Antony Kay's late header was not enough to stop promotion-seeking Tranmere from being beaten by struggling Bournemouth.

The Cherries were gifted a goal after only 40 seconds when Tranmere defender Ian Goodison diverted a cross from Max Gradel past his own keeper Danny Coyne.

Jo Kuffour made it 2-0 from a Danny Hollands corner and only some fine Coyne saves prevented further damage.

Ian Moore went close for Rovers on the hour but they did not manage a reply until Kay met Paul McLaren's free-kick.

Bournemouth: Forde, Cooper, Tessem, Pearce, Franks (Finlay 77), Gradel, Bradbury, Bartley, Hollands, McQuoid (Partington 90), Kuffour.
Subs Not Used: Pryce, Hutchings, Davidson.

Booked: Bradbury, Gradel.

Goals: Goodison 1 og, Kuffour 34.

Tranmere: Coyne, Stockdale, Chorley, Goodison, Taylor, Myrie-Williams (Zola 63), McLaren, Jennings (Kay 74), Sherriff, Moore (Curran 84), Greenacre.
Subs Not Used: Achterberg, Shuker.

Booked: Taylor, Sherriff.

Goals: Kay 87.

Att: 4,118

Ref: Andy Hall (W Midlands).