Everton have suffered a 2-1 defeat to Tranmere in the Liverpool Senior Cup final as they continue their pre-season preparations.

In a game which saw three penalties awarded and only one scored, Everton held a first-half lead after Apostolos Vellios diverted home Luke Garbutt’s cross.

Everton goalkeeper Jan Mucha conceded a penalty with a foul on Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro but the Slovakian saved the shot from Andy Robinson to keep his side on level terms.

Mucha was later beaten from the spot by James Wallace and, after Conor McAleny missed a penalty at the other end, Robinson scored a late winner on the counterattack.

Aston Villa were 2-0 winners away to Peterborough as Paul Lambert’s plans for the season continue to take shape.

Teenage midfielder Daniel Johnson turned home Eric Lichaj’s cross to open the scoring and summer signing Brett Holman staked his claim to replace the injured Gabriel Agbonlahor when he slammed home the second with his left foot.

Mehdi Abeid and new signing Romain Amalfitano scored spectacular goals as Newcastle beat near neighbours Gateshead 4-1.

Abeid smashed home a ferocious strike in the early stages and Amalfitano ran from inside his own half and beat two defenders before scoring the second.

Youngsters Conor Newton and Marcus Maddison rounded off a comfortable win for a side which also featured another new signing, Australian defender Curtis Good.