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Thanks to you all for your help, it is invaluable, stripped it down and refitted it, couldn't see anything wrong. Tried engine on and gears b4 fitting propshaft and all was ok. Finished putting all back together and took it out. Just the dam same. Gears very difficult to get and reverse gear has to have engine off to get it.
The plate is the rightway round. Talking to a mechanic today who says he thinks air in system or slave cylinder.
Not worked on it today, foul weather and no garage.