Tranmere return to action on tonight as they host promotion rivals Mansfield under the Prenton Park floodlights.
After a shocking run of form, it’s a massive game for Rovers. Micky Mellon’s team sit seventh in League Two, their lowest position for several months. However, it’s important to note that automatic promotion remains a real possibility if they can turn things around sharpish.
Mansfield are equal on points with Tranmere although crucially have three games in hand. They are one place above Rovers thanks to having a slightly better goal difference.
Nigel Clough’s team have been flying in recent months. Unbeaten in 14 league games, a run stretching back to November last year.
Victory for Tranmere would, until 5pm Saturday at least, lift them back into the automatic promotion spots with another home game to come on Tuesday night. It would put three points between themselves and the Stags and at least keep them right in the promotion mix-up.
Defeat, on the other hand, could have the table looking incredibly bleak by the time the rest of the division fulfils its weekend fixtures. The top nine in the table are packed tightly together and if Tranmere’s form continues, they will quickly find themselves scrapping to stay in the play-off pack, let alone the top three spots.
Friday nights at Prenton Park
If Tranmere ever needed a big Friday night under the floodlights at Prenton Park, it’s now. With the team low on confidence and bang out of form, the Prenton Park faithful will be required to play their part.
Such occasions usually turbo charge the home fans and playing against a promotion rival in a must-win scenario could just be what we need to reignite the team and the season.
Patience will be key. Mansfield have proven themselves to be one of the strongest in the division. Well-organised, tough to play against and a threat going forward, Rovers need to be on their game.
Let’s get right behind the lads and roar them onto a priceless three points.
