time effort was palmed away by McGee into the path of Michael Olakigbe who hit wide of the keeper’s right upright.
A similar cross-field pass to Patrick set up a great opening for Rovers but his ball in from the left was grabbed by Boot.
Pepple, again, showed his fighting qualities, manhandled yet still managed to emerge with the ball and gain 30 yards before winning a throw-in.
One minute was added at the end of the period but the half ended level and goal-less, for the fifth consecutive game, after an entertaining period that saw both teams play positive attacking football, with the Spireites edging possession and shot count.
It was a poor start to the second half as Rovers took an early lead. What looked to be an easy ball in the air for Boot to claim saw him fumble and Cameron Norman hit the loose ball home in the 46th minute.
The goal triggered a burst of pressure from the home side that saw them double their lead eight minutes later. Patrick provided for Dennis who laid the ball back for Regan Hendry to hit powerfully home for the edge of the area.
Slowly the Spireites started to work themselves back into the game and a great move involving Banks, Pepple and eventually Michael Olakigbe saw the latter just fail to connect from close range.
Four changes were made at the mid-point of the second half; Will Grigg, John Fleck, Michael Jacobs and Dylan Duffy joined the action as Pepple, Tom Naylor, Banks and Olakigbe made way.
Jenson Matcalfe tried his luck from a central position outside the area but his effort flew high and wide.
Just seven minutes later, the Spireites made their final swap as Paddy Madden took over from Metcalfe.
Ash Palmer got down well to control the ball with his knee allow Boot to gain possession.
With just over five minutes remaining, another long diagonal ball found substitute Josh Davison who beat Boot from just inside the six-yard box. There was still time for Rovers to add to the scoreline as Sam Finley hit home the loose ball after Josh Davison had forced a save from Boot.
A disappointing day for the Spireites as Tranmere dominated the second period and did themselves a huge favour in their mission to escape the danger area at the foot of the table.
Chesterfield: Boot, Mandeville, Palmer, Grimes ©, Gordon, Naylor (Fleck 68), Metcalfe (Madden 75), Dobra, Banks (Jacobs 68), Olakigbe (Duffy 68), Pepple (Grigg 68)
Unused sub: Thompson
Referee: Tom Reeves
Attendance: 6,316 (777 Chesterfield)
