Tranmere 2 Swansea 1

Swansea's dream of a trip to the Millennium Stadium came to an end against Tranmere Rovers.

Both sides gave it their all at Prenton Park in a highly charged FA Cup tie that was influenced heavily by referee Richard Beeby.

The hosts were the more aggressive side in the opening exchanges but Brian Flynn's team looked extremely dangerous on the break with Leon Britton pulling the strings for them in the middle of midfield.

It was the former West Ham man who set up Swansea's goal as he picked up the ball just outside the area on the right and sent over a teasing low cross that Andy Robinson slid in to convert.

Tranmere did not take long to get back on level terms when the referee declared that two Swansea defenders had sandwiched Eugene Dadi as he went for a header inside the area and pointed to the spot.

Ryan Taylor made no mistake with the penalty as he sent Roger Freestone the wrong way and celebrated in front of the disgruntled Welsh fans.

The game remained level at the break but Brian Little obviously had words to say to his Tranmere team at half time as they came out the stronger at the start of the second half.

The winning goal came just before the hour mark and was good enough to win any game. Canadian international Iain Hume turned neatly on the right-hand side and hit a tremendous left-foot drive from 25 yards out that flew past Freestone into the back of the net.

The home team almost increased their lead soon after as Dadi beautifully controlled the ball on his knee and hit a curling shot that just dipped over the bar.

Swansea, with Lee Trundle playing despite a fractured cheekbone, valiantly tried to get on level terms but their cause was not helped by the dismissal of defender Alan Tate in the final few minutes.

The centre back was given his marching orders when he barged into Taylor after the ball had gone. The red card seemed to be a touch harsh as there was minimal contact between the two and players from both teams appeared to be perplexed by Mr Beeby's decision.

In the end the Division Three side could not find another goal and it is Tranmere who go through to the quarter finals.