TRANMERE’S youngsters fought back to take a Puma Youth Alliance point after falling three goals behind in the opening 20 minutes of the Northwest Conference fixture at Raby Vale.
Rovers, playing into a stiff wind, were left reeling by a flurry of goals from Sam Cook (2) and Vinny Mukendi.
A strike from Callum Fairclough five minutes before halftime gave the home side a lifeline.
Tranmere turned up the pressure after the break and the visitors were reduced to 10 men when Mukendi was sent off for a late tackle on Jay Ashcroft on 68 minutes.
Dale Jennings pulled a second goal back for Rovers two minutes later, then notched the equaliser on 83 minutes.
Coach Shaun Garnett said: “Overall it was a good performance – if you take out those first 20 minutes.
“We struggled at first playing up the slope and with the wind in our faces against a direct side. But once they had adapted to the situation the boys showed good spirit. I was pleased with the response. We had a young side out with seven first-year scholars and it was a good learning curve for them.”
Tranmere take on Wrexham in a Youth Alliance fixture at Colliers Park on Saturday, kick-off 11 am.
Article
HAVE your say on our Rovers Messageboard - click