TRANMERE Rovers were held to a goalless draw against Torquay United in national league action last night.

It was a competitive start to the game at Plainmoor with challenges coming but few chances in the early moments.

Connor Jennings had the first goalbound effort on 18 minutes when he hit a 25 yard strike straight at Brendan Moore in the Torquay goal.

Sean McGinty had a couple of headers from set plays off target at the other end while Andy Mangan had an effort blocked after a quick counter attack.

There was a goalmouth scramble shortly before half-time when a free kick by Jeff Hughes was poked towards goal by Stockton, blocked away up in the air and Moore scrambled back to clear off the line.

Rovers had their best chance of the game a minute after the restart when Stockton received the ball with his back to goal, turned and hit a powerful shot which Moore saved.

Hughes hit a volley which was blocked on 59 minutes before five minutes later Damon Lathorpe hit the crossbar with a volley from distance.

Rovers kept pushing forward but couldn't create a clear-cut opportunity and it remained 0-0.

Manager Micky Mellon said afterwards: "In terms of having a right good go I think right across the board I'd have to be pleased with the lads, but disappointed that we haven't won because we want to win every game we play in.

"I'm not frustrated, this is football.

"If the lads give you that type of commitment and they fight for that Tranmere jersey I will never complain.

"The only frustration comes from the fact we didn't really get any breaks.

"I'm happy we're disappointed we haven't taken three points, that's a great sign, and the team we're playing against drew 0-0 and are doing a lap of honour, that shows you where we're at now.

"We would have to say we lacked a bit of composure or quality to beat the first man.

"We passed it well and got into some good areas but maybe needed to take a breath and pick somebody out with the qualities the lads have undoubtedly got.

"In the second half everything that went up there I don't think we got one bounce that went for us and that's unusual.

"Nothing seemed to drop on our side".

Rovers take a break from national league action this Saturday for the second leg of the FA Trophy semi-final against Macclesfield at Prenton Park.