Tranmere Rovers.........0

Blackburn Rovers........2

SECOND half goals from Jeffrey Sarpong and Connor Mahoney finally broke Tranmere Rovers’ resistance as Blackburn Rovers ran out winners at Prenton Park - writes Richard Garnett.

Boss Gary Brabin introduced a plethora of substitutes but can be reasonably satisfied with the performance of his players as they prepare for life in non-league football.

With 15 minutes to play the Championship side finally took the lead when Sarpong wrong-footed Davies from 25 yards.

Substitute Mahoney wrapped up the win for the visitors five minutes later, cutting inside before finding the net from the edge of the box.

The scoreline was a touch harsh on Rovers, who more than held their own for 70 minutes before several changes in personnel eventually let the visitors in.

Blackburn had the first chance of the match in the fifth minute, when Maic Sema headed David Carson’s vicious cross against the bar.

Rovers responded when Steve Jennings put Liam Hogan through but the full back blazed high and wide.

Lois Maynard struck a sweet volley at David Raya on 33 minutes, as the Spanish stopper somehow kept the ball out with his body, not that he knew much about it.

Tranmere introduced two trialists at half-time but it was Blackburn who missed a chance to take the lead straight after the restart when Sema set up Jordan Preston who lashed over from close range.

Lois Maynard forced a smart save out of Raya on 52 minutes before bursting clear two minutes later only to sky his effort into the Bebington Kop.

The home side had enjoyed decent possession in the second period before Sarpong and Mahoney struck the decisive blows.

The manager said: “It was nice to see the groups of players we have playing a few more minutes together. We saw some really good stuff at times. Stuff that we need to iron-out as well.

“We were saying before the game, we’ve got to start putting good habits into play and I just feel like certainly the first goal we conceded, we were punished for one of those mistakes that we’ve talked about.

"It’s something that we’ve spoken about at length and it’s good that we get them out of the way now.

“I thought the first half was really pleasing.

"Certainly second half there were some real good periods. The pleasing aspect as well is some of the young lads that have done well for us during the pre-season.

"They’ve had a little chance there to shine at the end and I was delighted for them as well.

“I thought we had some good movement at times and we created some good chances, some good blocks and some good saves from their keeper so I was pleased with that aspect but we come away knowing that we’re still a little bit light in areas that we’re working hard on.

"I am mindful of clogging it with things that aren’t needed.

“We’ve got a real good group of players. They’re fit and strong and I think you can see that today.”

Rovers will face Everton under-21s this Wednesday and Shrewsbury Town on Saturday as the series of pre-season friendlies continues at Prenton Park.

  • Tranmere's traditional walk-out music "The Rockford Files" will continue after fans rejected a new tune trialled prior to the Blackburn game.

"Moving Mountains" got the thumbs-down from supporters who responded to a consultation advertised in the programme.

A club spokesman said: "It is clear Rockford Files is close to the hearts of our fan base, so we have decided to terminate the trial with immediate effect. Jim Rockford is back!"