Adkins praises calm Iron

Last updated : 21 April 2007 By Luke Thornhill
A goal from defender Andy Butler, which he will claim despite home keeper Gavin Ward carrying the ball over the line, and Billy Sharp's 31st of the season sealed the win at Prenton Park.

And with a six point gap over second-placed Bristol City, with just two games left in the regular season, the League One winner's trophy is all but guaranteed to be decked in claret and blue come the end of the season.

"We kept nice and calm and controlled the game. There was great commitment from the players and there was only going to be one winner in the second-half," said Adkins.

"It was brilliant for everyone. It is an unbelievable achievement to get promotion as champions.

"It has been a historic season for us, we have led the table since the turn of the year and deserve our success.

"We have a great following and there was great emotion after the final whistle. Everyone had a big sing song."

Tranmere manager Ronnie Moore admitted his side did not deserve anything from the game, with the defear virtually ending their slim hopes of reaching the play-offs.

"The game is about 90 minutes and we only competed for the first 45," he blasted.

"It is a crying shame we are not going into the play-offs. We certainly had our opportunities but have not taken them.

"I thought we had the better of the game in the first 45 minutes but we were a different team in the second-half, it was a bad first goal to concede and it proved a turning point.

"We knew it was going to be difficult playing against the top of the league side. We did not defend well enough and that frustrates me.

"I just knew it wasn't going to be our day, and it is no wonder the crowd got on our backs."