After a 6-2 win and a 4-0 win in their last two friendly games, albeit against lower league opposition, Rovers were at it again tonight as another good footballing perfromance saw them beat a plucky Southport side 4-1 thanks to goals from Craig Curran (2), Andy Taylor and Ian Moore.

Once again it was the 4-3-3 formation for Ronnie Moore's men with the starting line-up as follows........

Achterberg

Holmes Kay Chorley Taylor

Edds O'Callaghan Barnett

Gornell Savage Curran

After a an early spell of pressure, Rovers took a seventh minute lead when Danny Holmes, who spent parts of last season on loan at Haig Avenue provided a pinpoint cross from the right which Craig Curran headed home.

Curran was already at that point having an excellent game for Rovers and looked the most threatening player by far.

Danny Holmes Clear the Lines

Rovers thought they had doubled their lead midway through the first half when the equally excellent Charlie Barnett, not yet officially a Rovers player, headed home but the referee had spotted a push in the Sandgrounders penalty area and disallowed the goal.

The hosts had a great chance to equalise when a backpass to John Achterberg left the Keeper in trouble and a perfect opportunity for a shot was blasted high and wide by Craig Noone.

Southport were proving to be decent opposition but Rovers higher level showed in the game as they took command and passed the ball excellently at times.

They failed to find another breakthrough in the opening half though and the half-time break saw the score still at 1-0 to Tranmere, a scoreline they just about deserved on the balance of play.

Just before half-time Gareth Edds, who seemed to have picked up some kind of minor knock, was replaced by Steven Jennings.

Ronnie Moore made four half-time changes with both centre-backs, Chorley and Kay being replaced by Luke Waterfall and Ian Goodison whilst at the other end of the field, Bas Savage and Terry Gornell made way for Chris Greenacre and Ian Moore.

Two minutes into the second half Barnett crossed for Andy Taylor to head home and make it 2-0 to Rovers before Craig Curran fired wide.

On the hour mark though, the hosts got back into the game as Rovers’ defence fell asleep allowing Neil Robinson to send Steve Daly clear and the striker couldn’t miss as he slotted the ball past Danny Coyne for 2-1.

Curran Grabs his Second Goal of the Night!

Craig Curran

Despite great performances all night from Charlie Barnett, Danny Holmes and Ben Chorley, Curran was by the far the best player on the pitch and looked a constant threat all evening.  He fully deserved his two goals on the night and the Man of the Match Award too!