Antony Kay's late goal was not enough to prevent play-off chasers Tranmere slumping to a surprise 2-1 defeat at relegation-haunted Bournemouth.Kay set up an exciting finale in Monday's League One clash at Dean Court with an 87th-minute header but the Cherries somehow held out for a deserved victory which keeps alive their slim hopes of avoiding the drop.

Bournemouth were gifted a goal after only 40 seconds when Tranmere defender Ian Goodison diverted a cross from Max Gradel wide of his own goalkeeper at full stretch.

Rovers never looked like a side jostling for a play-off position and they went further behind in the 34th minute when a corner on the right by Danny Hollands ended with Jo Kuffour squeezing home his 10th of the season.

Rovers were indebted to goalkeeper Danny Coyne who made great saves from Kuffour, Jason Pearce and a free-kick by Hollands.

Tranmere fought back, and Kay headed in a free-kick by Paul McLaren but it proved to be only a consolation.

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