Rovers kicked off their pre-season schedule with a 2-1 defeat against Livingston at St. Andrews University, Scotland.
The game came after an intense one week training camp at the university with the players taking part in triple training sessions on most days.
The opening exchanges were very tight with both teams concentrating on keeping possession. The first chance of the game fell to Tranmere as Connor Jennings broke free of the Livingston defence and attempted to lob the keeper as he rushed out. Unfortunately for Jennings, the ball landed just wide of the right hand post.
In a half of little chances, Morris tried his best to break the deadlock from a quick counter attack. Jennings found Morris out on the right who twisted and turned past his man but his shot was deflected wide for a corner.
As the half came to an end, the game became more lively. Ridehalgh was judged to have tripped the Livingston attacker inside the box for a penalty however Luke Pilling guessed right and did brilliantly to deny the shot from the 12 yards.
Rovers couldn’t make it to half time with a clean sheet, however. A long distance strike was parried by Pilling and the rebound was tapped home to open the scoring from six yards by Pittman.
There were a number of changes for Rovers at the break as they started the second half the brighter of the two teams. After a short pass back, Paul Mullin closed down the keeper and blocked his clearance, which ricocheted into the net drawing Tranmere level.
Tranmere had the momentum after the goal with Mullin going close on two occasions. Firstly his bending left footed effort was tipped around the post by the Livingston stopper before his header from 10 yards couldn’t find the target.
Ultimately, Rovers were punished for not capitalising on their chances. An in swinging free kick was prodded past Pilling by Menga from inside the box to put Livingston ahead with 15 minutes to play.
There was to be no more chances for either side in the final stages of the game with Livingston running out 2-1 winners at St Andrews in what will be considered a valuable first run out of pre-season for Rovers.
First half team: Pilling, Caprice, Monthe, Ray, Ridehalgh, Blackett-Taylor, Perkins, Potter, Morris, Jennings, Miller
Second half team: Pilling (Passant 85’) Woods, Monthe, Nelson, Trialist, Banks, Gilmour, Trialist, Morris (Walker-Rice 67’), Jennings (Thompson 80’), Mullin