IT’S HANDY ANDY AS ROVERS HIT LATE

back and what a great result.”

Referring specifically to Chester’s first goal from the penalty spot, which TV replays appeared to indicate that the foul on Evan Horwood had occurred outside the area, Mellon said: “The penalty (award) was a dreadful decision. It was a local derby and we expected a tough game, all games are tricky at this time of the season, and this one fell into that category.”

Rovers have been rocked of late by a spate of injuries to front line players, they went into Fridays game without the services of three first team regulars, and their hoodoo struck again early in this match when Lois Maynard hobbled off with a thigh injury.

“I have never known so many injuries in my career, but we just have to get on with it,” Mellon said. “We have quality in the squad, and the players who are coming in are doing well.”

Chester, who have now lost five of their last six matches, got off to a dream start, Ritchie Sutton being adjudged to have hauled down Horwood in the area, Alabi rifling the resulting spot kick home after five minutes.

Harris brought Rovers back into the game early in the second half with an exquisite strike from 20 yards, but Astles headed Chester back into the lead with a glancing header soon after.

Both sides had chances in the dying embers of the game, but it was Tranmere who showed their quality in front of goal, with substitutes Norwood and Cook pouncing to earn the Merseysiders the three points they just about deserved.

“I am proud of the way my lads performed, I will look at the goals we conceded, and see if we should have defended better,” Chester boss Jon McCarthy said.

“However it shows the quality that Tranmere have when they can bring players like Norwood and Cook from the bench.”

On the penalty he added: “Referees have an extremely difficult job, they don’t have the benefit of TV replays, and all their decisions are given in good faith. We should all support them not criticise them.”