MANAGER Les Parry blamed sloppy defending costing both goals for Tranmere's 2-1 reverse at Walsall.

Rovers' second away defeat of the week left them in the League One relegation zone although results elsewhere limited the damage. They are just a point adrift of Leyton Orient in 20th place.

Parry said: “It was a disappointing defeat because in the first half hour we dominated the game, had some great chances and only took one. Then we gave them two goals. We were done by a couple of sucker punches.

“We felt we could get something out of the game and I think our performance should we should have got something out of it.

“But when you are where we are, things don't quite go your way.”

Parry continued: “For the first goal we did not pick up the guy who made the run and got a free header.

“That seemed to rock us a bit. It was a relief to get to half-time level, even though we had dominated the game.

“I felt the second-half was pretty even. We had chances towards the end of the game and we did not take one.”

He added: “I don't think the pressure of our situation affected the players because the first half-hour we were as good as we have played in an away game the quite a long time. When we conceded a goal we seemed to panic a little bit.

“But we regrouped and I felt we held our own the second-half.”

Rovers must now prepare for home games of heavy significance this week, against relegation-threatened rivals Wycombe Wanderers tomorrow and Exeter City on Saturday.

“We just have to pick ourselves up,” Parry said.

“We have two massive games coming up. The other results on Saturday were not too bad for us and we are in a similar position to last week – but with one less game to play.”

Parry insists Tranmere remain masters of their own destiny.

“We are still not dependent on anyone else,” he said.

“When you look at the fixtures some of the other clubs near the bottom have got, it is going to be difficult for them to pick up points as well. It's a case of hanging in there and digging out the results we need.

“I have said all along that I would like to see us safe after our last home game against Millwall.

“I don't want to go into the final game at Stockport needing something. But if that is the case, then that will be the case.”

Tranmere have injury worries over two players ahead of the Wycombe game.

Midfielder Ash Taylor was substituted after 65 minutes at the Bescot Stadium with blood pouring from a head wound while front man Craig Curran aggravated a groin injury.

However, midfielder Paul McLaren and recent loan signing Andy Robinson are available after completing suspensions.