Stoke City1-0Tranmere Rovers

Tranmere Rovers began their third season in Division One with a narrow 1-0 defeat at Stoke City, where Nigel Gleghorn's 40th-minute goal proved decisive despite a spirited second-half response from John King's side.

Rovers' preparations had been disrupted by a virus which struck several players during the early hours of the morning. Ian Nolan and Chris Malkin were confined to bed, while Shaun Garnett and Tony Thomas were able to play despite feeling unwell.

The late disruption explained several unexpected changes to King's side. Garnett had required a fitness test, Malkin was absent from the 14-man squad and Nolan was omitted, although none of those decisions was related to an injury or a possible move away from the club.

Stoke had also appeared to be carrying fitness concerns, but two of their supposed doubts, Paul Peschisolido and Toddy Orlygsson, produced strong performances. The hosts' greatest threat came from the pace of right-winger Martin Carruthers, who was involved in much of their best attacking play.

Stoke created enough opportunities to win by a wider margin, but goalkeeper Danny Coyne kept Tranmere in contention with a succession of fine saves. His performance ensured the hosts had only Gleghorn's strike to show for their first-half superiority.

The breakthrough arrived five minutes before the interval as Gleghorn found the net to give Stoke a 1-0 lead. Rovers had struggled to create openings during that period, although Ged Brannan remained their most likely source of an equaliser and went close on three occasions during the opening hour.

King changed the shape of his side after 53 minutes, introducing Ian Muir in place of Garnett. Brannan dropped into the back four, while Kenny Irons moved from his advanced role alongside lone striker John Aldridge to join Liam O'Brien in midfield. Muir was pushed forward to provide Aldridge with greater support.

The reshuffle transformed Tranmere's performance. Rovers began to control possession and attacked with far more imagination as Stoke were forced onto the defensive.

Muir came closest to levelling the scores when he struck the post. Pat Nevin also had a close-range effort blocked, while John Morrissey found himself in a promising position but sliced his shot wide.

The equaliser would not come, but there were encouraging signs in Rovers' second-half display. Veteran Steve Mungall performed competently at left-back, Aldridge worked tirelessly despite receiving little reward, and defenders Thomas and Dave Higgins battled bravely throughout.

Brannan was outstanding both in midfield and after dropping into defence, while Coyne's immaculate goalkeeping prevented Stoke from extending their advantage. Tranmere left empty-handed, but their improved performance after the interval offered encouragement following a difficult and badly disrupted start to the new campaign.