Leeds United came from behind to secure an important victory at Prenton Park.
Tranmere were much the better side in the opening half but failed to take their chances.
They scored their only goal in the 22nd minute. Chris Greenacre, last season's leading scorer, stole in at the back to convert a shot by Chris Shuker which appeared to be going wide.
Leeds were restricted to just one attempt on goal before the break with Tresor Kandol powering a header over from an Alan Thompson corner.
Leeds, after a pep talk from manager Denis Wise, were much improved in the second half and got back on terms in the 55th minute.Matt Heath headed in at the far post from a well-placed Thompson free-kick.Shane Sherriff and Steve Davies got in good efforts for Tranmere as they tried to regain their lead but it was Leeds that snatched the verdict in the 89th minute.
Kandol beat home keeper Danny Coyne with a low header from a cross by Frazer Richardson.
Tempers were frayed at times. After one flare-up in the 73rd minute the referee cautioned Tranmere's Ben Chorley and Ian Goodison and the United duo of Jermaine Beckford and Kandol.
Shuker and Davies provided some lively raiding on the flanks for Tranmere and the United defence was often at full stretch.
But Manuel Rui Marques and Heath stuck to their task well in central defence.
Thompson was outstanding for the winners but Kandol and Curtis Weston had their moments and there was a confident display in goal from Casper Ankergren.
The victory still leaves Leeds on minus 12 points for the season.
The result was hard to swallow for Tranmere who were the better side for much of the 90 minutes but fell to two sucker-punches.