Nine-man Tranmere just failed to hang on for victory with Notts County grabbing a 90th-minute equaliser in the 2-2 draw at Prenton Park.

Tranmere had the best possible start with Graham Allen heading home from a Mickey Mellon free-kick after only 37 seconds.

They then doubled their advantage with a Simon Haworth effort from Sean Connolly`s cross after 11 minutes.

Tony Hackworth hit a post for County but they pulled a goal back shortly afterwards when Mark Stallard netted from the penalty spot after Allen brought down Darren Caskey in the 27th minute.

Tranmere were reduced to 10 men when Ryan Taylor was sent off for a two-footed challenge on Ian Richardson, although Rovers held their own well during the second period and might easily have had a third goal but for two good saves by Steve Mildenhall.

Allen was dismissed late on for dissent and the brave back-to-the-wall display was finally breached at the death when Stallard grabbed his second goal with an angled shot from just inside the box.