Tranmere Rovers return to Prenton Park for the final time this season on Friday night as they host Forest Green Rovers under the lights in the Sky Bet League Two Play-Off semi-final first-leg, kick-off 7:45pm.
Micky Mellon’s men concluded the regular campaign, their first back in the fourth tier, in sixth position on 73 points following on from last Saturday’s 3-1 final day defeat away at Crawley Town.
Mark Cooper’s Forest Green make the journey up to the Wirral having enjoyed a successful second term at EFL level after finishing up a point and a place above Tranmere.
The Gloucestershire outfit played out a goalless home draw with Exeter City at the New Lawn to bring the curtain down on their 46-game season.
Team News
Tranmere face no new injury concerns ahead of this game. Luke McCullough, Mark Ellis, Ishmael Miller and Evan Gumbs remain long term absentees.
The Green Devils’ season so far
Cooper’s side spent the majority of the season competing in and around the top seven positions in Sky Bet League Two, securing a Play-Off position for the first time in the EFL back in April.
Tasting defeat just once in their final six outings – a 4-3 away defeat at Crewe Alexandra - to finish in their highest-ever placing within the English football pyramid, the Green Devils will be aiming to cap off a memorable year under the Wembley arch.
Spearheaded by the 14 goals of top scorer Christian Doidge, the forward returned to the New Lawn in January after a move to Bolton Wanderers collapsed following a loan deal in the North West.
From their 46 games, Forest Green won 20, drew 14 and lost 12.
One to Watch
Forward Christian Doidge is Forest Green’s leading marksman following his return to the New Lawn earlier this year.
The Newport-native began his senior career in Welsh football with Cwmbran Celtic, Croesyceiliog, Barry Town and Carmarthen Town before signing for Dagenham and Redbridge in 2014, where he spent two seasons.
Doidge moved to Forest Green in June 2016, scoring 25 goals as the club earned promotion to the Football League.
The 26-year-old netted 20 goals for Rovers in 2017/18, which saw him switch to Bolton Wanderers on loan with view to a permanent transfer, though he was recalled in January and his goals have since propelled his side in to a Play-Off finish.
Tickets
We need you to Pack the Park as TRFC embark on their third Play-Off campaign in the space of three seasons.
The famous Friday night football returns to Prenton Park as Tranmere host Forest Green Rovers in the Sky Bet League Two Play-Off semi-final first-leg.
So, if you want to watch some live, affordable football on the Wirral, come on down to Prenton Park this Friday and get behind Micky and the lads.
Tickets start from as little as just £2 for U12s and adults from £18 with family tickets available to save money. It is £2 cheaper to buy online, which we encourage all supporters to do.
Help us Pack the Park against Bury by joining the SWA and buying your match tickets today for a cheaper rate than on the day!
Click here to buy YOUR tickets now: https://tickets.tygit.com/shop/options
Match Officials
Referee: John Busby
Assistants: Callum Walchester and Wade Smith
Fourth Official: Thomas Bramall
Match Coverage
Can’t make it to TRFC’s Sky Bet League Two Play-Off semi-final first-leg with Forest Green Rovers on Friday night? 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