Apologies for the late report, but the severe lack of entertainment made getting motivated very difficult.
Tranmere came with their usual putting as many men behind the ball as possible attitude so familiar from previous encounters.
Town tried in vain all game to break through the massed defence, but failed to do so. The nearest Town came to a goal was another missed Mark Venus penalty in the first half.
David Johnson cut in from the right and was upended by a defender. It looked a clear-cut decision. Up stepped Veno for the second time in two weeks and hit the ball to the keeper's right. Murphy in the Tranmere goal made what was apparently his second penalty save of the season.
Town continued to plug away, but never looked exactly penetrating. There were chances for Scowcroft, Johnson, Holland, McGreal and late on substitute Axeldal, but no-one managed to convert any of them.
Tranmere had few shots in goal, but ironically came very close to scoring in both halves. In the first an error from Richard Wright left him stranded in the box, but John McGreal was on hand to head away.
In the second, a break down the left saw a couple of impressive saves from Richard Wright before the ball was finally cleared from danger.
All in all a poor game and not the most convincing performance. Town hate playing sides like this and continue to have problems with them. Not the best way to go into the derby.
R Wright 6 Bad error in first half
Wilnis 6 Crossing not good enough (Scowcroft 46, 7 Did OK)
McGreal 7 Solid at the back, although should have scored
Mowbray 7 Didn't look in trouble
Venus 6 Must hand on penalty job
Clapham 7 Plugged away
Holland 7 Never gave up
J Wright 6 Not his best game (Magilton 65)
Stockwell 6 Has played better
Johnson 7 Won penalty that could have been so vital
Naylor 6 Quiet performance (Axeldal 78)
At Friday's court appearance Gary Croft was remanded to appear at the Magistrates' Court in a month.
Jamie Clapham has a slight foot injury after Friday's game, but should be OK for the derby next Sunday.