Crewe Alexandra were excellent in the first half here at Prenton Park but couldn't find that deserved opening goal which could well have seen us closer to a first Wembley appearance since 1997. Steve Holland was delighted with his side's first 45 minutes, all that was missing was that final finish and we were made to pay the ultimate price with Chris Shuker's hitting a late winner for Tranmere.

After the game, a disappointed Holland told the club's official web-site: "I didn't think the players deserved that this evening. We didn't play well on Saturday against Northampton and we let the players know in no uncertain terms. We were annoyed with that on Saturday, but it is not the same feeling this evening. I am fustrated with the result because it was a cruel blow to take.

"We have passed the ball a lot better, especially in the first half. We were getting a lot of joy with Carrington making it an extra man in the midfield and Steven Schumacher was linking the play well and passing the ball. The only criticism I have is with the final delivery into the box on occasions. It was usually worked out to Mark or Shaun Miller and are times their crosses into the box were not accurate enough but saying that we had enough good opportunites to be at least 2-0 up at the break.

"Calvin had an early chance which he hit straight at the keeper. It was a shame it was on his left side, which is his weaker side. Pope cracked a shot that hit the post and Dennis had a header cleared from the line. Steve Collis hasn't had to make a real save of any note in the first half, so I couldn't have been more pleased with them going into half-time. All that was missing that little bit of quality and a goal for our efforts.

"We kept the ball well, passed it and dominated what is a very good Tranmere side, especially at home. We knew they would come out and pressurise us more in the second half. They had a scramble inside our box early on, and began hitting the ball into our box a lot more. You just worry that one might drop for them.

"With five minutes to go, we were still trying to win the game but had also made subs with the penalties in mind. Then they have a shot from the edge of the box, it hits someone on the back and diverts in the opposite direction for the decisive goal. That sums up our luck a bit but we don't get paid for feeling sorry for ourselves and we will go again. "