Rovers get home League Cup tie
By Matthew Jones
June 16 2009
Tranmere Rovers have today been handed a home draw in the first round of the Carling Cup, where they will take on League Opposition.
John Barnes' first cup game as Tranmere Rovers manager will be a Carling Cup first round tie against League Two side Grimsby Town at Prenton Park.
The game, to be played in the week commencing August 10th, is a re-match of the first round tie of the competition last season, when Tranmere travelled to Blundell Park and lost 2-0 to the Mariners, despite having the better of the game and missing numerous chances on goal.
Mike Newell will return to Merseyside with his Grimsby side looking for a similar result to last season, whilst the game could also see former Tranmere right-back Robbie Stockdale line up against his ex-team mates.
Tranmere haven't progressed past the first round of the competition in the past four seasons, suffering first round exits to Scunthorpe United, Hull City, Stockport and Grimsby, all away from home, meaning they have lost their last five games in the tournament.
Rovers however do have history in the competition, having not only reached the semi-finals in the 1993/94 season, before losing on penalties to Aston Villa, but they were also guided to the final by manager John Aldridge during the 1999/2000 season, with Rovers suffering a 2-1 defeat to Leicester City at Wembley.
Elsewhere in the draw, two former Premier League teams meet at the City Ground where Nottingham Forest will host Bradford City, Leicester City travel to Macclessfield Town, Darlington welcome Leeds United and West Brom, fresh from their relegation to the Championship, will travel to Bury.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:06:17:13:24:43 by Deadly Submarine.
I'm hoping for Southampton away on the first game
or anywhere down south
correct me if im wrong but is this out first home carling cup game since Portsmouth in 2004?
that year was also the last time we made it past the first round i think. we haven't been very lucky in this cup in recent years, lets hope that changes this year.
If they produce, then they become hero`s over night, they dont, a long walk off a short plank is waiting.
Come on, who let the dogs out.