character to get us the points we require - Aldo

Steve Hunter reports from Prenton Park

TRANMERE Rovers - lying precariously sixth from bottom of the Nationwide League Division One and just one point off one of the three relegation places - face a stern test of character tonight (Wednesday) when they travel to the Potteries to face basement occupants Port Vale (kick-off 7.45pm).

Rovers, whose 1-0 defeat at Portsmouth lifted the Alan Ball-rejuvenated club off the bottom of the table, can ill afford to lose games against fellow struggling clubs. Rovers have taken just one point out of a possible nine in their last three League outings.

Without a game this Saturday because of Sheffield United's FA Cup quarter-final involvement, it is vitally important that Rovers take at least a point from this evening's game. Their next outing is on Saturday week - at fellow strugglers Huddersfield.

"It is imperative we get back on the right lines at Port Vale - it's everyone to the grinding stone," said Player-manager John Aldridge, who failed yesterday to sign two new faces, one on loan. "We have two very difficult away games and we have to take something from both of them. If we don't, we could be in a precarious position. The injury situation has been a complete nightmare, but hopefully the 10 day break after tonight will give time for our injured players to recover.

"It's going to be a hard last 12 games for us, but we'll see who has the bottle and character to get us the points we require."

Right back Stephen Frail, a second-half substitute at Portsmouth only to leave the field with a recurring knee injury, could be out for three weeks. Striker David Kelly faces another operation on his troublesome knees, while fellow striker Lee Jones is due to see a specialist about his knee problems.

Winger Graham Branch and versatile Alan Morgan have been playing through the pain barrier, despite struggling with achilles and knee problems respectively. Defender Gary Stevens has been ruled out for the rest of the season with ankle trouble, but striker Andy Parkinson could be set for a return at Huddersfield.

Mr Aldridge himself is back in training and hopes to play for the Reserves against Liverpool tomorrow at Chester's Deva Stadium (7pm).

There was some good news for Mr Aldridge concerning centre-half Clint Hill. An FA inquiry ruled he only serve a two match ban, when it was feared he may face a lengthly 'red card' for picking up 12 bookings this season. Hill is available for the trip to Huddersfield, but is one game away from another suspension.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.