Charlie Whitaker’s second-half goal secured an important point for Tranmere in a 1-1 draw at Accrington in League Two.
Both teams are at the lower end of the table but Whitaker’s strike – coupled with a penalty save from Joe Murphy – meant 17th-placed Rovers maintained a three-point gap over Stanley in 21st.
Shaun Whalley, making his first appearance of the season after injury, opened the scoring after 16 minutes for Accrington.
Aaron McGowan miskicked a ball forward and Whalley pounced, weaving his way into the area and firing past Murphy.
Tranmere were more of a threat as the half went on with Omari Patrick’s effort saved by the legs of goalkeeper Ollie Wright in added time.
Rovers equalised after 63 minutes when Whitaker got the ball on the edge of the area and fired beyond Wright into the top corner.
A minute later Stanley were awarded a penalty for a foul by Cameron Norman on Freddie Sass but Murphy pushed out Paddy Madden’s spot-kick before collecting the striker’s follow-up.
Everton loan winger Isaac Heath could have won it for Stanley after 86 minutes but, after racing into the area, he fired wide.
