Tranmere were held to a 1-1 draw at Leyton Orient on Saturday, a day when promotion rivals Macclesfield and Aldershot picked up maximum points.
However, despite a four-point gap between Rovers and leaders Macclesfield, Micky Mellon’s men remain right in the hunt for the league title.
There was frustration at the failure to come away from Orient with three points after Tranmere hit the woodwork three times and saw James Norwood squander a golden opportunity to win it in stoppage time.
It was though, another game in which Tranmere were unbeaten. With the exception of the New Year’s Day collapse at Fylde, Rovers have been in solid form since early December, and it’s this form – especially at home – that keeps them firmly in the title race.
As it stands
Tranmere sit fourth, four points behind Macclesfield who unconvincingly came from behind to beat lowly Guiseley on Saturday. Many see second place Aldershot as the ones to beat. The Shots – who Tranmere beat in last season’s play-off semis – are one point behind the Silkmen, but crucially the top two sides both have a game in hand on Tranmere.
Wrexham are third, two points better off than Rovers having played the same number of games. Their inability to score enough goals could well see them fade away in the coming weeks. Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to Halifax perhaps an indication that as good as Dean Keates’ team have been, they may not quite have that goalscoring prowess or squad strength to remain in the title race through until the end.
Sutton United cannot be discounted either. They’re behind Tranmere on goal difference only, but do have two games in-hand on ourselves and Wrexham, and one in-hand on Macc and Aldershot.
Upcoming fixtures
That being said, it’s when you begin to look at the upcoming fixtures that you realise that this title race is still wide open, and may be for some time yet.
Aldershot host Macclesfield in a battle of the top two which will be a great test for both teams. Aldershot will be favourites, but Tranmere, Wrexham and Sutton will all have fingers crossed for the draw.
Tranmere entertain a Bromley side next week who themselves are in great form and up to eighth in the league, and fascinatingly Sutton United host Wrexham. From our point of view, three points for Rovers and draws in those other two games would be most helpful.
After Aldershot play Macclesfield, they then host Bromley next Tuesday before going away to Wrexham the following Saturday, so we will have a much clearer idea on their title credentials in a couple of weeks’ time.
It’s worth noting as well, Tranmere still have to play both Macclesfield and Aldershot at home this season, so everything is yet to play for.
Tranmere stats
See all of Tranmere’s stats following the game at Leyton Orient over on our Tranmere stats page.
