Bolton Wanderers picked up a point in the Papa Johns Trophy after coming from 2-0 down to draw with Tranmere Rovers but lost the subsequent penalty shootout.
A Wanderers side that had 10 changes made to it from Saturday's win against Peterborough United went behind at Prenton Park thanks to Kieron Morris breaking the deadlock. Paul Lewis added a second for the hosts before half-time.
But Wanderers responded following their poor first half showing and halved the deficit through Kieran Sadlier's classy finish on the turn. And youngster Conor Carty came off the bench to ensure the clash went to penalties.