TRANMERE Rovers booked their place in the FA Trophy quarter final after beating Chelmsford City 4-1 in a third-round replay last night.

Two goals from Jake Kirby plus a header from Ritchie Sutton and an own goal by Mark Haines gave Micky Mellon's team the win at Melbourne Community Stadium.

They will face Barrow at Prenton Park in the quarter finals on Saturday, February 25.

Micky Mellon had made seven changes to his side with a new formation employed as Rovers started with a back three.

After an even opening 30 minutes, in which debutant Adam Buxton curled a free kick just wide, Rovers opened the scoring when Jake Kirby picked up the ball through on goal, rounded the goalkeeper and slotted home.

Kirby was at the heart of Tranmere's second two minutes later as his cross from the right looked for Andy Mangan at the back post but Chelmsford defender Mark Haines got there first but powered a header into his own net.

Rovers were looking comfortable and just before half time, Ritchie Sutton made it three when Buxton's free kick was headed goalwards by Lee Vaughan and Sutton made sure on the line.

The hosts made a couple of changes early in the second half and began to put the Tranmere defence under pressure.

They pulled a goal back on 62 minutes when a corner was only half cleared to Elliott Buchanan who sammed home a half volley from 15 yards.

With the bit between their teeth, Chelmsford continued to press, but on 70 minutes, they were caught out by a quick counter attack.

Mangan raced forward on the left and found Kirby who had made a bursting run down the centre of the field who went on to round Fitzsimons and finish into an empty net.

Rovers return to national league action on Saturday, against Bromley at Prenton Park, 3pm kick-off.