Tranmere Rovers kicked off their pre-season campaign with a 2-2 draw against Fleetwood Town at Poolfoot Farm on Saturday afternoon.
Despite taking the lead twice, goals from Kane Hemmings and Jake Burton weren’t enough for Micky Mellon’s side whose goals were cancelled out by Toto Nsiala and Paddy Lane
Rovers started off the game strong as Hemmings calmly slotted a lofted ball from Tom Davies passed Fleetwood keeper, Tom Donaghy.
After the early lead, the game steadied out with both teams easing their way into the game.
Trialist 2 making a string of good tackles to ensure Rovers kept their lead leading into the final 15 minutes of the first half however moments later Fleetwood won a free kick on the edge of the box which was tapped in from close range by Nsiala.
Responding well to the goal, Rovers applied plenty of pressure on the Fleetwood side but were unable to convert any of their chances so headed into the break with one goal apiece.
Both teams made complete changes to their squad for the second half with Trialist 2 being the only remaining player for Micky Mellon’s side and Town fielding a fresh 11.
Charlie Jolley’s game came to an unfortunate and short end after a tackle with Josh Vela saw him limping off the pitch and replaced by Ryan Stratulis.
Rovers retook the lead shortly after when Jake Burton converts a Rhys Hughes free kick.
Moments later Kyle Hayde brings down Cian Hayes in his area winning the home side a penalty. However, the spot kit didn’t bother Joe Murphy who calmly palmed away Hayes' effort.
Despite heading into the final five minutes with the lead, Rovers suffered a blow as Lane manages to claw back a goal for the home side after a fumble in the Rovers area.
First half Tranmere side: Trialist 1 (GK), Josh Dacres-Cogley, Neill Byrne, Tom Davies ©, Trialist 2, Ethan Bristow, Jon Nolan, Lee O’Connor, Reece McAlear, Elliott Nevitt, Kane Hemmings
Second half Tranmere side: Joe Murphy (GK), Rhys Hughes, Ben Hockenhull, Kyle Hayde, Trialist 2 ( 56’ Max Fisher), Charlie Jolley (51’ Ryan Stratulis), Chris Merrie, Josh Hawkes, Paul Lewis, Kieron Morris ©, Jake Burton