Tranmere Rovers secured a comfortable 3-0 victory against Carlisle United at Prenton Park to record a seventh straight League Two win.
A late first half header from Ollie Banks, followed by second half goals from fourth-tier top scorer James Norwood and Manny Monthe, saw the Whites pick up maximum points on the Wirral.
Tranmere now travel to Oldham Athletic on Tuesday night with the prospect of automatic promotion becoming a real possibility.
After a fairly uneventful start to proceedings, Rovers were forced into making an early substitution with Jay Harris replacing injured Northern Irishman Luke McCullough nine minutes in.
Three minutes later, Jake Caprice created the first chance of the game. The Englishman picked out Norwood with a wicked cross who guided his header narrowly wide.
Steven Pressley’s side then showed attacking talent of their own with a threat on the counter attack despite TRFC dominating possession. This danger almost told as Callum O’Hare rattled the bar for the Cumbrians six-yards out, after initial neat work by forward Nathan Thomas.
Connor Jennings hit a speculative half volley in the final minutes of the half, before in additional time, David Perkins whipped in a ball which Banks nodded into the empty net to give Tranmere the breakthrough.
The Super White Army were in full voice as the second half started. With 63 minutes on the clock, the lead was doubled when Norwood scrambled the ball over the line, scoring his 29th of the campaign.
Confidence was flowing through the ranks as Banks attempted an audacious chipped attempt over the advanced keeper, before defender Monthe capped off a brilliant display, heading in with ten minutes remaining.
Three things we learned
Unstoppable Norwood
The English striker saw his impressive form recognised last week, as Tranmere’s talisman was nominated for League Two’s player of the year. His strike against Carlisle was his 16th league goal at Prenton Park since August.
A chance of automatic promotion for Rovers
Mellon’s side have the chance to move within one point of Bury should they win at Boundary Park in mid-week. After a fantastic triumph on the road at Colchester United in the last away outing, TRFC will be confident of closing the gap to the top-three in the division.
A fitting result on the anniversary of Johnny King’s death
Three years ago, the Tranmere legend passed away. Regarded by many as the greatest ever Rovers manager, King led the club to the upper-echelons of the Championship as well as regular trips to Wembley whilst at the helm. The recent form from TRFC has been reminiscent of a King side from years gone by.
