TRANMERE host Sutton United at Prenton Park on Saturday with Nigel Adkins’ side hoping to return to winning ways after consecutive defeats on the road.

Defeats to Swindon Town and Forest Green has seen the momentum generated by the 4-0 home win over Stockport County grind to a halt with Adkins left frustrated by his team's inconsistency.  

"It seems a long time ago but in our last game at Prenton Park we beat the league leaders 4-0," said Adkins. "There was a great atmosphere around the stadium, the players worked extremely hard, scored some good goals and played some great football so we've got to take that mindset back into the next game.

"Sometimes it is fine margins - I talk to my dad and say 'we did ever so well and we worked hard and we got the ball in the right areas and had shots' and he says 'yeah but you got beat' - that's the reality of it so you've got to win. 

"But there are a lot of good things we've done and we have to make sure we don't get too disillusioned because we are not far away at all. We have good standards, good discipline, good behaviours and good attitudes and the players work hard.

"We've been on a consistent period of form where we've been in games, been hard to play against, been competitive, been organised, been enjoyable to watch and we have to make sure we continue to do that."  

Sutton are bottom of League Two and fighting to retain their EFL status, though picked up three points at Notts County in midweek, beating the Magpies 4-3. 

"There are no easy games in this division," said Adkins. "We know Sutton will be a ding-dong of a game. 

"All teams are fighting for points and we are at Prenton Park and we want to do well. I keep saying to players it's about the next game and as far as I'm concerned I'm a Tranmere Rovers supporter, born and bred in Birkenhead and I want us to do well. We represent Tranmere Rovers Football Club and people pay hard-earned cash to come and watch us - they want to a see a team that tries. 

"I know that consistently we put the effort in and we have grafted and grafted and that will continue into the next game - the next game is the most important game and we will put all our energies into that next game and make it enjoyable for all those people who come with their father, son, mother, brother or your mates from work.

"You come to watch a game of football and they're special memories and we want to leave special memories. Yes, the mood can change and that's dictated by results but I want to see a team that tries and competes. Every game matters."

Across the water from Tranmere, Liverpool saw two of their young players with Rovers connections excel in midweek with goals for Jayden Danns and Lewis Koumas in the 3-0 FA Cup victory over Southampton. 

Jayden is the son of current Tranmere assistant manager Neil Danns while Lewis is the son of former Tranmere legend Jason Koumas.

"When you look at every club I've been at I've always made sure there's a pathway for the younger players," said Adkins. "I can rattle off a load of players playing in the Premier League now who I gave debuts too as teenagers.

"Every day you train with the first team is an opportunity and you have to make the most of it because when you least expect it you might be thrown in at the deep end.

"Liverpool have a massive injury crisis otherwise these players wouldn't be playing but there is an opportunity for them and the big thing now is how they keep level headed and get ready for the next opportunity.

"Neil is on cloud nine at the moment and it's absolutely wonderful for him and his family. As a parent myself there's nothing better than to see your children do well and Neil will keep Jayden grounded which is important but we're delighted for Neil and he's doing a really good job here."