John Doolan says Stanley are "a young side that are learning" following their 3-0 defeat at Tranmere in the Carabao Cup.

Harvey Saunders scored an early opener before Josh Williams doubled the lead courtesy of a wicked deflection.

Brad Walker had a 67th-minute penalty well saved by Michael Kelly but Omari Patrick wrapped up the result three minutes later.

It has been a tough start to the campaign for the Reds, who were beaten 4-1 by Doncaster on Saturday.

Doolan said: “It’s a young squad and nobody wants to get beaten whether it’s the league or the cup and we’re disappointed to go out, but it’s a work in progress and we’re a young side that are learning.

“It’s concerning letting in seven goals in two games and every goal is preventable, but you’ve got to stop them at source.

“Everyone’s learning and it’ll only get better, we’ve got to suffer a little bit, but it’s only one league game and one cup game.

“It’s all about patience and it’s not just going to click and most of the time you’ve got to work at these things.”