Tranmere Rovers 3 Harrogate Town 2: Advertiser player ratings

Harrogate Town winger Brendan Kiernan is challenged by Tranmere Rovers' Calum MacDonald during his side's 3-2 loss on Merseyside. Pictures: Matt Kirkham

Here's an assessment of how Simon Weaver's players performed on their way to a 3-2 League Two defeat in the Wirral.

James Belshaw 6 - Will be disappointed to concede three, though wasn’t directly at fault for any of the goals. Made a top save from Calum MacDonald late on to keep Town’s hopes alive.

Warren Burrell 5 - Looked shaky on his return to the side at right-back. Let a couple of early crosses into the box and, even though it was a harsh decision, it was he who gave away penalty which helped swing momentum Tranmere’s way.

Jack Muldoon looks for a way through the home defence.

Jake Lawlor 6 - Held his own against a strong frontman in James Vaughan, but the centre-half was still unable to prevent his team from shipping three goals.

Connor Hall 5 - Was playing perfectly well, but left his team-mates up against it with a red card that could have been avoided. His first booking was for dissent, the second for a challenge from behind.

Ed Francis 6 - Steady out of position at left-back, where he was deployed for the second game in a row. Didn’t let the hosts have much joy down his side of the pitch.

Brendan Kiernan 6 - A decent showing from the winger. He could regularly be found running at the Tranmere defence and working hard out wide on the right before being replaced by Simon Power on the hour-mark.

Josh Falkingham 7 - Helped Town dominate large periods of the game, especially in the first half. Flew into tackles and started attacks with his range of passing.

George Thomson 7 - Looks a very good fit for that central midfield role alongside Falkingham. Positionally sound while getting into good attacking positions to shoot or set up a team mate, as demonstrated by his two assists for Josh McPake and Josh March.

Josh McPake 8 - ADVERTISER STAR MAN. A danger every time he touched the ball. Must have recorded at least three nutmegs during the game and took his first goal for the club very well. Also not afraid to put a defensive shift in for the benefit of the team.

Jack Muldoon 5 - Unusually off the pace, wasn’t able to get on the ball all that often and when he did, the wrong choice was made too frequently. Didn’t get any chances to continue his fine form in front of goal before being replaced by March on the hour.

Aaron Martin 6 - Couldn’t find that finishing touch in front of goal, heading wide early on then firing straight at the keeper when offside. Impressive in the air when flicking on high balls, however.