Cup fever swept through Prenton Park last night as John Aldridge's side began where they left off last season by coming back from two goals down to topple David O'Leary's Leeds stars.

The battle of the former Irish internationals seemed to be going David O'Leary's way when a Darren Huckerby brace sent them into a two-goal lead in the first half but whatever Aldridge said at half time seemed to do the trick as his team came out with all guns blazing.

John Aldridge replaced Stuart Barlow with Andy Parkinson for the second period and it paid dividends after seven minutes when Parkinson picked up the pieces after a Dave Challinor long throw and, from the edge of the box, hit a sweet shot which flew into the net.

Steve Yates tied up the game in the 76th minute when he scored from close range, sending the game into extra time.

And Challinor's bomb of a throw-in the 120th minute was cleared to Parkinson on the edge of the box and the teenager made no mistake to send the home crowd into raptures.

Elsewhere it was a mixed night for the Irish in the Worthington Cup. Manchester United defender John O'Shea impressed all at Vicarage Road with a polished display as United eased to a 3-0 win.

Curtis Fleming cost Middlesbrough the game at Wimbledon when he handled the ball in the last minute to give away a penalty which John Hartson slotted away for a 1-0 win.

Jonathan Douglas made his senior debut for Blackburn Rovers against West Ham at Upton Park but it proved to be a disappointing one as the Premiership outfit won 2-0.