Saturday's first Cheshire derby went County's way as the young Hatters beat Tranmere Rovers to reach the League Cup second round.

James Vincent fired County in front on 30 minutes when he converted Lee Jackson's corner at the far post.

Craig Madden's kids had Jason Astbury to thank for keeping their lead intact when he made a brilliant penalty save to deny Terry Gornell just before the break.

Rovers were level five minutes after the interval, though, when Aaron Cresswell hit a terrific 30-yard free kick past Astbury.

Kyle Wilkie was unlucky not to restore his side's lead on 65 minutes when his header bounced to safety off the post.

Seven minutes later Wilkie was denied again when Peter Kennedy made a fine save but Richard Ratcliffe followed up to head home the rebound.

A minute later it was 3-1 when James Vincent converted a spot kick awarded after he'd been brought down in the box.

County: Astbury; Wood, Jackson, J Vincent, L Williams, J Thompson, Molyneux (Holmes), Elliott, Ratcliffe (R Vincent), Wilkie, Ennis.

Unused subs: Bell, Lawton.