A pleasing performance coupled with what was a toothless Orient, especially up front where they barely threatened even after their tails were up after a somewhat soft penalty gave them a consolation followed by a surprising amount of injury time.
Both Wallace and Palmer in the centre of midfield looked comfortable on the ball, with Wallace carrying on his good form from last season although Orient were guilty of sitting off them so it came as no surprise that they controlled the tempo of the game for long periods.
Gibson, apart from the penalty, was impressive at the back and I hope that Ronnie can tempt him and Boro to stay at Rovers beyond the initial one month deal. As a unit, Rovers looked assured without Goodison, which is something of a blessing as his recent knee-op could raise some concerns about whether we'll see him a Tranmere shirt again. That said, there'll be sterner tests to come than what Orient had to offer.
Wasn't sure about Akpa-Akpro, especially as he was subdued first half but his movement improved in the second half and his first goal was a thing of beauty. He's like a rather chunky winger rather than an out-and-out front-man although he showed a striker's instinct to get on the end of the superb Wallace's cross for his second goal at a point when Rovers threatened to run riot. Cassidy was also quiet, but his first touch and lay-off for Zoum's goal was a moment of class. He also did well here last season although it may take him a while to click with Akpa-Akpro, who is a different quantity to the now-departed Showunmi.
Only Thompson on the right wing failed to convince as he looks quick yet did not get past his man at any stage today and even when presented with the chance to cross seemed to prefer the lay-off. Given that Akins had more of a physical presence and could feed of the high ball that bit better then a change of service may see an improvement in Thompson.
All in all, a dream start.
