getting into 2nd & 4th gear to late (frustrated)

[Mrpug]

(89 A2 16v GTI 5 spd) After alighning the shifter w/ the aligntnment tool. I noticed that when i'm pulling the shifter into 2nd or 4th. The shifter has a hard time going in either or goes into gear late in the shift, and doesn't feel like complete positive enguagment. When it does, the shifter wants to pop out of gear. can the main shift rod be adjusted forward to go into gear slightly earlier, but not short shifter early?? Or is this problem more of a clutch adjustment ?? Does the shifter need to be aligned again??? All of this clutch & shifting problems has gotten rather old and redundant, for once, I'd like to drive the car with no major problems, And enjoy the drive, and not call the dub all kinds of nasty names.

[h0tma1e_]

Try greasing the rod where the pinch clip is...  ive greased mine an it goes into gear beautifuly   

[rubjonny]

how is the relay shaft ball looking, and is there uny movement if you grab the gearstick and lift it directly upwards?  check the plastic link rods too, get someone to select gears while you watch. they can crack at the end, then the crack opens up when you try to select gears.