Nathan Ashmore took some serious stick from the Tranmere fans on Saturday - and loved it.

Goalkeeper Ashmore used every trick in the book to slow down the National League play-off semi-final at Prenton Park.

With the huge Kop stand at his back in the first half, Ashmore's tactics whipped the home supporters into a fury.

They started throwing objects onto the pitch and twice the referee stopped play to speak to his fourth official about it.

Finally it was announced that Rovers would forfeit the game if anything else was thrown on and sure enough, things calmed down.

Ashmore said: "I think you can tell I relish that.

"I knew it was going to be a tough affair but I absolutely loved it.

"I'm always winding up the crowd. You've got to because it's a tough place to come.

"There were 3,000 fans in that stand and if you stop them scoring for the first 15-20 minutes, they get on everyone's back and start panicking.

"If I can help that, I will. I love that kind of game."

Ashmore was eventually beaten four times for only the third time this season as Tranmere came from behind to reach the Wembley final.

He said: "I'm gutted because we could have nicked it, especially going 1-0 and 2-1 up. They scored a couple of good goals and the third one killed us, right before half-time in extra time.

"We believe we're going to win every single game. We've been on an unbelievable run and we always back ourselves.

"Even coming here, it's intimidating but we said if we go 1-0 up or keep a clean sheet for the first 15-20 minutes, they won't have much to throw against us."

The semi-final came less than 72 hours after Ebbsfleet had come through extra time and penalties at Aldershot.

Ashmore said: "If you can't get up for this game, there's no point playing.

"But Tranmere are a very good side, strong, physical and extra time did take its toll, especially having played on Wednesday.

"Our spirit's unbelievable. The lads would do anything for each other. We've got that never-say-die-attitude.

"We spend every day together, we train together and we all get on. We do other stuff together and we trust each other."