Andy Crosby heaps praise on Tranmere matchwinner Cameron Norman

Tranmere boss Andy Crosby hailed unlikely matchwinner Cameron Norman – but was just as pleased with a welcome clean sheet following a 2-0 victory at Harrogate.

Defender Norman struck twice from long range after being introduced as a 70th-minute substitute due to an injury to Jordan Turnbull.

He also played his part in keeping things tight during a strong rearguard display after Crosby’s men had conceded 10 goals in their final four fixtures of 2025 – including Monday’s disappointing 3-1 home reverse to Barrow.

Crosby said: “They were two brilliant finishes excellently executed by Cameron, but we also defended really well and I want to be able to say that more often during the second half of the season.

“The performance was exactly what we needed in terms of a response to the last game.

“The conditions weren’t easy and Harrogate were always going to make things difficult due to the situation they are in, but we did all the bits of the game that you have to do in those circumstances and in any game.

“We were all as disappointed as the supporters after Monday’s game and it was great that both goals came in front of the away end, so the lads could celebrate with them.

“For more than 1,000 of our fans to come to the game in such cold conditions on New Year’s Day is amazing support and I hope they all get back home safely and happy.”

Harrogate remain bottom having taken three points from a possible 42 following a seventh straight home loss – the last six without netting.

Manager Simon Weaver was pleased, though, to have quartet Lewis Cass, Mason Bennett, Bryn Morris and George Thomson back on the pitch – the latter after 17 months out due to Achilles damage.

Weaver is now hoping that the Sulphurites benefit from a quieter treatment room as they continue to battle for EFL survival and also signalled an intent to bolster his ranks.

“We’re two points from safety now, so it’s dig-in time and an acid test for us,” Weaver said. “The transfer window is open and we want to shake up the squad and breathe some life into a good, honest group of players.

“We’re better than the league table suggests when we have more players available on the pitch, so I’d also like to think that, during the second half of the season, we won’t have the same level of bad luck injury-wise, because it’s certainly had a detrimental effect over the last few months.

“We had four players back today and, while they still need to get match fit, they gave us more intensity and getting Thomo back was an emotional moment.

“He’s had a massive impact on the club since I persuaded him to join us from FC United (of Manchester) all those years ago and I was proud to see him back out there inspiring his team-mates after an injury that has kept him out for so long.”