Setting the scene…
Tranmere Rovers are back at Prenton Park on Saturday when they welcome Notts County in League Two, 3pm kick-off.
Micky Mellon’s side are unbeaten in three games following Tuesday night’s 2-1 win away at Port Vale.
Top scorer James Norwood scored in each half as the forward took his tally to 22 league goals this term as Rovers hung on in Staffordshire despite Ben Whitfield’s strike to move up to ninth in the fourth-tier, three points from the Play-Offs.
By contrast, Neal Ardley’s Notts head to the Wirral bottom of the division after a 4-1 home defeat to Newport County on Tuesday.
Team News
Sid Nelson is still nursing a broken nose but has stepped up his training this week. Likewise for Liam Ridehalgh who is continuing his recovery from illness but this game may come too soon for him. Steve McNulty's achilles injury is likely to keep him out of action this weekend too.
The Magpies season so far
It has been a difficult campaign for Notts County, with the Magpies as the foot of the table heading in to the final few months of the season.
The club have had three managers this season, with Ardley appointed in November, replacing Harry Kewell who left his position at Meadow Lane the same month, and Kevin Nolan, who departed in August.
Recent wins against promotion hopefuls Forest Green Rovers and Mansfield has seen Notts drag themselves to the brink of survival.
From their 33 games so far this season, County have won six, drawn 10 and lost 17 – they currently are two points from safety.
One to Watch
Jon Stead leads the way for Notts County in the goal-scoring charts this season.
The 35-year-old began his career at his hometown club Huddersfield, turning professional with the Terriers.
Having scored 22 goals in Yorkshire, Stead moved over the Pennines to East Lancashire, signing for Blackburn Rovers where he got his Premier League chance at Ewood Park.
Since his spell with Blackburn, Stead went onto turn out for Sunderland, Derby County, Sheffield United, Ipswich Town, Coventry City, Bristol City, a return to Huddersfield, Oldham Athletic and Bradford City.
Stead signed for Notts County on a free-transfer in July 2015 and has made over 150 appearances for the Meadow Lane club, scoring ten goals for the Magpies this campaign.
Match Officials
Referee – Scott Oldham
Linesmen: Peter Gooch and Chris Isherwood
Fourth Official: Richard Woodward
Tickets:
Fancy heading down to Prenton Park this Saturday to watch some affordable football and cheer on Micky’s lads as TRFC welcome Notts County to the Wirral?
Match tickets for our home game against the Magpies are still available to purchase either in person at the Prenton Park ticket office or online by clicking here: https://www.trfctickets.co.uk/.
TRFC’s online ticket store is also the perfect place to purchase tickets for upcoming Sky Bet League Two games, both home and away, and away coach travel.
Match Coverage
Can’t make it to Rovers’ home game against Notts County on Saturday afternoon? Don’t worry as you can keep up with goings on at Prenton Park.
You can now sign up to Tranmere Rovers’ iFollow, which allows access to extended highlights and interviews with manager Micky Mellon and a player, after the game.
To sign up, click here
Alternatively, you can follow the action through our social media channels below, with full text coverage during the fixture, followed by a match report.
Twitter: @tranmererovers
Facebook: @trfcofficial
Instagram: @tranmererovers