An early Stefan Payne strike saw Crewe Alexandra exit the Cheshire Cup this evening.

A Crewe side featuring the likes of Olly Lancashire and Nicky Hunt pressed for a leveler but it didn’t come in a close game at Gresty Road.

Crewe started the game with good attacking intent but fell behind on 13 minutes. Experienced forward Payne won possession and ran through to slot past Dave Richards in the Alex goal.

The Alex looked for a way back into the game on 23 minutes they nearly had it. Travis Johnson played a neat ball into midfield, which allowed space for Finney. He fed the ball wide but it ricocheted into the path of Connor Heath who’s effort was well smothered by Luke Pilling in the visiting goal.

Heath turned a cross wide minutes later as Crewe pressed for a leveler but they had to rely on ‘keeper Richards making a save to deny Neil Danns.

After the break Tyreece Onyeka came on for Finney but it was Heath in the mix again as he went down in the Tranmere box, but the appeal was waved away.

Onyeka was the next to come close for Crewe as he picked up on a lovely run and pass from Owen Dale but the winger couldn’t get his shot on target.

Ollie Banks shot wide for Tranmere but Richards wasn’t troubled as the game moved on to the final stages.

Callum Ainley came closest for Crewe with a drive forward from deep and a curling shot that went over the bar, whilst Dale fired a free-kick over.

But it wasn’t to be Alex Morris’ side with Tranmere going onto face Chester in the next round of the competition.

Crewe: Richards, Djalo, Robbins, Lancashire, Johnson, Dale, Finney (Onyeka 46), Heath, Ainley, Lomas:

Subs Not Used: Woodthorpe, Walklate, Southern, Goodrich

Attendance: 197