Tranmere's woeful League Cup record continued as they slumped to a 2-0 defeat to Grimsby at Blundell Park.

Ronnie Moore's side could not prevent themselves falling at the first hurdle four seasons in a row.

James Hunt fired the Mariners ahead after 20 minutes, pouncing after Martin Butler's close-range header was saved.

The victory was sealed by an own-goal from Tranmere defender Ben Chorley, who diverted Chris Llewellyn's low cross into his own net from six yards.

Grimsby: Barnes, Stockdale, Heywood, Hope, Newey, Till, Hunt, Heslop (Clarke 84), Llewellyn, Butler (Bore 90), Taylor (North 83).
Subs Not Used: Montgomery, Bennett, Hegarty.

Goals: Hunt 20, Chorley 54 og.

Tranmere: Achterberg, Antwi (Waterfall 63), Chorley, Kay, Taylor, Jennings, O'Callaghan, Barnett (Greenacre 61), Curran, Moore (Gornell 82), Sonko.
Subs Not Used: Palethorpe, Ahmed.

Att: 1,858.

Ref: Tony Bates (Staffordshire).