Tranmere Rovers 4, Brentford 1 WITH new striker Peter Beadle sent off after only 12 minutes of his debut, Brentford crashed to their heaviest opening day league defeat for 48 years (writes ROBERT TRAND).

Bees boss Wally Downes stormed: “The referee was wrong to dismiss Beadle and has put his future at the club in doubt because he will be banned for most of his one month’s contract.

“I asked the ref (Carl Boyeson) at half-time about his decision and he motioned that Beadle elbowed Gareth Roberts in the face. That wasn’t the case.” Downes was also furious with Tranmere officials. . He said: "I wasn’t happy with the Tranmere bench – they jumped up and put the referee under pressure. I think he responded to that.” Tranmere boss Ray Mathias retorted: "I didn’t see the incident, but no one was screaming on our bench."

Tranmere raced into a 2-0 lead in 39 minutes with the help of two woeful pieces of defending. Gary Jones was allowed a free header from Shane Nicholson’s corner and then a reckless tackle by the lethargic Sonko handed Rovers a penalty which Nicholson had no problem dispatching.

Only good goalkeeping by Paul Smith prevented further goals. However, the introduction of Jay Tabb for Frampton after the break at least gave the ever so faithful away following something to shout about. Tabb was Brentford’s best player, and many felt he and Mark Peters should have started the game.

When Tabb was brought down by Achterberg Brentford reduced the arrears with Hunt’s penalty, but an error by Sonko then allowed Haworth to head home. More shoddy defending saw Roget, handicapped by injury, give away a penalty – the third of the match - and Nicholson stroked in goal No. 4.

Brentford: P. Smith; Dobson, Roget (Fieldwick, 86mins), Sonko, Somner, Frampton (Tabb, 45); Hutchinson (Peters, 82), J. Smith, Hunt; O’Connor, Beadle. Subs (not used): Julian, Hughes.