Tranmere Rovers helped by underdogs tag against Chesterfield, believes boss Pete Wild
Tranmere Rovers boss Pete Wild believes his struggling side were able to play on home nerves in Saturday’s draw at Chesterfield.
The League Two strugglers netted their first goal in more than eight hours of football to claim a point from a 1-1 draw against their play-off chasing hosts.
Tom Naylor gave Spireites a first-half lead before Sam Finley grabbed a point for Tranmere, who also had a penalty from Omari Patrick kept out by Ryan Boot.
Wild said: "We all know the nerves that come with being at the top end of the table so the message was to go and take the game to Chesterfield and see where it takes us.
"Everybody had it down for an home win and our fans travelled probably more in hope than expectation. There was no pressure because everybody expected us to get beat.
"We had lots of attacking intent and we had four massive chances in the opening 20 minutes. Tactically we got it spot on and individually to a man we were excellent."
Boot’s penalty save helped Chesterfield to a draw that keeps them a point in front of play-off rivals Grimsby Town, the visitors to the SMH Group Stadium tomorrow.
Wild added: "What happened with the penalty would have knocked our players at one time but I told them to keep pushing and reminded them they were well in the game.
"People think we wilt in added time but we stood strong and won our one to one duels. We were as good in the last 20 minutes as in the whole football match and full credit to them.
“I’m really pleased for everybody at the football club – the players, the staff and certainly the fans who made the trip over.
"It was great to go over to them and share a moment joy instead of sorrow.
"It’s a massive point for us but it’s not done yet."
Chesterfield chief Paul Cook said he was at his “wit’s end” at the way his team played and he’ll be looking for a reaction against the Mariners in what will be a huge game.