Last updated on .From the section FA Cup

Eighth-tier Chichester City bravely held off League One Tranmere Rovers for more than an hour before succumbing to a heavy defeat in the FA Cup second round.

Morgan Ferrier netted an 11-minute hat-trick after the break as Micky Mellon's side ran out comfortable winners in the end at Prenton Park.

Chichester, the lowest ranked side left in the competition, received a bye in the first round after drawing expelled Bury and had done well to keep Tranmere at bay, until four goals in 13 second-half minutes killed the tie.

Corey Blackett-Taylor began the scoring, pouncing from a couple of yards after Ferrier's header hit the crossbar.

Ferrier then burst through and finished coolly before he cleverly lobbed in his second from outside the area.

The striker completed his hat-trick shortly after, turning in Jake Caprice's cross, although he appeared to be in an offside position.

Blackett-Taylor completed the rout with a fine first-time finish into the corner, but Chichester did grab a consolation through Ryan Peake's last-minute header.

The final scoreline was cruel on the West Sussex side, although the 104 places between the two teams showed as Chichester ran out of energy.

Tranmere Rovers boss Micky Mellon told BBC Radio Merseyside:

"I think on these occasions it's important that you give the credit to Chichester. Without a doubt I thought they were excellent in the first half.

"In terms of our performance, it's difficult. You just have to make sure you get through however you have to do that.

"The important thing here is that we're going to be in the third-round draw but credit to Chichester. Their players gave it a right good go."