Tranmere boss is happy that Cobblers have something to play for on the final day

Ian DawesIan Dawes
Ian Dawes
‘It makes it more of a proper game and it challenges us a little bit.’

Tranmere Rovers caretaker boss Ian Dawes is pleased that Monday’s final game of the season against Northampton will have something riding on it.

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​The League Two fixture would have been a dead rubber had Cobblers secured their promotion against Bradford City last time out.

Defeat in that game means they must beat mid-table Tranmere live on Sky Sports next Monday to be sure of a top-three spot. Rovers drew 1-1 at Wimbledon last time out.

"We had a conversation before the (Wimbledon) game on Saturday and I said that I hope Northampton have something to play for on the last day of the season,” said Dawes, who has taken over until the end of the season following Micky Mellon’s sacking.

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"It makes it more of a proper game and it challenges us a little bit. If they had been promoted, it wouldn’t have mattered to them and the game can become a bit false.

"Everything matters to us and now they are going to be at it and their mentality is going to be right so it should be a really good game of football. It’ll be a good challenge for us and one that we are looking forward to.”

Tranmere have a number of injury concerns, including Harvey Saunders who came off against Wimbledon.

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Dawes added: “He’s been feeling a bit of tightness in his hamstring for four or five weeks and it was just a bit too much for him so we have to manage it.

"The lads are running on empty at the moment but they keep pushing and I think that’s because of their desire and the pride they have for the club.”