Tranmere gave themselves some breathing room from the League Two relegation places with a vital 1-0 win over struggling Carlisle at Prenton Park.

Rovers had a great opportunity to open the scoring after just 10 minutes but Sam Finley’s shot from the edge of the area flashed wide.

The hosts did take the lead in the 23rd minute when Cameron Norman slotted the ball home from close range after some nice work from Kieron Morris.

The advantage was almost doubled before half-time as Harvey Saunders’ diving header was pushed around the post by United goalkeeper Gabe Breeze.

United looked more of a threat after the break and could have been level in the 56th minute when Aaron Hayden’s header was cleared off the line by Connor Jennings.

Dan Adu-Adjei had another glorious chance to equalise for the Cumbrians moments later only to be thwarted by Luke McGee as the home side held on to secure a valuable three points and leave the visitors bottom of the table.