TRANMERE Rovers boss Gary Brabin said today's local derby against Chester FC is a chance for his squad to get back to winning ways.

After a narrow defeat to league leaders Cheltenham Town last weekend, the manager says the added spice of a local derby will be the perfect boost.

Today's match against the Blues at Vauxhall Lookers Stadium was switched to Sunday with a noon kick-off under police advice.

Tranmere will be backed by 1,110 supporters who snapped up the ticket allocation in just over three days.

Brabin said: "We always look forward to derby games, it's a good opportunity to get back to winning ways. We want there to be a positive atmosphere.

"There will be a big crowd there and I think it will be a good atmosphere.

"It's great that we have so many fans travelling to support us away from home. 

"The away support we've had this season has been fantastic and if we can get that again on Sunday, we'll be delighted."

Assessing his squad's performance, Brabin said: "We've not given a points target to the players but we know ourselves that we need to take each game as it comes.

"We work hard Monday to Friday in preparation for games and there's a real confidence and belief amongst the players.

"Every game we go into we are confident we can get three points.

"We're going into the last few games with a strong squad with players coming back like Liam Hogan after his knee injury.

"It's been good to get new signing Michael Higdon up to speed with us. He's not played much football of late.

"It would be nice for him to get a goal, it would do him the world of good with his confidence."

The manager says his sqaud know what they need to do and they can't look too closely at what other teams do because it's out of their hands.

He added: "We weren't getting carried away when we were in the top five and we're not too despondent now that we've dropped down to sixth.

"It all changes game by game, I still believe it is in our own hands and I'm confident we'll be in the play-off positions."

Meet the opponents - Chester FC

Nickname: The Blues, The Seals

Colours: Blue and white shirts, blue shorts, white socks

Distance from Prenton Park: 17.4 miles

Position last season: 12th

The supporter-owned club was formed after the collapse of Chester City.

They enjoyed three successive promotions from the off reaching the top tier of non-league football in 2013 and escaped relegation the year after when Hereford United were expelled.