Over 500 fans were at Rivacre Park last night to watch Vauxhall Motors make their first appearance on home soil since ending their long affiliation with the Conference North at the end of last season.

Motors, who will ply their trade in the West Cheshire League this season, entertained a strong Tranmere Rovers side, with Rovers new boss Rob Edwards including a host of first-teamers in his line up, including ex-Chester FC full-back Joe Heath, currently on trial with the Prenton Park side.

Motors, now under the stewardship of new manager Alan Schumacker, put in a spirited performance against their League One opponents but went down 4-1 as Abdoulaye Baggie netted twice and Elliot Richards and Max Power adding single efforts, while Motors, who had levelled the game, scored through Kal Herbert.

Tranmere could have taken the lead early on after Motors conceded a penalty but former Motors loanee Cole Stockton smacked his spot-kick against the woodwork to keep the scores level.

The first goal of the game came soon after though, with Stockton riding two challenges before sliding in Richards to sidefoot home from close range to put Rovers into the lead.

Motors rose to the challenge however, growing in stature as the half wore on. They levelled up proceedings through a well-placed effort from Herbert from 18 yards to send the sides in level at the half-time whistle.

The second period was dominated by the visitors though, but Motors did enjoy some impressive passages of play without ever really troubling Rovers former Welsh international goalkeeper Owain Fôn Williams.

Power gave Rovers the lead with a well taken strike from distance before Baggie grabbed his first of the evening from the penalty spot.

The Sierra Leonean then reacted to a knockdown from experienced striker Kayode Odejayi, firing home from inside the area to complete the scoring.

Despite the defeat, the 544-strong crowd will no doubt have been impressed with Motors endeavour and commitment against their more illustrious opponents, showing signs that their stay in the West Cheshire League may well be a brief one.

Motors are next in action when they entertain Evo-Stik Division One North side Radcliffe Borough on Saturday (3pm).