Vauxhall Motors 0-0 Tranmere Rovers
Saturday 8th July 2023 – 2pm
The VanEupen Arena
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By Ethan Hoijord
Vauxhall Motors played out a goalless draw with League Two Tranmere Rovers on Saturday afternoon as they continued their preparations for the 2023-24 season.
Vauxhall’s defence stood firm when it had to and it was The Motormen that got closest to opening the scoreline when Sean Smith forced Rovers keeper Luke McGee into making a great save just before halftime.
Mick McGraa’s side had previously beaten Ruthin and Winsford United at The VanEupen Arena thus it was great to continue that unbeaten run against an EFL opposition.
The hosts made a quick start to the match as newly recruited Tranmere goalkeeper Luke McGee was forced into making two saves.
The press from Vauxhall continued when Mick McGraa’s side sent a free kick into the box which Rovers defender Tom Davies cleared out for a corner, taking a knock in the process.
Preventing the hosts from moving up the field, Ian Dawes’ young full back Mikey Davies – who this summer signed his first professional contract – slid in with a perfectly timed challenge to applause from the visiting fans.
Tensions boiled over slightly on the pitch after a poor challenge from The Whites’ playmaker Paul Lewis on Winger Michael Burkey brought a break in play.
The greatest moment of the game came when McGee was called into action to make an acrobatic save, following a shot by new Motors signing, Sean Smith, to tip the ball behind.
After switching the team up at half time, the visitors started the second half on the front foot. Striker Kristian Dennis latched onto a ball into the box from the left but his shot went just wide of the post.
It was a game of very few chances in truth, Rovers were playing the ball around patiently waiting for any cracks to show in the Vauxhall defence.
The weather quickly took a turn for the worst as supporters at The VanEupen Arena ran for shelter, it was bouncing down with rain compounded with thunder and lightning which inevitably slowed the game down before the full time whistle blew.
Vauxhall Motors are back in action next Saturday afternoon as they travel to Ashville, Tranmere face Southport away from home on Tuesday night as both teams continue to prepare for a busy 2023-24 campaign.
Vauxhall Motors team, managed by Mick McGraa: Sam Booth, Ethan Gouldbourne, Sean Smith, Sean Moscrop, Tom Mitchell, Bobbie Beaumont, Michael Burkey, Haydn Cooper, Lewis Buckley, Jordan Deer, Conor Harwood.
SUBS: Moran, Adam Hughes, Ben Dufton-Kelly, Brandon, Herbert, Hughes, George Nugent.
Tranmere Rovers first half team, managed by Ian Dawes: Luke McGee, Trialist, Tom Davies, Jordan Turnbull, Mikey Davies, Regan Hendry, Paul Lewis, Kieron Morris, Charlie Jolley, Connor Jennings, Josh Hawkes.
SUBS: Sam Taylor, Trialist, Trialist, Trialist.
Tranmere Rovers second half team, managed by Ian Dawes: Trialist, Lee O’Connor, Trialist, Ben Hockenhull, Ethan Bristow, Reece McAlear, Rhys Hughes, Trialist, Kristian Dennis, Kane Hemmings, Harvey Saunders.
SUBS: Sam Taylor, Trialist, Trialist, Trialist.
Attendance: 1,077.