Nicolas Anelka scored twice with Chris Shuker adding another to make it 3-0 as City ran riot in the first half.
Shaun Wright-Phillips and Kevin Horlock scored in the second half and trialist Karin Kenkar hit two goals to take City's total to seven.
Danny Harrison scored a consolation for managerless Rovers.
The loudest applause of the evening was reserved for goalkeeper Eric Nixon, whose testimonial this game was, a servant for both City and Tranmere.