THE SEASIDERS directors' box was a who's who of football on Wednesday night when Gary Parkinson's reserve team went down 1-0 in a close encounter with Tranmere Rovers.

Ian Holloway and Steve Thompson were joined by their Tranmere counterparts John Barnes and Jason McAteer whilst Ishmel Demontagnac, Mark Halstead , Jason Euell, Charlie Adam and Stephen admittedly the latter pair seemed more interested in the Scotland v Holland game rather than the action in front, in fairness who can blame them, the duomust be wondering what they have to do to get back into their national side.

Former Pool favourite Andy Preece, now manager of Northwich Victoria headed a plethora of scouts which also included Pool's former chief scout Clive Richards, who is now amongst the ranks at Bolton Wanderers.

Ian Holloway was keen to take a look at two trialists, the first former Rangers trainee Brian Gilmour was joined by former Stoke frontman Vincent Pericard who is trying to earn a contract following his release from The Premiership outfit.

Both sides went close in the opening period Thomas Barkhuzien and Billy Clarke came the closet for Pool whilst Matt Gilks made a couple of good saves to deny the vistors.

After the break the game became very open with both teams playing some neat interchanging football, but it was Tranmere who nicked the points when Charlie Barnett rounded off a great move.

With Pool pressing for an equaliser, Tranmere hit the post whilst Collister made a couple of great saves to deny the Seasiders.

Final Score Blackpool 0 Tranmere Rovers 1

Pool: Gilks, Breakell, Rooney, Bangura, Younda, Martin, Barkhuzien, Clarke (MacDonald 80), Pericard, Gilmour, Almond Subs Not Used: Foster, Kettings, Tomsett, Mitter