Tranmere Rovers were knocked out of the Cheshire Senior Cup at the hands of Chester on Tuesday night.
Rovers started on the front foot in this encounter with Stefan Payne surging forward with the ball twice. Firstly, his 25 yard strike went just wide of the post before another low shot was deflected wide for a corner.
Former Rovers striker George Waring had the first chance of the game for Chester. His free header at the back post went across goal and out of play for a goal kick.
Half way through the first half, the home side broke the deadlock. Crilly picked the ball up inside the box and Caprice dangled a loose foot at the ball but missed and tripped Crilly for a penalty. Elliott stepped up from 12 yards and beat Pilling despite the keeper going the correct way to his left.
Elliott looked to double his tally towards the end of the half when played through one on one by Waring however his tame effort went straight down the throat of Pilling for him to gather.
The home side continued to press for a second, this time it was Waring who came close. He controlled with his chest from 18 yards out and volleyed inches past Pilling’s right hand post.
Rovers started the second half in similar fashion to the first. Payne again the danger man as the ball fell kindly for him at the back post but his low shot was beaten away by Gray in the Chester net.
In a half of very little chances, set pieces were providing to be the main source of attack for both sides. Chester left back Matty Waters delivered a whipped free kick towards the back post but George Ray was there to head away.
The bulk of the chances came in the closing stages of the game. With five minutes to play, Gumbs played a long ball over the the top to Banks who controlled inside the box but a last ditch tackle from Roberts denied him a shot on goal.
Chester looked to put the game to bed as Rovers pushed bodies forward in search for an equaliser. Substitute Will Goodwin countered for Chester forced Pilling into a smart save at his near post.
Despite late Tranmere pressure on the Chester goal, the home side stood firm to advance through to the next round of the Cheshire Senior Cup where they will face Hyde United.
Tranmere team: Pilling, Woods, Ray, Gumbs, Caprice, Walker-Rice- Banks, Gilmour, Potter, Ferrier, Payne