TRANMERE'S Cheshire Senior Cup campaign ended with a 4-2 defeat at Macclesfield after a hat-trick from former Everton striker Oumar Niasse.
Rovers had fought back from 2-0 down to level midway through the second half through Harvey Saunders and Chris Merrie but two late goals from Niasse gave the Silkmen the win at the Leasing.com Stadium.
Northern Premier League side Macclesfield agreed terms on a deal to sign Niasse, 33, last month.
Niasse once cost Everton £13.5million when he joined from Lokomotiv Moscow in 2016, but most recently made 10 appearances for Morecambe during a short loan spell at the end of last season.
The 33-year-old Senegal international has also had spells with Hull, Cardiff, Huddersfield and Burton.
With the game looking set for a penalty shoot out, Macclesfield netted in the 87th and 89th minutes to seal the victory. A cut back from former Marine winger Neil Kengni was turned in by Niasse for his second and he completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot soon after.
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