TRANMERE Rovers reached the Northern Section Quarter Finals of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy last night after beating Carlisle United 5-4 in a penalty shoot out after a 1-1 draw.

Max Power put Rob Edwards' squad ahead in the first half but Brad Potts levelled to take the tie to spot kicks.

Two saves from Peter Brezovan proved crucial in the shoot out and Ben Davies scored the winning penalty for the hosts.

Rob Edwards had made four changes to the team that was beaten 2-0 by Bury at the weekend, with Peter Brezovan replacing Owain Fon Williams who was away on international duty and Jason Koumas, Marcus Holness and Eliot Richards coming in for Marc Laird, Ben Davies and George Donnelly.

Janoi Donacien, who lined up at right back, earned Rovers an early corner with a powerful run up the wing while Billy Paynter fired high over the bar at the other end for the visitors and headed wide from a Hayden White cross soon after.

Edwards hopes his players can build on their penalty shoot out victory over Carlisle United when they return to league action on Saturday.

He told the club’s website Tranmere Player: "We've won but it was a struggle at times. I think it shows us all where the players are confidence-wise. We still looked very fragile, not confident and nervous at times.

"But we've won and it gives us a platform. Hopefully we've bit the bottom and we're going to bounce.

"It's good for Ben to score the winning penalty. It's all about learning when you're a young player. I don't know whether he's scored a winning penalty before but he has now.

"We've had a poor run in the league and I need to keep encouraging the players. The only way we can turn it around is by all pulling together. Hopefully this can kick start it.

"The players are fighting, I know they're not giving up.

"I was pleased with Jason and Marcus tonight. They're senior players and that's what we needed tonight. Marcus defended well and Jason got us playing. I was pleased with their contribution."