A first half strike from John Corrigan and an own goal gave Tranmere a 2-1 win over Chester City at Rivacre Park in the Pontin's Holidays League Cup.

Craig Curran forced a save from Chester keeper Phil Palethorpe on six minutes while Luke Holden came close from 25 yards on 25 minutes.

The deadlock was broken on 36 minutes when Curran played a neat through ball to Mike Jones on the right. Jones sent in a low cross and Corrigan beat Palethorpe to knock in from inside the six yard box.

John Achterberg made a good save from Leighton McGivern's free kick on 40 minutes, and the Chester player saw a shot deflect off Peter Jones and against the Rovers post soon after.

Two minutes into the second half Rovers doubled the lead, when a Chester defender headed a Luke Holden corner into his own net at the far post.

There were few chances created in the second half as heavy rain made conditions difficult, but Curran headed over from close range after meeting Terry Gornell's ball across the box.

Despite a late goal from Chester's Paul McManus, which came when Henry and Peter Jones slipped when trying to clear, Rovers held on for the victory.

The win puts Rovers top of the group which also contains Shrewsbury Town and Blackburn Rovers.

Tranmere: Achterberg, Holmes, P. Jones, Henry, Cresswell, M. Jones, Harrison, Jennings, Holden (Williams 70), Curran (Ferguson 80), Corrigan (Gornell 65). Substitutes not used: Beahon, Mitchell.