AFTER a great start to their Avon Insurance League campaign Burnley were brought back to earth with a bump at Prenton Park last night.

Following on from a draw against Rotherham away and a home win over Wolves, they went down 3-0 at the hands of Tranmere Rovers in the Premier Division clash.

Rovers made the best of starts when when 19-year-old youth team product Alex Hay shot them in front from close range after just three minutes.

The first half remained tight, but a defensive error by the Clarets handed Tranmere a second goal after 43 minutes.

Centre back Mitchell Thomas, making his first appearance of the season after sustaining an abductor strain in pre-season, and his defensive partner Earl Davis failed to read each others intentions and that paved the way for ex-Blackburn Rovers midfield player Wayne Gill to snap up possession and fire a low short past Clarets keeper Luigi Cennamo.

Burnley were a little brighter after the break when Brad Maylett and John Mullin both had chances, but six minutes from time Tranmere cocnluded their victory.

Youth teamer Paul Robinson, on as a substitute, went on a solo run from 35 yards out and finished in some style. Burnley: Cennamo; McGregor, Gnohere, E Davis, Thomas; Pilkington, Maylett, Mullin, Johnrose; Shandran, Rasmussen (O'Neill 77). Subs: Salisbury, Waine, Leeson, Eves.