LANCASTER City and Morecambe made good starts to their run of pre-season friendlies in the build up to the new season.

Morecambe's first game brought Jim Harvey's old club, Tranmere Rovers, to Christie Park.

Fielding a strong side, the newly relegated second division outfit were only able to scrape a 1-0 victory.

Few players will come to Christie Park with a higher price tag than £3million rated Jason Koumas, who scored Rovers's winner for new boss Dave Watson in the first half.

Morecambe were never outclassed against another side whose excellent cup performances last term made national headlines.

Unfortunately, the line up sent by Sheffield United on Saturday was nowhere near as strong, and Morecambe dismissed them 4-1.

Two goals from Gary Thompson, one from Paul McGuire and another from Mark Quayle did the damage in reply to Mark Ward's early strike for the visitors. Morecambe have staged more trials than Jeffrey Archer this week, with ex Burnley and Halifax keeper Craig Mawson, experienced centre half or midfielder Chris Lightfoot, who made his name at Chester before moving to Crewe and fresh from a stint training with QPR, and enigmatic former Manchester United winger Simon Davies, who has spent recent years drifting around the lower divisions. Former Ipswich, Blackpool and Southport man David Linighan also appeared against Tranmere.

Morecambe play their now traditional game against Carlisle today (Thursday) and have Premiership opposition in the form of Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

Across the Lune, Lancaster demolished conference outfit Leigh RMI 5-3 in their first game on Monday night.

Colin Potts opened the scoring for city, when Brian Welch, new signing Andy Whittaker, Paul Haddow and Lee Clitheroe scored Morecambe's goals in the first half. Dave Ridings scored two more and Ian Monks added another for the visitors, who were never really at the races. City were due to face a Bolton Wanderers side last night.