Andy Crosby praises Tranmere’s ‘brilliant’ two-goal hero Connor Jennings

Tranmere manager Andy Crosby heaped praise on “brilliant” two-goal hero Connor Jennings following Saturday’s 4-1 League Two hammering of Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Stadium.

The Tranmere skipper earned the plaudits with his first goals since August and an assist as the Merseyside outfit eased to victory, ending a seven-match winless streak in style.

“Connor is a legend at Tranmere and you can see why,” Crosby said.

“It was an important goal at the start of the second half and then another one from a tight angle but his overall performance was brilliant and he enjoyed the rewards.

“For any person who plays up top, they obviously want to score and he’s probably been a little bit frustrated because he hasn’t had many opportunities.

“But what I do know from Connor Jennings is that whenever he comes in to represent the football club at the training ground or on the pitch, he gives it absolutely everything.

“His love of football, his love of this football club are immense and today there was a brilliant individual performance from Connor.”

Crosby was also a relieved man as victory in the West Country earned his team a first league win since August as they bounced back from last weekend’s 2-0 home defeat by Barnet in style.

“It was great response to an extremely-disappointing performance,” Crosby added.

“Lots of words have been spoken, but we spoke well over the last couple of days about actions – not words – and the performance was a really good performance today against a good team.

“This was more like it. We were calmer with the ball, good on transition and we defended well against an opponent who obviously have a lot of flexibility.”

Centre-back Nathan Smith put the visitors in control when he nodded in after 33 minutes before Jennings doubled the lead – just after the break – before tapping home a loose ball after 73 minutes and then teeing up Josh Davison, six minutes later.

On-loan Birmingham midfielder Alfie Chang scored his first Rovers goal, five minutes from time but it was not enough to stop Gasheads booing the home side on the final whistle.

Rovers manager Darrell Clarke was quick to say sorry to the disgruntled supporters who were hoping for a spirited response following a 4-1 home defeat by MK Dons last time out.

“I apologise, first and foremost,” Clarke said. “I put a team out there that represents me and we’re so far off it today.

“We were out-battled, out-duelled, out-played in all areas of the pitch and it’s not acceptable.

“It’ll never be acceptable while I’m manager. I think everybody knows me now over a period of time here and I won’t accept performances like that.

“We’ve got to learn the hard way, because once it’s a one-off, last week, twice it’s not.

“I apologise to my supporters and I’ll make sure I try and get a reaction next game.”