TRANMERE boss Micky Mellon has urged Rovers fans, players and management to "come together" in a final push for promotion from League Two.

Defeat at Colchester ensured Tranmere slid to seventh in the table but they remain just three points off third place and the prospect of automatic elevation to League One. 

And with four games out of the seven remaining at Prenton Park, Mellon believes the Prenton Park crowd have a huge part to play in the season's outcome starting with Carlisle on Saturday.

"They are experienced crowds hereand they've been through this for quite a few seasons now," said Mellon. "They understand how negativity from a home crowd can effect a team. 

"We have a fan base who are very mature and know it is important to get right behind us and show the patience that we all have to show at times.

"There will be things that disappoint but that's football - the ultimate thing is for them to support this group of players and try and get the most out of them.

"That is what I am trying to do and I know what will get the most out of them is encouragement and I know the fans know how important their role is."

The difference between Rovers' home record and that when thet play away from the Wirral is stark with 14 wins recorded at Prenton Park this season and only four victories on their travels. 

Mellon said: "Because of lockdown we have learnt the effect a crowd can have on a game of football. In those empty stadiums it was like having a horse coming up the final furlong and the jockey had no whip.

"The crowd is the whip which adds the drama and it is important we use that to our advantage at home. Many times this season we have had that advantage when the fanbase has got behind the team and you have seen the effect it has had on the group. 

"Me, the team and the fanbase need to come together and that will absolutely help the performances."

Mellon confirmed midfielder Jay Spearing and striker Nicky Maynard will both come into contention after recovering from injuries and said their experience would help the younger playesr during the nerve-jangling run in.

"They are both valuable players especially with the experience they have," he said. "They need to be honest with us and then we can decide when the right time is for them to come back into things. 

"There is still a lot of football to be played and we want to make sure they are at their best. 

"You can only look at what these players have done so to have them back available is really good for us. 

"Carlisle are on a brilliant run and have a new manager in Paul Simpson but we are a good team and should hopefully come away with a valuable three points."