Wolves manager Mick McCarthy was relieved to avoid an upset in their tricky FA Cup third round tie at Tranmere after winning 1-0.

On a rapidly freezing pitch Matt Jarvis converted Nenad Milijas’ brilliant through-ball in the 77th minute having previously missed an open goal from seven yards in the first half.

Wolves escaped after the interval when Terry Gornell went past Wayne Hennessey but fired into the side-netting having gone round the goalkeeper.

“I’m very pleased we’re into the next round and we’ve got Palace at home,” said McCarthy.

“It is the third round the FA Cup – where people find that extra bit I don’t know but I bet that is the best they have played in a long time.

“We needed a win.

“I don’t know what winning will do for confidence but I know what losing would have done for it – it would have had a real adverse effect.

“I thought first half we were evenly matched but second half we were the dominant force and for long periods we were camped in their half – deserved winners I think.”

Tranmere had taken every precaution – including covers and heaters – during the week to ensure the match would go ahead but with temperatures below freezing when the game kicked off at 6.15pm the players found the pitch difficult.

“I didn’t realise till I walked on it at the end – it was awful,” added McCarthy.

“The referee (Lee Probert) said ‘Credit to your lads’ but I think credit to everyone.

“I thought it was a good game of football because conditions were difficult.”

Tranmere manager Les Parry was proud of his players and felt they could have forced a replay.

“I think we deserved something out of the game over the 90 minutes,” he said.