Boss Sammy McIroy said he was "proud'' of his players despite their 1-0 defeat at Tranmere in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy clash at Prenton Park.

The Shrimps went down to a 1-0 defeat thanks to a Ryan Shotton header in first half injury time.

He said: "We are obviously disappointed to be out of the competition because we enjoy it. But the lads gave me everything against a very good Tranmere side. Although they had the better of the first half and forced Barry Roche into some good saves we more than matched them in the second half and although there were not many chances either way we looked the more threatening.

"The goal was disappointing because it came at a bad time but we trried to battle back despite being forced to take off Craig Stanley for a groin injury and Ryan McGivern who had a virus.''