Tranmere's woeful League Cup record continued as they slumped to a 2-0 defeat to Grimsby at Blundell Park.

Hunt and Chorley secure success for home side

Tranmere's woeful League Cup record continued as they slumped to a 2-0 defeat to Grimsby at Blundell Park. Ronnie Moore's side had fallen at the first hurdle in the past three seasons, and were unable to buck the trend against their League Two opponents. James Hunt fired the Mariners ahead after 20 minutes, before an unfortunate own goal by Tranmere defender Ben Chorley sealed Grimsby's victory 10 minutes into the second half. A wonderful move edged Grimsby in front as Hunt looped the rebound home after Martin Butler saw a close-range header kept out by John Achterberg. Five minutes after the break, Grimsby keeper Phil Barnes kept his side in front when he somehow pushed Craig Curran's point-blank header up onto the bar. But Alan Buckley's men doubled their lead after another swift counter-attack ended with Chris Llewellyn's low cross being diverted into his own net from six yards by Chorley.