TRANMERE Rovers boss Gary Brabin hopes his squad will take lessons learned from a disappointing midweek performance with them when they face Grimsby Town in a televised match tonight.

During a press conference at Prenton Park this afternoon, Brabin said the players are working hard to correct defensive errors that led to their 2-2 draw against Southport on Tuesday.

Assessing their opponents ahead of tonight's match at Blundell Park - which will be broadcast on BT Sport at 7.45pm - Brabin said: "They have got good players and are going to be strong.

"We've had a similar start to Grimsby and we’re expecting them to improve as we are. It will certainly be a tough game for us, a yard stick.

“But as I’ve said before we need to get ourselves right.

“The fans have been absolutely fantastic, not only in numbers but also in points where things have not gone well for us.

“They have passion, desire and belief that we will get better.”

So far this season, Rovers have won four, drawn four and lost two of their games.

On their performance to date, Brabin continued "I’m delighted with the group of players, but we know we need to improve.

“We are certainly not looking at the negatives, because results don’t always tell the true story. It’s early days.

“We know we can only get better. We are seeing improvements in what we can do.”

Midfielder Adam Mekki echoed Brabin's view that there is much room for improvement.

He said this afternoon: "It's been a hit-and-miss season. Some games have been really good, other times we've conceded goals.

"We are still finding our feet and looking for what we are trying to achieve. For the last few games I've managed to get myself onto the team. 

"It's frustrating, and something that's not taken lightly, that we are not doing well.

"The manager's trying different things. We need to get back to wins.

"I'm just enjoying my time being in the team, it's good to be out there."

Meet the opponents - Grimsby Town 

  • Nickname: The Mariners
  • Colours: Black and white shirts, black shorts, red socks
  • Ground: Blundell Park
  • Distance from Prenton Park: 148 miles
  • Position last season: Third

One of the oldest names in English football and once managed by the great Bill Shankly, the Mariners can boast a history of top-flight football, but play at a more modest level these days following relegation from the Football League in 2010.