ROVERS' boss Brian Little has said that his side's November fixtures will be vital in determining the success of the season.

Little believes that by the end of the month Tranmere will be able gauge with confidence where they will be positioned at the climax of their campaign.

Little said: "I genuinely believe that this phase we are going through, the phase of November, with five or six games in it will be one of the most important of the season.

"After your first dozen games if you've got yourself in the top section that's fine. But now we are playing against teams that are at the top of that section and if we can get through November and be there or thereabouts after 18 games then I think we can genuinely believe we're going to be there at the end."

"Even after this phase we will have to work hard, but I do believe that November is a very vital factor in how we will do this season."

Little said that Saturday's win over Brentford was a crucial result for the side. Ian Sharps scored the only goal of the game as Tranmere battled hard for the 1-0 victory at Prenton Park.

Chris Dagnall suffered a suspected fracture of the cheek during the game and is expected to be out for up to 8 weeks.

"At the weekend you could see the difficulties we've been having at home," said Little.

"We played a team who were higher in the league than us before the game and they came here and just defended like crazy. That's what we are coming up against. Teams aren't going to come here and lie down."

On Saturday, Tranmere play Swindon at Prenton Park (kick-off 3pm) and then on Tuesday they travel to Bristol City (kick-off 7.45pm).

Little added: "Swindon and Bristol city are both in the top section and they will be very important to us.

"On Saturday, if we get a chance in the first half then we really have to take it."

Tranmere have drawn Peterborough away first round of the FA Cup, the game will be played on Saturday November 13 (kick-off 3pm). Rovers were in action last night in LDV Vans Trophy against Port Vale.