Price out to make instant impact in basement battle

PARK LIFE: THE TERM 'six-pointer' is often used in football, but never has it been applied more appropriately than to describe Athletic's game away at Tranmere on Saturday afternoon.

Dave Penney's side, frustrated at not being able to take to a waterlogged field at Stockport on Tuesday night, are neck-and-neck with Rovers in the lower regions of Coca-Cola League One.

Both sides are stuck in the drop zone on 26 points — and both will be every bit as keen to deny the opposition points as to scoop them up themselves.

With new signing Jason Price set to make his Athletic debut at Prenton Park up front alongside Pawel Abbott, Penney will hope his team can provide more of an attacking threat.

Only nine times in 12 matches have Athletic found the net away from Boundary Park, although the team scored in both their previous outings against Wycombe and Hartlepool.

The performances in those two games were positive, too, and the total of one point gleaned was rough justice for Athletic's efforts.

While it is well publicised that the 'goals-for' column has been extremely light this season, Athletic's defensive record on the road bears comparison to any other side in the division.

Only second-placed Leeds United and Brentford have let in fewer goals away from home.

It all points to a tight contest, particularly given the nip-and-tuck nature of the meeting between the sides two weeks ago when a turgid 0-0 bore draw was fought out at Boundary Park.

Tranmere have boosted their own fire power with the deadline-day capture of 18-year-old Watford striker Marvin Sordell.

The teenager has played three times for the Hornets this season scoring once, against Leeds in the Carling Cup.

Sordell can be seen as a replacement for ex-Athletic front man Michael Ricketts, who was released by Rovers after failing to make an impact at the club.