Ronnie Moore: 'Anything can happen. Games in hand don't mean a thing if you don't win them'
TRANMERE Rovers' play-off hopes face a massive challenge on Saturday when they entertain fourth-placed Nottingham Forest in what manager Ronnie Moore believes will be a six-pointer' affair.
Rovers, who slipped out of the Coca-Cola League One play-off zone following last weekend's 2-1 defeat at Walsall, are in need of three vital points to keep their hopes alive.
As far as Tranmere are concerned, it really is a Super Saturday, with fellow promotion contenders Leeds United, who have moved into the sixth and final play-off spot - entertaining second-placed Carlisle United and, like Rovers, simply can not afford to drop points.
Rovers, though, along with Doncaster, have played one game more than other top nine clubs.
Prenton Park boss Moore remains confident and defiant.
"We're expecting between 11,000-12,000 people here on Saturday and there's no way any white flag's going up," he insisted at Monday's press conference
"We've got to beat Forest - with four games to go, I reckon we've still got a chance to go to Wembley."
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After Saturday, Rovers have just three league games left - at Huddersfield (April 19), at home to fifth-placed Southend United (April 26) and, finally, at Northampton on Saturday, May 3.
Moore, though, is looking beyond the visit to Northampton and is eyeing the end-of-season play-offs. "I hope it lasts longer for us than the next four weeks," he said, "but let's get Forest out of the way and see where we are.
There’s no way a white flag has gone up – we can still make it to Wembley . . .
Ronnie Moore
"If we fail by having a go, then I won't have anything bad to say about the lads.
"We need to get out there and give it a go."
He added: "Let's wait and see what the facts are at the end of the season. Anything can happen and games in hand don't mean a thing if you don't win them."
Saturday's defeat against play-off outsiders Walsall at The Bescot Stadium was a bitter pill for Rovers to swallow, especially as they made the perfect start, taking a third minute lead through Jennison Myrie-Williams.
Moore believes a controversial decision by the referee to award a penalty to Walsall and send-off Rovers defender Ben Chorley cost Rovers their sixth spot in the table.
"It was not a penalty and until the decision was made we were in a quite comfortable position," said the manager. "It's disappointing that Ben''s going to miss a game."
Winger Chris Shuker returned for the Walsall game on Saturday following a two-match ban.
Striker Steve Davies is back in training following cruciate ligament surgery and Moore is hopeful he could be ready to play a part against Forest.
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