BOUYANT at hauling themselves off the bottom of the Nationwide League Division One after Sunday's televised 2-0 win at Crewe, Tranmere Rovers face two tough games in four days.

On Saturday, they travel to London to take on fellow strugglers Queens Park Rangers in a real 'six pointer' (kick-off 3pm) and next Tuesday (October 12) they entertain Second Division club Oxford United in a Worthington Cup third round tie at Prenton Park (7.45pm).

Worthington Cup victory would give Tranmere a possible clash with Premiership club Bradford City in the fourth round.

Reduced admission is in operation for Tuesday's tie. Turnstile prices for adults is £10, OAPs and students £6, and juniors £3. Season ticket holders may purchase their own seats for the game on production of Voucher 'A' at the ticket office prior to the match.

Meanwhile, ahead of Saturday's trip to the capital, Tranmere manager John Aldridge has savoured another 'success' by extending the loan period of Everton midfielder Tony Grant for a further month until November 7.

Furthermore, Grant is now eligible to play against Oxford, conquerors of Everton in the last round. The Goodison Park club and the Football League have given the go-ahead.

Said Mr Aldridge: "Everton manager Walter Smith has been excellent. Tony is very important to us as he keeps the ball and is doing the job Kenny Irons did for us last season."

Left back Gareth Roberts has been offered a contract after impressing on trial.

Sunday's win at Crewe was Tranmere's first League victory since beating Huddersfield Town 1-0 at Prenton Park on August 21. New £250,000 striker Wayne Allison was again the hero with two goals and his aerial threat and ability to take chances could prove to be Mr Aldridge's best signing as Tranmere manager.

"Wayne has been excellent since he came here," said the Prenton Park boss. "Conditions were hard, but that's two matches unbeaten now. We have to go on an extended unbeaten run to get us out of the quagmire and we go to QPR with confidence."

Rangers, under Gerry Francis, are a point ahead of Tranmere, but four places higher in the League table and have two games in hand.

The match signals a return to Loftus Road for Rovers' new captain Steve Yates for the first time since he completed a permanent transfer.

TRANMERE Rovers Supporters' Association (TRSA) meet after tonight's Tranmere Reserves v Preston match, in the Bunny Bell Suite at Prenton Park (9pm).

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