RYAN Astley continued his impressive start to life at Accrington Stanley with two goals in their midweek Carabao Cup defeat against Tranmere Rovers.

The on-loan Everton defender from Llanfair Caereinion made his senior debut in the weekend win at Shrewsbury Town.

Astley retained his starting berth for the clash with the Lilywhites and joined Kody Adedoyin on the scoresheet as Stanley established a two goal interval lead.

However Mere staged a second-half comeback to restore parity with goals from Josh Hawkes and Paul Lewis.

Astley played his part in a mammoth shoot-out by converting from the spot but Shaun Whalley’s penalty was superbly saved by Tranmere keeper Mateusz Hewelt as Mere returned to Birkenhead 12-11 winners.