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Tranmere Rovers secured back-to-back promotions in dramatic fashion at Wembley on Saturday as Micky Mellon’s men defeated Newport County thanks to Connor Jennings’ extra-time winner.

Tranmere arrived at Wembley knowing that, whatever the result, this was a season to be proud of. But they now depart the capital with much more than pride.

Jennings' strike means Tranmere will be playing League One football next season, and it's nothing more than Mellon's men deserve.

(Image: Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)

Rovers had shaped up against Newport on two occasions already this season—both of which they failed to score in. But this was Wembley, a ground where the Whites have become rather accustomed to operating in of late.

In the last two years, the Super White Army had witnessed one bad experience and one good—Tranmere fans were hoping for more of the latter this time around.

As proceedings got underway, Padraig Amond gave Tranmere a scare early on when he raced through on goal, though he was ushered away by the imperious Manny Monthe.

Relive all the action - as it happened - with Tom Cavilla HERE

At the other end of the field, Jennings let fly, though he saw his shot blocked. Though he would soon have another opportunity to find the game's opening goal.

In the eleventh minute, it was Jennings, again, in a shooting position. Newport were unable to close him down on this occasion, though his effort sailed well over the bar.

Then, in a similar fashion to Jennings, Scot Bennett sent a shot into orbit, prompting frustrated faces from his team-mates.

Newport dangerman, Amond, was next to attempt to break the deadlock when he headed wide of goal.

The best chance of the first-half fell in the favour of who else but James Norwood?

(Image: Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)

Norwood connected with Jake Caprice’s cross from the right, producing a first-time volley that called Joe Day into action. The Newport keeper reacted quickly and prevented the 28-year-old from netting his 33goal of the campaign.

On the half hour mark, Flynn’s men responded.

Dan Butler’s cross into the area was headed down by captain Mark O’Brien, though none of his teammates could provide the finish touch from point-blank range as the ball rolled out of play.

CLICK HERE for the five games that shaped Tranmere Rovers' road to Wembley

This game was showing all the signs of heading for a repeat of the meeting between the sides last month which ended 0-0, as Newport and Tranmere continued to cancel each other out.

With ten minutes to go before the break, Rovers won a free-kick in dangerous territory when Norwood was brought down, though this ended with David Perkins sending a tame effort at goal, which proved all too easy for Day to deal with.

Trying their luck down the right win once more, Jay Harris crossed for Norwood on this occasion, though he was unable to steer his header on target.

After the restart, The Exiles came firing out the traps.

Had it not been for a Sid Nelson intervention, Josh Sheehan’s shot inside the Rovers box could well have caused Davies somewhat of an issue.

With five minutes gone after the restart, Mellon opted for fresh legs in midfield as he introduced Ben Pringle for Jay Harris.

(Image: Adam Davy/PA Wire)

Still in search of the game's opening goal, Rovers hit Flynn’s side on the counter, with Pringle, Jennings and Norwood all combining. But Jennings was unable to sort out his feet and squandered the opening.

As the clock continued to tick down, both sides probed for the goal to take their side into League One, and Newport very nearly found just that when Matt was left unmarked at the back-post.

The Exiles’ forward’s header looked to be heading for the back of the net, though he was denied by Davies’ superb reflex save.

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With extra-time looming and Newport beginning to take control, Mellon looked to the bench for experience, and introduced captain Steve McNulty.

Though calm heads appeared to be nowhere to be seen when Monthe appeared to bring down Matt inside the box. And Tranmere soon after survived a second penalty appeal when McNulty sent Amond off balance.

Then, the game’s turning point arrived.

Newport captain, O’Brien, was shown a second yellow for bringing down Norwood, who was racing through on goal.

(Image: Adam Davy/PA Wire)

Looking to take full advantage of their numerical advantage, Banks’ set Norwood free with a ball over the top of the County defence. The Tranmere talisman, with the chance to win the match and send Rovers into League One, agonisingly poked wide.

As extra-time approached, Tranmere knew they could look to exploit having the extra man, but Mellon’s men knew all too well that receiving a red card at Wembley doesn’t always end in heartbreak.

With penalties in mind, Adam Buxton entered the field of play with five minutes remaining in extra-time. Tranmere had only been awarded two penalties in the league all season, he had scored one of them.

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But there was no need for spot-kicks.

(Image: Adam Davy/PA Wire)

With one minute left in extra-time, Caprice delivered a teasing ball into the box, where then Jennings headed past Day to book Tranmere’s place in League One.

Tranmere (4-2-3-1): Davies, Caprice, Monthe, Nelson (Buxton 114’), Ridehalgh; Harris (Pringle 51’), Perkins; Banks, Jennings, Morris(McNulty 80’); Norwood.

Unused Subs: Pilling, Gilmour, Dagnall, Mullin.

Newport County (4-3-1-2): Day, Butler, Demetriou, O’Brien, Poole; Willmott(Marsh-Brown 105’), Sheehan (Bakinson 90’), Bennett; Labadie (Dolan 71’); Matt (Azeez 102’), Amond.

Unused subs: Pipe, Crofts, McKirdy.

Goals: Jennings 119.

Bookings: Matt, O’Brien, Perkins, Poole.

Sent Off: O’Brien.

Attendance: 25,217.

Referee: Ross Joyce.

Man of the Match: Jennings. Match-winner.