Liverpool FC XI defeat Tranmere Rovers FC 2-0 in pre-season clash at Prenton Park

Aug 4 2010 by Nick Hilton, Liverpool Daily Post

TRANMERE gave another crop of trialists the chance to shine at Prenton Park – and found themselves casting admiring glances at the glowing quality of the opposition.

Liverpool, deploying some of the brightest prospects from the Anfield Academy, ultimately had too much quality for Rovers, winning the contest through a David McNamara own goal on 47 minutes and a strike from David Amoo (61).

But the final pre-season workout of the summer had its value for Rovers as a young line-up put in a big, whole-hearted effort to keep the contest competitive for a crowd of mainly young fans.

Frenchman Maxime Blanchard, making his third and most impressive trial appearance of the summer, marshalled the defence from the centre-back position he favours. The backline also included Liam Darville, a right-back who has spent time with Leeds United.

Mark Manga, a winger who played only 20 minutes at Chester last week before injury forced him off, had almost an hour this time before giving way to Angelos Tslaklis, a Cypriot who was released last season by Manchester City.

Jake Simpson, the son of Stockport manager Paul Simpson, followed up his brief appearance at Shrewsbury last weekend with a 90-minute contribution and missed a late chance to earn some reward for a night of hard running.

Adam McGurk, an Irish youth international who was with Aston Villa, gave his all before being forced to limp out of the action on 76 minutes. He also threatened on a couple of occasions. Max Power, a member of Tranmere's youth squad, did as well as anyone in catching the eye before giving way to Dale Jennings just after the hour mark.

Following a scoreless opening 45 minutes, Liverpool were gifted the lead when a low, left-wing cross from Amoo caused danger and McNamara, attempting to clear, miskicked and sent the ball rolling gently over the line.

Liverpool caught Rovers on the break to add a second goal on 61 minutes. Thomas Ince, the son of the former Liverpool and England midfielder Paul Ince, penetrated the home rearguard on the left and threaded a perfect pass inside for Amoo to guide home.

TRANMERE ROVERS: Collister, Darville, Blanchard, Vaulks, McNamara, Fraughan, Gibbs, (Benson 71), Manga (Tsiaklis 57), McGurk (Mackreth 75), Power (Jennings 62), Simpson. Sub: Coughlin. BOOKINGS: McNamara.

LIVERPOOL XI: Bouzanis, Flanagan, Robinson, Palsson (Cooper 46), Wisdom (Coady 59), Ayala, Amoo (Ngoo 76), Irwin, Saric (Brito E Silva 46), Fernandez, Ince (Bruna 68). Sub: Chamberlain. BOOKINGS: Robinson.

REFEREE: Mr P Bankes. ATT: 2,466.