TRANMERE Rovers are to be offered an invitation to score a goal unchallenged when their Johnstone's Paint Trophy game against Accrington Stanley is replayed.

Rovers were leading 2-1 when the second round tie was abandoned in the 39thminute on Tuesday night following a serious head injury to Accrington defender Tom Bender.

Accrington manager John Coleman said: “We will speak to Tranmere and I have no problem about giving them a goal.

“We will do whatever they feel is appropriate. To be honest they were miles better than us. Tranmere were very much on top in the game, they were winning 2-1 and worthy of that lead, so they deserve a lot of credit for not complaining about it.”

Bender, an 18-year-old on loan from Colchester, was left unconscious after a collision with goalkeeper Ian Dunbavin.

He has since been been discharged from the Royal Blackburn Hospital after scans gave him the all-clear. He is spending the weekend with his parents in Essex and is likely to be out of action for at least two weeks.