AFTER 46 games, Tranmere's regular season in the National League is over and despite a club record haul of 95 points, a second placed finish means that they will now take part in the promotion play-offs.

The teams that finished second to fifth will compete in a mini knockout tournament, with the two-legged semi-finals played home and away before the two victors meet in the final at Wembley to scrap for a place in the Football League.

With Tranmere finishing runners-up in the National League, they will have home advantage for the second leg of their semi-final and will face fifth placed Aldershot Town.

The other semi-final will be between third placed Forest Green Rovers and Dagenham & Redbridge, who finished fourth.

The first leg of Tranmere's tie with The Shots will take place at the Recreation Ground in Hampshire on Wednesday night (kick-off 7pm) with the home leg at Prenton Park on Saturday (kick-off at 12.15pm).

The play-off final takes place at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, May 14 (kick-off 3pm) with extra-time and penalties if the two sides can't be separated in 90 minutes.

Focus on Aldershot

Under the expert stewardship of manager Gary Waddock, Aldershot have beaten Dover to fifth place in the National League, securing a play-off semi-final against Tranmere.

Regulars at Prenton Park will be wary of the their opponents – The Shots served up Rovers' first defeat of the season on their home turf back in September but more recently put in an impressive attacking performance at Prenton Park in the return fixture.

The sides eventually played out a 2-2 draw but it was clear to see that Waddock’s men have the pace and firepower to cause problems.

Tranmere will start the tie as favourites but will have to be at their best to create a successful passage to Wembley.

Aldershot have a good home record, backed by partisan supporters, guaranteeing an intense atmosphere in both legs.

Aldershot – Players to watch

Scott Rendell has 13 goals to his name this season and will be The Shots' chief threat around the penalty area.

He has had two spells at the Recreation Ground having initially been a product of the Aldershot Town youth team, becoming the club's youngest ever goal scorer in 2003.

Kundai Benyu is a central midfielder currently on loan from Championship side Ipswich Town.

Tranmere fans witnessed his obvious ability in the Shots' recent trip to Prenton Park, with the Camden-born Zimbabwean causing problems between Rovers’ midfield and defence. Will need to be nullified.

Bernard Mensah scored against Rovers on Good Friday with a smart finish at the Kop end and has gone on to net four times in as many matches.

The former Watford player can operate up front or on the wing.

Tranmere team news

With Lee Vaughan suffering a broken leg against Southport in Tranmere’s last home match, Micky Mellon will be forced to rebalance his side somewhat.

Rovers have long persisted with a 3-4-1-2 formation but when asked whether he may deploy a different system against Aldershot he said: "Yes. If we decide it's the best way to go, we'll change the shape.

"We've been going well with a back three, but we've been working hard all week on different scenarios.

"We'll get it right and we'll be ready to roll".

Mellon ripe for the play-offs

Few would argue that Aldershot will provide stiff opposition for Tranmere but Micky Mellon was in bullish mood when asked for his thoughts on the tie.

He said: "They'll find it difficult against us.

"We've got a good team.

"We'll concentrate on us and make sure we deliver.

"Aldershot know that they're in for though tie.

"We'll be ready and prepared. We know what's at stake and we're ready to get it on now.

"It will be exciting and there will be good crowds in both games. We're good to go".