A goal from substitute Stuart Barlow finally ended Halifax Town's stubborn resistance three minutes from time in an exciting Worthington Cup tie.

Barlow's goal put Tranmere 2-1 ahead on the night, and wrapped up a 5-1 aggregate victory.

Tranmere go into the second round of the tournament and will be hoping to embark on the adventures that took them all the way to Wembley last season.

Halifax midfielder Grant Holt headed home on his full debut to give Halifax a 23rd minute lead in front of just 612 fans at Valley Parade.

However, when veteran striker Paul Rideout lashed in a shot from the edge of the box to restore Tranmere's three goal advantage it was virtually all over.

The equaliser finished Halifax and Tranmere had chances in the second half for Scott Taylor, Wayne Gill and Wayne Allison before Barlow's winner.

In a whirlwind start Halifax's Gary Jones hit a post and Rovers' Clint Hill twice rattled the woodwork inside the first four minutes.

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Halifax: Shannon, Middleton, C. Clarke, Mitchell, Bradshaw, Harrison, Reilly, Richards, Fitzpatrick, Holt, Jones.

Subs: Parks, Kerrigan, Jules, Herbert, Ord.

Tranmere: Achterberg, Roberts, Challinor, Hill, Allen, Hinds, Flynn, Gill, S. Taylor, Parkinson, Rideout.

Subs: Murphy, Koumas, Barlow, Morgan, Allison.

Referee: R Furnandiz (Doncaster)