Tranmere Rovers first-team coach Shaun Garnett was proud of his youthful side as they won 2-0 away at Runcorn Town in the Liverpool Senior Cup on Wednesday night.
A mixed squad took to the field against the North West Counties outfit, backed by a healthy following from the SWA.
There was also a start for centre-back Evan Gumbs as he continues his return following a long-term knee injury.
Goals from Jake Burton as well as Danny Walker-Rice ensured Rovers prevailed to the competition’s semi-finals, where they will face Southport away from home.
Managed by Garnett, Rovers were ahead in the 33rd minute through Burton’s strike.
Tranmere doubled their lead on 75 minutes when Walker-Rice converted a penalty after Burton had been fouled by goalkeeper Adam Reid.
And Garnett was pleased with the way his Rovers players overcame Runcorn, and he believes the result will aid development.
“We had a mixed side of young professionals so to come away with a win, is a good result for us,” Garnett told the Club website.
“It is a learning curve. It develops a winning attitude because it’s a cup competition, so you want to win these games.
“We want to have a winning habit. It is a good habit to have when we’re winning games and it gives us confidence.
“Playing and winning against a Runcorn first-team side is good experience for the lads moving forward.”
TRFC starting XI: Pilling, Badhawi, Sinnott, Gumbs, Walker-Rice, Hayde, Corness, Spellman, Thompson, Burton, Nugent