 |
| Danny Lafferty gave us an early lead |
There were four trialists in the starting line up and a fifth on the bench. Although we have names for them, only two as yet have been identified and both are 18-year-olds currently with Premier League clubs.
At right back was Manchester City's Luke Coulson and in the centre of the defence Ben Heneghan from Everton. The other two starters were Weatherstone and Pinnock whilst Poole came on as a late substitute. Tranmere also had a trialist on view in Derby County's Ryan Connolly.
We started brightly and won a couple of early corners, the second of which led to us taking the lead through Danny Lafferty, his second reserve team goal, who headed a Cameron Howieson corner into the bottom corner.
Unfortunately that didn't lead to a winning performance and Tranmere were level before half time, although before that goal we came close to doubling our lead when Howieson linked up superbly with Shay McCartan, but Howieson unfortunately hit his shot at the goalkeeper's legs and the chance was gone.
Tranmere's equaliser came just as Burnley's opener had done, from a corner with Dave Raven powering home a header.
A Coulson effort was on target for us just after half time but Tranmere always looked the most likely and they won it with a penalty. Adam McGurk had actually scored but the referee was already pointing to the spot for a foul by Heneghan and Robbie Weir converted.
Burnley tried to force an equaliser but didn't really create a chance in the final half hour and the points went Tranmere's way.
The teams were;
Tranmere: Andy Coughlin, Michael Kay, Will Vaulks, Dave Raven, Mark McChrystal, Robbie Weir, Martin Devaney, Joss Labadie (Jake Kirby 40), Mustafa Tiryaki, Adam McGurk (Cole Stockton 85), Ryan Connolly. Subs not used: Ellis Healing, Joe Conchie, John Courtney.
Burnley: Ben Woodhead, Luke Coulson, Danny Lafferty, Ben Heneghan, Alex Coleman, Pinnock, Weatherstone, Steven Hewitt (Archie Love 72), Shay McCartan, Cameron Howieson (Adam Evans 67), Mehdi Lazaar (Poole 80). Subs not used: Josh Cook, Jack Errington.