The damage was done before the break thanks to Zech Obiero’s strike and a Joe Ironside penalty, as the visitors slipped to a third consecutive defeat.

Rovers went ahead in the 12th minute when Obiero seized on a loose pass before surging forward and firing left-footed past Jacob Chapman.

They nearly doubled their advantage soon after but Ironside’s fierce shot from six yards struck the crossbar.

At the other end, Ronan Darcy had a gilt-edged chance to equalise, finding himself in acres of space with only Marko Marosi to beat, but the goalkeeper denied him.

Tranmere were handed a second just before half-time when Charlie Whitaker was brought down by Geraldo Bajrami and Ironside converted from the spot.

Crawley improved after the interval but struggled to create clear-cut chances, with Darcy’s speculative effort their best opportunity as Rovers held on for three valuable points.