Tranmere Rovers were held to a 0-0 draw at Grimsby Town on Wednesday evening at Blundell Park.
Both teams created opportunities but were unable to find the breakthrough as the points were shared.
Tranmere Rovers boss Keith Hill handed starts to Liam Ridehalgh, Corey Blackett-Taylor and David Nugent for the game against Grimsby.
Former Tranmere man Stefan Payne was named on the bench for the hosts.
Rovers, who were looking to build on their positive performance in the Papa John’s Trophy final against Sunderland last weekend, were in for a real fight at Blundell Park with the surface proving to be difficult and cutting up quickly.
In the 17th minute, a fine save from James McKeown denied Paul Lewis’ header after a free kick by Liam Feeney on the left.
A spectacular switch from Jay Spearing found Kaiyne Woolery on the right hand side, and he took a great first touch to take the ball away from his marker but his shot was deflected wide for a corner.
The first half saw chances at a premium with Rovers putting the pressure to test goalkeeper McKeown and there was work to do in the second period.
Into the second half, and in the 54th minute, Blackett-Taylor came off with Danny Lloyd coming on in his place.
The best chance for Tranmere in the second half so far came on the hour mark when George Ray headed over the bar from a Feeney free-kick after Woolery was fouled.
Captain Scott Davies denied Grimsby a certain opener when the hosts carved TRFC open but Lenell John-Lewis was halted in his tracks by his fellow skipper.
Tranmere’s second change came with 14 remaining, as Keiron Morris was introduced for Lewis, and a third saw Nugent come off for Ali Crawford.
Peter Clarke had a late chance with a header but the game finished 0-0 at Blundell Park.
Tranmere: Davies, Ridehalgh, Clarke, Ray, MacDonald, Spearing, Lewis (Morris 76), Feeney, Woolery, Blackett-Taylor (Lloyd 54), Nugent (Crawford 76). Unused subs: Murphy, Monthe, Jolley, Kirby,
Tranmere’s next game will be at home to Exeter on Saturday 20th March, 3pm kick-off, and will be live on iFollow for £10. To subscribe, please CLICK HERE.