Stars Abroad: Oduor helps Grimsby seal playoff place as Obiero’s Tranmere survive relegation

Harambee Stars defender Clarke Oduor came off the bench to play the final 25 minutes as Grimsby Town held Tranmere Rovers to a 1-1 draw at Prenton Park on Saturday.

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Tranmere clung on to secure League Two safety with a tense draw against playoff-bound Grimsby, who had already sealed their place in the playoffs following their midweek win over Swindon.

Oduor had rested after starting seven straight matches for Grimsby since the March FIFA international break, with head coach David Artell opting to manage his minutes ahead of the playoff campaign.

The Kenyan international was introduced in place of captain Kieran Green, who had been in terrific scoring form after netting six times in his previous seven appearances.

In the 25 minutes he spent on the green carpet, Oduor delivered a clean and composed performance, completing all his nine attempted passes.

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Five of those came in the opposition half, while he also completed all four of his passes in his own half.

Defensively, he also won his only attempted tackle, though he lost possession once.

Grimsby had taken the lead on the stroke of half-time when Justin Amaluzor raced onto Green’s through ball before firing high past Marko Marosi.

The visitors had chances to extend their lead after the restart, but Amaluzor scooped over from six yards when he should have scored.

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Tranmere later found their way back into the contest in the 64th minute when Nathan Smith rose highest to meet Charlie Whitaker’s corner and headed home from close range.

Despite the mounting tension in the closing stages, Rovers held on for a crucial point, with other results also going their way as they preserved their League Two status by two points.

Kenyan midfielder Zech Obiero was not involved in the game, but his loan spell at Tranmere has ended on a successful note after helping the club beat relegation.

Obiero featured in 13 matches, started 11, and scored two goals during his time with Rovers.

Oduor and Grimsby Town will now turn their attention to the playoff semi-final, where they will face Salford City, with the first leg set for Blundell Park on Sunday, 10 May.