A goalkeeping mistake from John Dunn after just two minutes gifts Tranmere the lead and it takes until the first seconds of the second half for Villa to find an equaliser as they miss their chances once again. 

With Villa having been otherwise occupied by the League Cup final the third division table looks very different from before their Wembley visit. Villa sit fourth on 41 points after 32 games, two points behind new leaders Fulham but with a game in hand. Preston sit second, Halifax third, and former pacesetters Bristol Rovers are four points behind Villa in fifth.

Vic Crowe's Villa return to League action but are held to a draw at Prenton Park as they make it sixteen wins, nine draws and seven defeats in thirty two division three games so far this season. With fourteen games to play Villa remain in the promotion places with an immediate return to the second tier in the offing.