Tranmere Rovers 2-0 Northampton Town
The Cobblers travelled to Prenton Park with the boost of the return of Daryl Burgess in the heart of defence. But things went wrong at the end for Town.
Five minutes into the game, Gareth Roberts' free kick was headed wide by Clint Hill, before Jason Koumas had a free kick comfortably saved by Keith Welch, two minutes later.
The first half created little excitement for both sets of supporters, but in the 23rd minutes, the homes fans appealed for a penalty as Burgess appeared to foul Hill in the penalty area but the referee waved play on. Jamie Forrester hit a 25 yard effort just over the cross bar from 25 yards.
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The second half was only just a little livelier with the home side taking the lead in the 64th minute. Andy Parkinson went past Richard Hope, his cross hit Burgess, Welch was committed and substitute Jason Price scored for close range. The goal was soft, but unlucky and left Kevan Broadhurst fuming.
Town tried to bounce back quickly and Chris Hargreaves crossed from the byline, but Jamie Forrester headed wide. Four minutes later, Roy Hunter set up Hargreaves, who crossed for Sam Parkin, but the strikers headed wide off a defender.
Four minutes from time, the home side doubled their lead and again it was typical Town luck. Richard Hope cleared the ball but he fell awkwardly. As the home side attacked again, Hope was playing them onside and Wayne Allison raced on and poked the ball past Welch.
That proved to be the last action of the game and again the Cobblers were left disappointed.