Gary Ablett was dealt a severe blow when Nicholas Bignall failed to make the starting eleven after straining a hamstring at Manor Farm on Sunday. Peter Thompson came in to replace the Reading striker.

Oli Johnson made a welcome return on the bench after recovering from his ankle injury. And there was also a place alongside him for Tom Fisher who hit a hat-trick in the youth team's 4-1 victory against Port Vale at the weekend.

A penalty from Carl Baker on 65 minutes gave County a rare but fully deserved victory at Prenton Park.

The kick was awarded when James Vincent sprung the offside trap and was brought down as he was rounding the 'keeper. Luke Daniels was red-carded, Joe Collister took over in goal and his first task was to pick the ball out of the net after Baker's spot kick flew into the top corner.

The goal was no more than County deserved after forcing Tranmere onto the back foot for most of the half.

Bridcutt saw a long-range shot deflected just wide on 54 minutes. And soon after Baker jinked past Goodison and pulled his shot just past Daniels' far post.

Rovers regrouped after going behind and Fon Williams was called into action to save a header from Curran.

And Curran came close again when he did well to get a head on Edds' powerful cross shot; fortunately the striker couldn't direct the ball on target.

Hatters' record signing Ian Thomas-Moore shot wide on 82 and then, deep into added time, Rose came to County's rescue with a brilliant far-post header to clear a dangerous Chris Shuker free kick.

County, roared on by the vociferous Blue & White Army, started the game confidently.

It was Rovers who threatened first, though, but Alan Mahon hit a snap shot well wide on ten minutes.

They came much closer from the next attack and Owain Fon Williams was forced into a save from Gareth Edds' header.

The Hatters responded with a trademark break from Carl Baker. He found Michael Rose on the left who hit a low cross towards Thompson; Marlon Broomes came across to make a well-timed challenge.

Tranmere put a terrific move together midway through the half. Mahon played an angled ball to Zoumana Bakayogo who hit a first-time cross from the left. Craig Curran met it at the far post but Fon Williams made the save.

County then almost took the lead with a sensational goal in front of the Sky cameras. Luke Daniels was left stranded on the edge of his box when he mishit a clearance straight to Baker. The midfielder took a touch before shooting from just inside the Rovers half, unfortunately the ball bounced just wide.

It was a real end-to-end affair now and Fon Williams was called into a brilliant save from Curran's deflected shot.

At the other end Ian Goodison got a vital touch to deny Michael Raynes at the far post. Gregg Tansey then shot just wide as County turned the screw.

James Vincent had a chance soon after when Baker's brilliant cross-field pass played him in. The midfielder got his shot away but Daniels saved.

Rovers finished the half strongly and Thompson was forced into conceding a corner from a dangerous cross. And when the flag kick came in Edds was left with the freedom of Prenton Park but, fortunately, he headed straight at Fon Williams.