A PATCHED up Rovers went down by a single goal against League Two opposition in their latest pre-season friendly last night.
Sean O'Driscoll was without new striker Darren Byfield, skipper Adam Lockwood and Brian Stock at Christie Park as well as long term absentees Jason Price, Sean McDaid and Gordon Greer.
Former Celtic defender Steven Pressley has returned to Scotla
nd after training with Rovers and O'Driscoll started with youngsters Sam Hird and Andrew Boyce at the heart of the defence with striker Gareth Taylor coming on at centre half in the second half.
Teenage striker Tomi Ameobi, signed from Leeds United earlier in the week, also started up front in a match which saw midfielder Martin Woods deployed at left back.
Morecambe enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges and got the decisive goal on 32 minutes when a cross by Neil Wainwright found Diamuird O'Carroll in enough space on the edge of the area to hit a low left shot into the bottom corner of Ben Smith's net.
Nine changes at half time saw Rovers improve their passing game but, despite Woods going close with a 30 yard drive, O'Driscoll's men created few clearcut chances.
Rovers entertain Premier League Newcastle United at the Keepmoat Stadium on Saturday (3pm) in a game which sees former England manager Kevin Keegan return to his hometown club.
Team: Smith (Sullivan 45), O'Connor (Hall 45), Boyce (Taylor 45), Hird (Fenney 85), Woods (Clark 85), Fairhurst (Roberts 45), Wilson (Guy 45), Wellens (Coppinger 45), Spicer (Nelthorpe 45), Heffernan (Hayter 45), Ameobi (Elliott 45).
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