1st & 2nd gear selector problem

Here i am again with more gearbox trouble

Its been working fine for a few thousand miles now however today wouldn't go into 2nd or 1st 

Managed to get it home using 3rd and eventually got 2nd back although it was a bit rough

1st was a definite no though just wouldn't go in at all

Got it home and disconnected the linkage ends and managed to force the selector into 1st and then force it out again and into 2nd gear. Repeated this a few times until it got smoother and then re connected the linkage cables and reset them

Sat on the driveway going from 1st to second repeatedly until it eventually smoothed out as it felt before 

Drives fine and all gears work fine again although 1st gear is harder to engage than the rest and has been like this for a few months

I'm guessing its a problem with the selector in the gearbox maybe damaged or loose and not aligning correctly, every now and again getting stuck

Is there any way to access this apart from removing the gearbox?

Can the end cover be removed from the wheel arch to inspect or not?

Advice would be appreciated as I need to know whether to get the box replaced or if theres a solution to this

It's a 5 speed 02T gearbox code JJL

Edited 10 February, 20179 yr by clarendon462