Wanderers Reserves went down to Tranmere Rovers at the Reebok Stadium last night with the winning goal coming from substitute Alex Hay 10 minutes from time. The winning margin could have been greater but for a number of good saves from Wanderers' keeper Keith Branagan who completed another step on his way back to full fitness.

The Irish international was called on to tip over a spectacular 25 yard strike from full back Paul Sheppard in the 18th minute. This was the only attempt that troubled either keeper during the first half.

In the space of seven minutes, midway through the second half, Branagan produced four quality saves. The best came with a point blank stop from full back Ian Joy. A long range shot from Carl O'Malley tested Tranmere keeper Joe Murphy and the Wanderers had a good chance to break the deadlock in the 62nd minute.

Hasney Aljofree's long ball from the left found Olaf Snorrason free at the back but the youngster's angled shot flew across the face of the goal.

What turned out to be Rovers' winner came from a right wing corner and Hay forced the ball home from close range in a goalmouth scramble.

Bolton's best chance came in the 85th minute. Peter Morrison played Costas Xiourouppa in behind the Rovers defence but he dwelled too long on the ball the the opportunity disappeared.

Team: Branagan, Tait, Aljofree, O'Malley, Holden, Strong, (Pryers), Corrigan, (Morrison), Doherty, Xiourouppa, Snorrason, (Trueman), Staton.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.