MANAGER Les Parry will ask his Tranmere players to take a giant stride forward in the survival battle tonight at the expense of the most powerful outfit in League One – Leeds United.

Parry has been seeking the burst of momentum that back-to-back wins can provide ever since he took charge of team affairs five months ago. And so far without success.

But after halting the eight-game unbeaten run of another powerful side, Southampton, Rovers are once again in a position to chase a repeat success at Prenton Park (kick-off 7.45pm).

Parry said: “What we want to concentrate on now is winning two games on the bounce. That’s what we are talking to the players about. It is important we get something out of the game and a win would be fantastic.

“We know it is a big ask. Leeds have tremendous quality. But it would be just like us to finally put a couple of wins together against two of the strongest teams in the league.”

Leeds were at the top of their game when they comprehensively outplayed Tranmere, then managed by John Barnes, at Elland Road in August. Parry, who watched the game in his former role of physiotherapist, admitted: “The scoreline was only 3-0 but it could have been 10-0.”

The Yorkshire giants led the table in the early months of the campaign but their form has been less consistent since the turn of the year.

They slipped seven points behind leaders Norwich City following a 1-1 draw at home to Brentford last Saturday and hold a narrow two-point advantage over third-placed Charlton Athletic.

Parry is in little doubt that an FA Cup run that saw Leeds claim the scalp of Manchester United and lose to Tottenham only after a replay, impacted on their league form.

“Leeds’ results have been a little bit up and down since January when they started having the big games in the cup,” Parry said. “It is so often the case when teams from the lower divisions have cup runs. They do have an adverse effect on league form.

“Leeds have been winning a few games since but they are struggling to put results together.”

Parry added: “Something similar happened here nine years ago. When we got to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup in 2001 we won only two league games out of 20 after the cup run started.

“We tried to get players to focus on the league games but it was difficult.”

Parry reckons Leeds will recover their momentum, adding: “They have so much quality they will kick on again. I just hope it doesn’t happen until after they play us.”

Leeds continue to pull in crowds of around 20,000 in their third season in football’s third tier, giving manager Simon Grayson a budget that dwarfs the meagre resources of small clubs like Rovers.

Parry said: “Leeds don’t just have top class players in the team and on the bench, they have people like Andy Robinson and Mike Greller who can’t even get onto the team sheet on a Saturday.”

Parry can at least select from strength in numbers. He is confident the casualties from the Southampton game, defender Marlon Broomes (foot) and Paul McLaren (virus) will be fit for action.

Striker Bas Savage, who made his first senior appearance in 11 months against the Saints after a long recovery from an Achilles tendon injury, picked up a chest infection over the weekend and could be a doubtful starter.

FANS have another chance to support the Les Aid initiative with a bucket collection at tonight’s match. The scheme, to raise funds for the signing of a loan player, has already exceeded the £10,000 target set by organisers the Tranmere and Wirral Football Supporters Trust.

However Trust members will be collecting donations, however large or small, at the Leeds game and a few limited edition “Les Aid” T-shirts are still available for sale.

The Trust hope to hand the final total over to club officials later this week.