A FLASH of quality finishing from an unknown youth player was the standout moment of the afternoon as Tranmere cruised to a 2-0 pre-season victory over Northwich Victoria at Wyncham Park.

Dylan Vasselo struck on 74 minutes after James Norwood had given Rovers an early second half lead, ensuring it was the visitors who lifted the John King memorial trophy at full time.

Wirral Globe:

Players congratulating scorer Dylan Vasselo, who struck on 74 minutes. Picture: Tony Coombes

Gary Brabin fielded a mixture of youth and experience with Evan Gumbs, Mitch Duggan, Tolani Omotola and trialist Mark O'Brien all starting the match.

Reserve sticksman and goalkeeping coach Iain Turner started in between the posts with Norwood returning up top after a short injury lay-off.

Tranmere's first chance came from a corner seven minutes in when Darren Stephenson blazed over the bar on the turn.

A mistake by Vics' keeper Mason Springthorpe let in Stephenson again but his low left foot shot was wide.

Stephenson got around the back of the Northwich defence on the half hour mark but John Pritchard cleared his pullback.

Norwood headed a deep cross over the bar moments later as Tranmere looked to bring to life that was a largely uneventful opening period.

Norwood then took down a long ball from Turner before releasing Stephenson who forced a near post save out of Springthorpe.

Rovers took the lead shortly after the break when a mistake by Llanre Olopade let in Norwood, who drilled the ball home from 10 yards.

The former Forrest Green forward then made way for Vasselo before Jeff Hughes was replaced by Connor Jennings.

Jennings almost scored with a header soon after, leaping to meet a cross from namesake Steve.

Wirral Globe:

Connor Jennings in action. Picture: Tony Coombes

Vics had spent the majority of the match defending but responded when Alex Bryne sailed a 25-yard shot narrowly over the bar.

With quarter of an hour to go Rovers wrapped up the win when youngster Vasselo struck a sweet bouncing volley on the edge of the box that bent past Springthorpe into the net.

It was a terrific moment for the young hopeful, who was part of the Tranmere Rovers College last year.

The college is for 16-18 year olds who have fallen out of football to continue playing while getting an education in trades like construction, media and coaching.

Vasselo graduated last season and played at Skelmersdale United alongside his college studies.

He does not yet have a professional contract with the club.

Rovers continue their steady pre-season schedule tonight (Tuesday) when they host Blackpool at Prenton Park (7.45pm kick-off) before heading up the coast to AFC Fylde for their final preparation match on Saturday afternoon.

Wirral Globe:

Goalkeeping coach Iain Turner receives John King Memorial Shield following Saturday’s pre-season at Northwich. Picture: Tony Coombes

Assistant manager Paul Carden said: "The first half I thought we played too slow.

"We were moving the ball too slowly across the back and letting them get set. We weren't able to get as much attacking play as we wanted to.

"Second half we played at a better tempo.

"The young lads got good game time and some of the more senior players got the minutes that they needed to be on par with everybody else.

"So it was a good work out."