Tranmere Pass Television Test

It was the perfect time to perhaps attract new viewers to this level of football, coming midst an international break and, despite the dreadful weather throughout, the sides produced an entertaining encounter.

It`s fair to say that Tranmere have made a disappointing start to the season, and began the game languishing down in seventeenth place.

As for Orient, they have also had a mixed bag of results since suffering relegation at the end of last season and were only two places above Micky Mellon`s men at the start of play - certainly not where either wanted or expected to be at this stage of the season.

The pouring rain made the surface at Prenton Park very slick and several early passes went astray as the players got used to the pace of the pitch.

But it was the hosts who threatened early on, with Jeff Hughes having the first attempt from distance.

But on 20 minutes came a controversial moment that changed the game.

Rovers` striker Andy Cook fired towards goal, but the ball struck the hand of James Brophy and took a wicked deflection that produced a wonderful reflex save from O`s keeper Charlie Grainger.

The ball was immediately manoeuvred upfield and Jobi McAnuff`s shot was pushed out towards James Dayton who crossed for striker Matt Harrold to sweep home, despite the ball being slightly behind him.

However, the lead lasted barely 4 minutes when Grainger was again called into action, pulling off a decent save from James Norwood, only for Cook to slide the loose ball into the corner of the net for a neat finish.

The visitors came close to taking a lead into half-time with Dayton`s powerful 25-yard drive going inches wide and then Mark Ellis heading wide.

The second half wasn`t going long when Grainger was called upon again to make a fine save from Cook`s header.

And it came as little surprise when Rovers did manage to take the lead after 71 minutes when Dylan Mottley-Henry made a burst forward and crossed for Norwood to head past Grainger.

Connor Jennings` header 8 minutes from time almost made the points safe for the home side but, despite 5 minutes of added time, they held firm for three crucial points that Rovers fans hope will prove to be the turning point in their campaign.