Rovers have six games left to play - three at home and three away - and know any more slip-ups will mean an end to their already slim hopes of a top six place in the Nationwide League Division One to qualify for the end-of-season Play-Offs.

The Easter period started so well for Rovers with Good Friday's 3-0 Prenton Park victory over Southend. With loan star from Liverpool, Lee Jones, playing a major role, a superb first-half display saw Kenny Irons fire Rovers in front. Debutant Lee Jones scored the second and then set up player-manager John Aldridge to volley home the long-awaited goal that beat Jimmy Greaves' scoring total.

Newboy Jones, signed on loan to the end of the season, was Rovers' only capture before transfer deadline on Thursday, but he gave the Rovers attack some much needed pace and gave Aldridge the service he's been crying out for.

Monday's 2-1 defeat to Play-Off rivals Port Vale left the Tranmere players deflated. Despite dominating for long periods, a failure to take chances proved costly. Kenny Irons capped a fine display to give Rovers the lead, but Lee Mills scored two breakaway goals to give Vale the points. Lee Jones missed a sitter.

Said Assistant manager Ray Mathias: "It's still wide open for a Play-Off place and we've got to keep it going. We are optimistic, but we must beat Bradford."

Alan Mahon has signed a three year extension to his present deal, but Tony Thomas, John McGreal and Kenny Irons, all out of contract in the Summer, have rejected new terms.

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