PETERBOROUGH UNITED 1 TRANMERE ROVERS 1

MICKY Mellon was enthralled to see his Tranmere troops do themselves proud and take League One Peterborough to a Prenton Park replay.

Rovers can now look forward to rolling out the red carpet for the Posh in what will be a ninth FA Cup meeting between the sides thanks to Andy Cook’s equaliser 18 minutes from time.

The 27-year-old striker headed Jeff Hughes’ delivery past keeper Conor O’Malley to hand the National League outfit a deserved draw after matching their higher-profile hosts all over the park, belying of their two-division inferiority.

“We wanted to ensure that Tranmere Rovers were represented properly and I think from the first minute to the last, the boys did that,” said Mellon.

“We showed the qualities that were needed and unfortunately, we just couldn’t get that winner at the end. It was nip and tuck for most of the game and probably, anyone could have won it.

“Credit to all the players for the way they attacked the game and made it a proper FA Cup tie.”

Buoyed by a solid start, Tranmere threatened early on and James Norwood was denied by the feet of O’Malley from 10 yards out.

United came out for the second half with more vigour and should have taken the lead on 47 minutes when Gwion Edwards volleyed Marcus Maddison’s free-kick over the bar from six yards out. Shortly afterwards, Rovers failed to clear the danger from a corner and former Woking loanee Jack Marriott converted on the turn to fire Posh in front.

But Tranmere responded brilliantly to falling behind and their endeavour was rewarded with Cook’s leveller.

Frustrated Peterborough boss Grant McCann said: “Take nothing away from Tranmere. I thought they played well. We didn’t.”