Kenya U20 midfielder Zech Obiero played the entire match as Tranmere Rovers suffered a late 2-1 defeat away to Crewe Alexandra in an entertaining League Two encounter on Saturday evening.
It was a contest that looked destined to swing either way, but an injury-time strike from Josh March broke Rovers’ hearts and ensured all three points stayed with the Railwaymen.
The opening exchanges were cagey, with both sides setting up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Crewe gradually grew into the game, with Tommi O’Reilly proving influential in the first half. The midfielder forced Marko Marosi into a sharp near-post save early on, while Jack Powell saw a cross-shot clip the bar.
ALSO READ: Kenya U20 midfielder Zech Obiero joins Tranmere Rovers on loan
Full 90 minutes for Zech Obiero in narrow Tranmere Rovers defeat
Despite Crewe’s pressure, it was Tranmere who struck first. On the stroke of half-time, James Plant handed the visitors the lead with his first goal for the club.
After Crewe failed to deal with a delivery from the left, Plant reacted quickest and rifled a left-footed effort through the legs of goalkeeper Ian Lawlor to send Rovers into the break ahead.
Obiero, operating in midfield, was heavily involved in linking play and showed composure in possession. Just before Crewe made their second-half changes, he combined neatly with Omari Patrick in a move that nearly doubled Tranmere’s advantage, with Patrick’s effort drifting agonisingly wide of the bottom-right corner.
Crewe responded strongly after the interval. Omar Bogle was introduced at half-time to add attacking impetus, and the hosts began to push Tranmere deeper into their own half. Mickey Demetriou fired over from a promising position as the pressure mounted.
The equaliser arrived in the 77th minute when substitute Conor Thomas timed his run perfectly to meet an O’Reilly cross. He took a steadying touch before firing beyond Marosi from close range to level the contest.
With momentum firmly on their side, Crewe sensed a winner. Jack Lankester, making his return from injury, was denied one-on-one by an outstanding Marosi save, while Bogle also drew another strong stop from the Rovers goalkeeper.
ALSO READ: Kenya U20 midfielder Zech Obiero nets on home debut for Tranmere Rovers
Just when it seemed Tranmere might escape with a point, Crewe struck in the 91st minute. A cleverly worked free-kick allowed Lankester to release O’Reilly down the flank, and his low cross flashed across goal where March was perfectly placed to turn home from close range.
It was a cruel end for Tranmere, who had battled throughout. Obiero completed the full 90 minutes and was booked late on as tensions rose in stoppage time.
While the result leaves Rovers frustrated, the Kenyan midfielder’s growing presence in the side continues to offer encouragement as the season progresses.Obiero is currently on loan at Tranmere Rovers from Leyton Orient.