Hakeeb Adelakun scored a brace as Salford battled to a convincing 2-0 victory over struggling Tranmere.

Chasing their first win in five League Two games, Salford started brightly and missed a gilt-edged chance to take the lead after three minutes when Kylian Kouassi fired wide clean through on goal.

Tranmere grew into the contest and came close to opening the scoring as Jake Garrett’s well-struck free-kick was tipped around the post by Jamie Jones before the midfielder was off target with his effort from the resulting corner.

On the back of a largely uneventful first half, the game then burst into life four minutes after the restart when Luke Garbutt saw his top corner-bound free-kick saved by a full-stretch Luke McGee.

However, the visitors’ reprieve was to be short-lived as, moments later, Adelakun capitalised on indecisive Tranmere defending to sweep home coolly.

Eleven minutes later, the attacker struck low past McGee to double his tally and give Karl Robinson’s side a deserved two-goal cushion.

Only a great reaction save prevented Cole Stockton from adding a third as Salford decisively ended their barren run.