TRANMERE dropped to the bottom of the Football League - two points adrift of safety with three games remaining - after losing 1-0 last night at Mansfield.
A draw for fellow relegation battlers Hartlepool and a win for Cheltenham spelled serious trouble for Tranmere as they fight to retain their Football League status.
Rob Taylor in action for Tranmere Rovers on Tuesday night
Vadaine Oliver almost gave the hosts the lead within 20 seconds but his shot was excellently saved by Rovers keeper Owain Fon Williams.
Oliver's through ball set up Reggie Lambe to give the home side the lead just before half-time.
Lambe was sent off deep in to stoppage time for his involvement in a bust-up between players of both sides.
Rory Donnelly on the ball for Tranmere Rovers against Mansfield
Rovers manager Micky Adams said a lack of quality in the final third cost his side again.
Adams said: "It's the story of the season, we've not scored enough goals. We've dominated the game territorially and it's disappointing again.
"We just can't find a way through and it has been a recurring theme for us. There's not enough people taking responsibility in the final third and not enough quality in the final third. We've not tested the goalkeeper.
"I don't think there was any lack of effort, they were all up for the game and knew the importance of it."
Rory Donnelly prepares to take a free kick on Tuesday night
Adams continued: "Mansfield started the game brightly, we rode the storm and came into it. We had a couple of chances that we didn't put away and then to go in 1-0 down was really disappointing.
"I'm not in the excuses game, it's not good enough.
"If you analyse everybody that has played up front this season, including people who are not here any more, they've not scored enough goals.
"To win games of football you've got to have players who score goals and take responsibility in the final third.
"But it's not over, we've got to go again on Saturday."
George Green on the ball for Tranmere Rovers
"We've got to be brave again. We need people who are going to stand up and be counted. We need to put out a side and a way of playing that suits the players.
"I keep getting kicked in the teeth and the team keeps getting kicked in the teeth. I'm sure I'll be right as rain for Saturday and they've got to be as well."
Rovers are at home to Oxford Utd on Saturday.
The remaining fixtures see them facing Plymouth away on April 25 with the final game of the season against promotion chasers Bury at Prenton Park
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