Ireland's two u21 goalkeepers were back to the mundane of reserve football last night, as Joe Murphy and Dean Delaney came face to face at Prenton Park when Tranmere faced Port Vale.

Both players have been ever present on the bench for their respective first teams this season but as yet neither has made it onto the pitch.

Both must be close though. Murphy was outstanding for Tranmere during their cup runs last season and was unlucky to lose the No.1 slot to John Achterberg at the start of the season. He played for Ireland on Tuesday night against the Estonian u21 team and kept a clean sheet in the process.

Tranmere manager John Aldridge has had a go at Achterberg a number of times this season because of his lack of concentration - but as yet he hasn't replaced him with Murphy.

Delaney, who played for Ireland in the 3-1 loss to Portugal, must be also close to the first team with Port Vale as they struggle in Division Two. They could not keep a clean sheet to save themselves and it might be about time to try fresh blood in goal.

Murphy came out on top of the battle of the Irish u21 goalkeepers last night but only just. He was nearly embarrassed straight away when Phil Baker got on the end of a George O'Callaghan pass but Joe got his legs in the way to block the shot away.

Paul Aldridge opened the scoring in the 20th minute when he beat Dean Delaney with a downward header but the lead only lasted 15 minutes. Port Vale were awarded a penalty and Jeff Minton converted past Murphy.

Another penalty decided the result in the 80th minute when Delaney upended Stuart Barlow and the striker dusted himself off and stroked the ball home.