Tranmere memories: Reds win FA Cup clash in 2001
As Liverpool prepare to kick off their 2016-17 pre-season commitments against Tranmere Rovers on Friday, we take a look back at the last competitive meeting between the sides.
The Reds have run out at Prenton Park on numerous occasions down the years, with the short trip to the Wirral for a friendly often viewed as the ideal preparation for a long campaign.
However, competitive clashes between these two close neighbours do not come around very often.
The last of those came on March 11, 2001, when Gerard Houllier's men were drawn away to Rovers in the Sixth Round of the FA Cup.
Liverpool were en route to a historic treble at the time, but a meeting with lower-league opposition - and a local rival to boot - meant there would be no easy ride to the final of this particular competition.
Tranmere had already dumped Everton out of the cup back in the third round, and the presence of Reds legend John Aldridge in the opposition dugout added an extra layer of intrigue to a hotly anticipated occasion.
As such, it was no surprise to see a blistering start to the contest at Prenton Park.
Reds midfielder Gary McAllister weaves into the Tranmere box
The hosts made a number of early advances toward the Reds box, but were repelled by a defensive unit comprising Markus Babbel, Stephen Wright, Sami Hyypia and Jamie Carragher ahead of Sander Westerveld.
And after just 11 minutes, Liverpool's quality at the other end of the pitch told.
Michael Owen collected the ball on the left-hand side of the box and sent in a teasing cross to the back post that Danny Murphy headed in emphatically.
The Chester-born midfielder's fingers-on-lips celebration in front of the home support provided evidence enough of the edge to this local derby.
Just 15 minutes later, the Reds' lead was a comfortable one.
Murphy turned provider for Owen this time, controlling a lofted pass and setting the No.10 up for a typically cool finish past goalkeeper John Achterberg.
The visitors held their advantage into half-time and looked on course for comfortable progression, but Tranmere's response after the break got the nerves jangling.
Aldridge's team pulled one back immediately following the restart, as Steve Yates headed in powerfully from a Jason Koumas ball to the back post.
That joy was shortlived, with Steven Gerrard's thumping header from a Gary McAllister corner sparking wild scenes in the away end shortly after.
However, Rovers refused to lie down, and within six minutes they had again reduced the arrears as a loose Robbie Fowler back-pass was pounced upon by Wayne Allison, who sent in a low finish.
The tie remained on a knife edge until the final moments, when the quick feet of Gary McAllister bamboozled the tired legs of Steve Yates, forcing him to concede a penalty.
Robbie Fowler subsequently stepped up to side-foot the spot-kick home and decide a thrilling tie on the Wirral.
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