Tranmere Rovers played out a 0-0 draw with League One side Sunderland at Prenton Park.

Rovers arguably had the better of the chances on the night but neither side could break the deadlock in front of supporters from both clubs.

Tranmere’s final pre-season friendly will take place on Saturday in a behind closed doors match against Burnley U23’s, managed by former TRFC boss Mike Jackson.

Former Sunderland man Callum McManaman made his home debut for TRFC against his former employers.

Meanwhile, the visitors named Australian international Bailey Wright and striker Will Grigg in their starting line up.

Tranmere nearly capitalised on two miss placed back passes, and were showing positive signs when moving the ball forward into Sunderland territory.

A long range shot from Ryan Watson hit a yellow shirt and deflected wide for a corner as clear cut opportunities were at a premium for both sets of players after the 20 minute mark.

Goalkeeper Joe Murphy was called into action in when Dan Neil struck from range, but our number 13 parried to safety.

At the other end, Mani Dieseruvwe was played through on goal by Paul Glatzel, he rounded the goalkeeper but the ball went too far out right. After a short passage of play, the ball ended up at the feet of Liam Feeney and his low effort was saved by Anthony Patterson.

Soon after, McManaman was picked out by a wonderful Murphy pass. The tricky winger left his man by cutting inside but fired wide.

Two changes for TRFC at half time saw Peter Clarke come on for Tom Davies, whilst trialist was brought on for Feeney.

Sunderland’s main threat was proving to be Jack Diamond, and he was proving to be a nuisance on the wing, whilst the experienced strike pair of Aiden O’Brien and Will Grigg were a handful.

On the hour mark, Ryan Watson was replaced by Sam Foley in a like for like change in the middle of the park. Ten minutes later, Dieseruvwe was replaced by Elliott Nevitt in attack.

The game was very tight with both teams being able to stamp their authority on proceedings, but it was a great work out for Rovers in preparation for the League Two campaign which kicks off next week.

A loose ball in the Sunderland penalty area five minutes from time was nearly turned home for Rovers after a cross by Josh Cogley. The final substitute saw Jay Spearing come off for Kyle Hayde.

However, the score finished 0-0 at Prenton Park and another solid work out for Micky Mellon’s side.

Tranmere: Murphy, Cogley, Davies (Clarke 46), Knight-Percival, Merrie, Spearing (Hayde 85), Watson (Foley), Feeney (trialist 46), Glatzel, McManaman, Dieseruvwe (Nevitt 70). Unused sub: Jones