GOALKEEPER Jack Barrett scored the winning penalty on his Tranmere Rovers debut as Andy Crosby's side began their Vertu Trophy campaign with a dramatic shootout victory over Nottingham Forest's Under-21 side.
Forest's Kalum Thompson had sent the game to penalties after scoring an 88th minute equaliser as the tie finished 2-2 after 90 minutes.
But Rovers prevailed 9-8 in the shootout with Barrett, making his first appearance since joining on loan from Blackburn Rovers on transfer deadline day, the hero after also saving two spot kicks to seal a bonus point for the hosts.
Forest had taken the lead as early as the third minute when Fuad Smith latched on to a long ball before defender Jordan Turnbull equalised with a header from a corner in the 17th minute.
In the second half, Jordan Davidson produced a stunning goal to give Rovers the lead on the hour when he curled a shot beyond the keeper from the left hand edge of the box.
Tranmere's win puts them top of their EFL Trophy group, although a number of opening ties are yet to be played across the competition.
Barrett said: "Sometimes I practice penalties for a laugh but you never think you'll ever have to do it but it paid off today.
"I've been told to come and do what you do and challenge and push Joe (Murphy) as it's an open spot at the moment.
"It was literally a few hours before the deadline that Rovers found about Luke McGee's injury and the manager phoned me and I was eager to come.
"I'm local so I know how big the club is and that they want to be at the right end of the table this season.
"Everyone has been great since I've come in and I have been made to feel very welcome."