Struggling Tranmere are without a win in five League Two matches following a dour 0-0 draw at home to Cambridge.

Chances were at a premium for both sides with Dominic Ball coming closest to winning it for the visitors shortly before half-time.

The tone was set from the outset with Joe Ironside's failure to get on the end of Charlie Whitaker's cross the only incident of note during a dull opening.

Kelland Watts and Ben Purrington were both off-target with efforts for United midway through the half.

Joe Murphy produced a good save from Ball's header in the 37th minute after the Cambridge midfielder reacted quickest.

Richard Smallwood fired an effort wide on the hour mark, before the hosts saw a penalty shout waved away after Sol Solomon went down under pressure.

Shane Lavery saw a shot deflected wide, before Ironside was unable to get on the end of Solomon's 73rd-minute cross.

Nohan Kenneh had a shot saved and Patrick Brough fired wide as Rovers unsuccessfully pushed for a winner in the closing minutes.