Tranmere remain unbeaten after victory at winless Crawley

Second-half goals from Nathan Smith and Omari Patrick saw Tranmere extend their unbeaten league start to the season to four games with a 2-0 victory at Crawley.

Crawley, who faded after a dominant first half, were left to reflect on a return of only one point from their opening five matches – their worst start in 15 years as an EFL club.

Crawley started on the front foot and Harry McKirdy carried their main threat as Tranmere lived dangerously at times.

McKirdy forced keeper Luke McGee to tip his shot over in the 19th minute and later his goalbound effort forced a desperate goal-line clearance by Patrick Brough.

Rovers broke the deadlock with their first effort on target 12 minutes after the break when defender Smith stooped to head in a corner from Patrick from close range.

Patrick doubled the lead and sealed victory 10 minutes from time with a shot from the edge of the area after a mistake by Ade Adeyemo.