Tranmere Rovers came from behind to secure their first home win since early September with an impressive 3-1 victory over Cheltenham Town at Prenton Park.

Two goals from Dylan Jones and a superb strike from Charlie Whitaker before half-time overturned Charlie McCann’s early opener to give Rovers all three points and extend their unbeaten run to three games.

The visitors made a flying start, taking the lead after just 47 seconds. Jake Evans delivered a low cross from the right which McCann swept past Luke McGee from 12 yards to put Cheltenham ahead.

Tranmere responded well and were level after 23 minutes. Jacob Slater crossed from the left and Jones met the delivery with his left foot, diverting the ball into the bottom-right corner past Wyll Stanway.

Rovers continued to build momentum and completed the turnaround six minutes before the interval. Jones collected the ball outside the penalty area and produced an excellent left-footed finish from 25 yards, finding the bottom-left corner to double his tally and put Tranmere ahead.

The hosts then extended their advantage in the third of four added minutes at the end of the first half. Whitaker produced a moment of quality with a dipping, looping effort from the edge of the area which sailed over Stanway and into the net to make it 3-1.

There were yellow cards for both sides during the opening 45 minutes, with Evans booked for Cheltenham and Jordan Turnbull cautioned for Tranmere. Turnbull was replaced by Nathan Smith at half-time.

Cheltenham had an opportunity to reduce the deficit nine minutes after the restart when Evans received the ball at the back post. However, a heavy touch allowed the chance to shoot to pass him by.

A minute later, Tranmere almost added a fourth. Whitaker’s left-footed effort from close range was pushed away to safety by Stanway.

On the hour mark, Tom Ince cut inside before seeing his effort parried by the Cheltenham goalkeeper. Whitaker was on hand to meet the rebound, but his follow-up went narrowly wide.

Rovers continued to threaten in the final 30 minutes, with Whitaker and Ince among those looking to add to the scoreline, but Tranmere comfortably saw out the remainder of the contest to claim a deserved 3-1 victory.

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