'Casual' performance sees Rovers out of Johnstone's Paint Trophy (From Wirral Globe)

'Casual' performance sees Rovers out of Johnstone's Paint Trophy

10:00am Wednesday 5th September 2012 in News By Craig Manning

TRANMERE Rovers were knocked out of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy last night after losing 2-0 to Port Vale.

Former Rovers' loanee Jennison Myrie-Williams fired a free kick against his former club early in the second half of the match at Vale Park and added the second from the penalty spot with 15 minutes remaining to earn the host's victory.

The defeat came three days after Rovers impressive 4-0 League One win over Colchester United at Prenton Park.

A disappointed Ronnie Moore described his side's performance last night as 'casual'.

In a statement on the club's website he said: "The tempo wasn't what we wanted which is a shame.

"We weren't able to deal with Myrie-Williams' pace but when you look at the pace Zoom has he should be able to.

"It's hard when you change the side. We had new faces in there and it's not their fault.

"The problem you get is because they've not started games they need match fitness.

"You're going to be lucky if they can all zip to what we're used to, it takes time to get the cobwebs off them. I'm not blaming them, the back four should have done better.

"We lost to a free kick and a penalty. We were slow out of the blocks. We normally move the ball quicker. If we'd have defended better we'd have been alright."

Rovers resume their League One campaign on Saturday, taking on Crewe Alexandra at the Alexandra Stadium, 3pm kick-off.

Ronnie hopes to have James Wallace and Andy Robinson back at Crewe on Saturday after the pair were rested during last night's game.