TRANMERE Rovers manager Micky Mellon fought back the tears as he dedicated his side's 1-0 win at Crawley Town to the club's kit man Tony 'Chid' Kelly. 

The Globe understands that 'Chid' suffered a heart attack this week and is currently recovering in hospital.

Speaking to the media after the hard fought win, an emotional Mellon, said: "It was an unbelievable win and we want to dedicate it to 'Chid'.

"He's going to be alright but it has been a tough week so to put in today's performance was unbelievable and I'm really proud of the lads.

"We talked before the game that if we can fight how he has fought...it was an amazing performance and a great three points.

"We want to send all our love to his family and remind him we are his family as well."

 

Jay Spearing's second-half goal gave promotion-chasing Tranmere their eighth win in the last 10 league games.

Speaking after the game, Spearing also said that the side's win was dedicated to their stricken kitman.

"The three points, most importantly to us, are for 'Chid' the kitman," said Spearing.

"He had a heart attack in the middle of the week but we've had some good news that he's up on his feet and feeling well.

"The gaffer gave us the message in the hotel before the game and the lads drove the message on throughout the game that the result was for him.

"The fight that he's gone through we needed to show that we could fight for him.

"'Chid' is a figher and he loves this club inside out and for all the things he does for the lads they wanted to pay him back today with a positive result and we got the result we needed.

"As long as he's healthy and he comes out of hospital we'll be buzzing to see him."

Rovers clinched victory on 65 minutes when Spearing's low free-kick flew into the corner of the net through a crowded six-yard box.

The result means was eighth win in nine for Rovers who extend their unbeaten run to 10 ames.