It was a testing evening for referee John Busby as Tranmere Rovers beat ten-man Forest Green Rovers 1-0 in the first leg of their play-off semi-final at Prenton Park. He showed defender Gavin Gunning a straight red card before midfielder Ollie Banks won it with a spectacular 25-yard strike which found the net via the crossbar.

Striker James Norwood was lucky not to be carded for two heavy challenges on defender Nathan McGinley as Busby took a lenient approach in the opening quarter of an hour.

That changed when brandished a red card at Gunning, who kicked out at midfielder Jay Harris following another robust tackle to leave Forest Green Rovers with ten men.

Banks broke the deadlock with a thumping 25-yard drive which bounced just over the line after crashing against the underside of the bar.

Manager Mark Cooper made a crucial change with the more defensive Lee Collins replacing Junior Mondial and visiting goalkeeper Lewis Ward didn't have a shot to save before the break although Norwood twice went close.

Striker Christian Doidge was fortunate not to see red for an elbow on Banks, moments after being denied a penalty in the second half. The visitors failed to register a single shot on target but defended well with ten men.

Tranmere Rovers lacked the creativity and guile to break down the ten-men of their opponents despite having plenty of possession with their extra man. Forest Green Rovers worked hard to keep themselves in the tie.