Substitute Craig Curran scored seven minutes from time to earn Rovers three points against league leaders Carlisle United at Rivacre Park.

The visitors had the better chances in the first half and Rovers had to rely on keeper Phil Palethorpe to make several good saves and strong displays from Paul Henry and Olly James at the back to keep the scores level at the break.

But a predominantly young Rovers side came back in the second period and went close through Steve Davies, Mike Jones and Paul Brown before the winner came late on.

Running on to a pass from Joe Fowler, who was partnered in the centre of midfield by Jason McAteer, Curran slotted the ball past the Carlisle keeper into the far corner.

Jones and Davies attempted to double the lead, while Palethorpe produced another good stop at the other end shortly before the final whistle.

Tranmere: Palethorpe, James, Henry, Holmes, Lovell, Jones, Fowler, McAteer, Brown, Davies, Dickinson (Curran 77). Substitutes not used: Connolly, Garry, Holden, Ferguson.