Steve Hunter reports from Prenton Park

GOAL shy Tranmere Rovers aim to strike fear into Alan Ball's Portsmouth when they visit Prenton Park on Saturday (kick-off 3pm) to bounce back to winning ways after a fourth straight defeat at Blackburn last weekend cemented John Aldridge's men in the Nationwide League Division One basement.

Mr Aldridge was hoping for a good performance in last night's Worthington Cup 2nd round 1st leg clash with Premiership club Coventry City at Prenton Park. The second leg at Highfield Road is on Wednesday, September 22.

Rovers have only registered three League goals in seven games so far, a statistic which makes them equal lowest scorers in the entire Football League.

Tranmere hope new £250,000 striker Wayne Allison recovers from a hamstring injury to line-up against Portsmouth. With fellow striker David Kelly continually suffering from knee problems, Allison remains the great hope to provide the firepower to propel Tranmere away from the relegation zone.

Although it may seem early to be talking about relegation, the loss of last season's top scorer, midfielder Kenny Irons, could prove to be very significant come the end of the season.

The Rovers manager thought Tranmere were unfortunate to lose 2-0 at Blackburn, where they conceded two goals in the final 10 minutes.

Returning Republic of Ireland Under-21 international Alan Mahon fired a shot against a post, then straight up the other end of the field Ashley Ward scored before Nathan Blake netted a late second goal.

"I believe in the lads, they just need to believe in themselves and we're due a bit of luck in front of goal," said Mr Aldridge.

Portsmouth, who will be no pushovers, gained a creditable 1-1 draw with leaders Ipswich Town on Saturday, a match incidentally which saw former Tranmere defender John McGreal sent off for Ipswich. Portsmouth manager Alan Ball has been given a license to spend, something that wouldn't go amiss for Mr Aldridge.

Former World Cup winner Ball has assembled a decent footballing side - one quite capable of taking three points back to the South Coast unless Tranmere can get their act together in front of goal.

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