THREE goals during an eight minute spell in the first half sent the Mariners crashing out of the Carling Cup at the first hurdle tonight.

Mike Newell made just one change from the side that lost 2-1 at Cheltenham on Saturday, Jean Louis Akpa Akpro coming in for Chris Jones on the right side of midfield.

Before McLaren's goal on 32 minutes Town had looked the better side and almost took the lead through Nick Hegarty but his powerful header was well saved by Daniels. And Conlan should have done better in the first minute but he put his header over the bar.

But the Tranmere number six fired the home side ahead. A cross was cleared by the Town defence but it fell nicely for McLaren. His first effort was well saved by Colgan but McLaren was first to react to turn the ball home.

A few minutes later Tait was brought down in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Ian Thomas Moore stepped up, Colgan guessed right but couldn't keep out the well taken kick.

On 40 minutes it was all over as Curran coolly finished past Colgan.

The Mariners could have pulled a goal back on 50 minutes after Adam Proudlock found space but his effort was well saved by Daniels.

Substitute Danny North came on and almost headed home but it was that man Daniels again, tipping the ball over the bar.

On 71 minutes Edds was left unattended from a corner to head high into the top corner to make it 4-0.

It was a strange game and the battling Mariners didn't deserve to lose by four goals.