"This was just the result we needed to take us into that vital clash in confident mood," said Adkins.
"Tranmere have now got to come here looking for a win and we will be looking for one too.
"The one difference now is that if that game finishes level at the end of 90 minutes, that will be enough for us to get into the play-offs."
Martin Allen, the Cheltenham boss, believes the future is bright at Whaddon Road after being impressed by his youthful side during the loss.
Allen handed a full debut to Kyle Haynes, before bringing on fellow youngsters Theo Lewis, Jack Durrant and Jake Lee as he prepares for life in League Two next season.
"It was great to have all those lads out there and I'm very proud of them," he said.
"It's frustrating to see the 3-0 scoreline, but there was more to it than that because we had to give some experience to some players who are going to be the future of the club.
"I've said to all our young players that now they've had a taste of it, they have to work really hard over the summer and come back as different specimens in pre-season - bigger, stronger, faster and ready to challenge the pros for first-team spots."