AFC Wimbledon’s slim hopes of claiming a League Two play-off spot came to an end with a 3-2 defeat to Tranmere at Prenton Park.

The first genuine chance of the match came for the home side in the 25th minute when Harvey Saunders’ effort from six yards was pushed wide by Dons goalkeeper Nik Tzanev.

But Saunders made amends in the 35th minute as he took full advantage of a defensive lapse before calmly slotting the ball just inside the far post.

Rovers made it two on the stroke of half-time when Rob Apter curled a beautiful left-footed effort past Tzanev from 12 yards.

The Wombles reduced the deficit 10 minutes after the restart when substitute Josh Kelly fired home his first for the club from the edge of the area.

But the away side’s task was made all the more difficult when John-Joe O’Toole received a straight red card for a high tackle on Chris Merrie.

And Tranmere took full advantage with 20 minutes left on the clock when Connor Jennings fired the ball home from close range.

Kelly grabbed a consolation for the visitors deep into stoppage time but the damage had already been done.