WARRINGTON Town bowed out of the Cheshire Senior Cup with a 3-1 defeat against Tranmere.
Town rested a number of first choice stars against a young Tranmere outfit, although the Football League One side did include a sprinkling of first team players, including French striker Jean-Louis Akpa-Akpro.
Max Power opened the scoring for Tranmere with a scuffed shot that went in off John McKenna, but most of the first half was played in driving rain, not lending itself to fluid football.
It was Aaron Bowen, handed a chance to shine up front, who had the hosts best chances, having a header and a fierce shot saved either side of half time.
But after Town failed to clear, Evan Horwood took full advantage, finding the top corner for 2-0.
Bowen continued to cause Tranmere problems, and Town finally got a reward for their efforts when youngster Dylan Glass (pictured top) found the net with a deflected shot.
Goalkeeper Josh Ollerenshaw was in top form to deny Tranmere a third before Ashley Ruane headed over from point blank range off a arrowed cross by Bowen.
That was the closest Town came to levelling the scores, and the visitors made sure of the victory and progess to the third round when Akpo Sodje headed home unmarked from a corner.
After a spirited performance in dreadful conditions, Town’s attention now turns to Saturday’s massive top of the table clash against closest rivals Curzon Ashton at the Tameside Stadium.
When the two sides met earlier in the season, the game was abandoned due to floodlight failure, with Town leading 2-0 at the time.
Curzon, who went back to the top of the table after winning 3-2 at Wakefield last night, haven’t lost a league game at home all season.
Warrington: Ollerenshaw, Davies, Kennedy, Guest, McCarten, McKenna, Ruane, Meakin (Houghton), Bowen, Newby (Glass), Dawson (Bandell). Unused Subs: Wharton, Corrigan.
Tranmere: Mooney, Morris, Horwood, Bolland, Holmes, Shaw, Akpa-Akpro, Power, Stokton, Sodje, Baggie. Subs: Davies, Riley, Newton, Gumbs, Ramsbottom.
