TRANMERE took a new tactical formula to Millwall designed to improve their away record – and went home with a familiar story.

The system worked so well that Rovers held the territorial upper hand in the backyard of one of the strongest teams in the division.

Millwall, beaten just once in 13 League One games at the Den, have rarely had to struggle so hard to create scoring opportunities in front of their own supporters.

Rovers lost largely because they could not convert any of the handful of chances their pressure delivered. A well-taken goal by midfielder Marc Laird from Millwall’s best move of the match on 73 minutes proved decisive in consigning the visitors to a sixth away defeat of the season.

No wonder manager Ronnie Moore admitted he felt like tearing his hair out.

The words of Millwall manager Kenny Jackett could only have been a small consolation to Moore and his disappointed players.

Jackett reckoned a draw would have been a fair reflection of the contest and added: “Tranmere played very well. They negated our threat and were a big threat themselves at set-plays. Our goalkeeper made good saves.

“Tranmere are competing for a play-off place – you can see why.”

The tactical adjustment Rovers had been working on all week was a 4-4-1-1 formation with Chris Shuker leaving the wide midfield job on the right to Ian Moore and operating in a more central role just behind striker Bas Savage.

The set-up caused Millwall enough difficulties for Jackett to make changes in midfield and attack at half-time.

Rovers’ passing was often more cohesive in a game that was always fiercely contested and often untidy. The visitors were effective in closing down avenues of attack for the home side.

Millwall were frequently urged to “get hold of the thing” by voices from the stand. Trouble was, Tranmere did not allow it.

However, the home supporters did their job for the team well enough in the end by creating an atmosphere that raised the passions on the field.