Substitute Chris Shuker's late goal saw Tranmere into the third round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

Crewe dominated the first half, Dennis Lawrence seeing a header cleared off the line by Tranmere's Ryan Shotton.

The home side started the second half more aggressively and Rovers began to create chances, Bas Savage heading over in the 83rd minute.

Shuker got the breakthrough four minutes from time, his shot taking a wicked deflection past Steve Collis.

Tranmere: Coyne, Shotton, Chorley, Goodison, Taylor, Moore, Kay, Jennings (Edds 75), Sonko (Shuker 75), Savage, Greenacre.

Subs Not Used: Achterberg, Antwi, O'Callaghan.

Goals: Shuker 86.

Crewe: Collis, Woodards, O'Donnell (Donaldson 89), Lawrence, Jones, Carrington (Bopp 75), Schumacher, O'Connor, Miller, Zola (Elding 83), Pope.

Subs Not Used: Tomlinson, Brayford.

Att: 2,626

Ref: Carl Boyeson (E Yorkshire).