Grimsby Town v Tranmere Rovers Match Preview

After the disappointment of Saturday's 3-1 opening day defeat at Swindon, Rovers quickly have the chance to put that game to rest by progressing through to the second round of the Carling Cup at the expense of League Two side Grimsby Town.

If they are to progress, Rovers will have to do so by making the fairly lengthy trip across the country to Blundell Park for yet another away game at the start of this new season.

Last season Rovers had the displeasure of being knocked out of all three Cup competitions by League Two opposition with now promoted Stockport County knocking them out of this competition a year ago at Edgeley Park with a late goal just as extra time seemed to be looming.

Defeats at home to Morecambe in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy and away at Hereford in an FA Cup replay followed although in between, Rovers had managed to overcome League Two opposition in the shape of Chesterfield and Bradford in the FA Cup to get to the third round.

Since appearing in the final of this competition eight years ago, Rovers have not had the best record in it and in financial terms, as is the same for every Club, a cup run this season is vitally important.

The trip to Grimsby will not be easy particularly given Rovers' record at Blundell Park which has seen them win just three times in 30 visits there including a 6-0 FA Cup drubbing back in the 1930's.

Last time the two sides met in the League Cup was in October 1993 when Rovers triumphed 4-1 at Prenton Park thanks to a brace from John Aldridge and further goals from Kenny Irons and Steve Vickers with Nigerian Chima Okorie netting Grimsby's consolation.

Tranmere also had a hand in relegating The Mariners from League One at the end of the 2003/04 season, just a year after they had fallen into that Division from what is now the Championship and until tomorrow, that remains the last time the two teams met - Rovers winning 2-1 with goals from Hume and Dadi.

Incidentally that season also saw one of Rovers' three wins ever at Blundell Park as Gary Jones, who later went on to sign for them scored to make it a 1-0 victory.

For those making the trip to Blundell Park, get behind the lads and let's hope to put Saturday's disaster firmly behind us with a win.