Whilst Walsall roll into Mansfield seeking another win and another clean sheet to maintain there six point lead at the top. Mansfield require the points to prevent them been sucked into a relelgation dog fight.
Despite new manager Deardens best efforts it is not a happy time at Field Mill. Supporters groups are calling for change and talking of boycotts, whilst chairman Keith Haslam is under pressure with one sponsor backing out unless change happens. Things were not helped by the sale of leading scorer and fans favorite Richie Barker to Hartlepool. The signing of two new strikers Barry Conlon and Gritton from Lincoln hasn’t helped despite both scoring on there debuts.
Vital Quotes:
Speaking to the Nottingham Evening Post straight after the Accrington defeat on tuesday, Dearden said ‘We were out-fought and out-battled and the players have been told that and one or two of their heads have dropped,’ he said.
‘It was a great result on Saturday against Hereford but we have gone the opposite way and let ourselves down. We did not play well at all. We missed some really good opportunities and I am just so very disappointed.
‘I don’t want to look at the video but I’ll have to and I think I’ll be amazed at how many basic mistakes there were for both sides.’
Although the result leaves the Stags in 17th place, Acrrington closed the gap on the Stags to just one point. The Stags are now sitting just 4 points above the drop zone, with a massive home game against Walsall coming up this weekend
Whilst DD has been singing the praises of his team. With Craig Pead and Ishmel Demontagnac coming in for special mentions.
Mansfield Town Team News:
Mansfield will be making changes to the team that faced Accrington Stanley on tuesday.With Coke picking up a knee injury. He was replaced by Brown and this may well be the change. However manger Dearden was in the stands at Bescot on Monday so may well have a special plan up his sleeve
Starting Line-up against Accrington.
1 White
12 Buxton
2 Mullins
6 Baptiste
3 Jelleyman
7 Hamshaw
8 Dawson
15 Coke
4 D’Lareya
9 Conlon
20 Gritton
Substitutes
19 Muggleton
5 Hjelde
10 Brown
22 Lloyd
11 Boulding
As for style of play they have two new combative strikers, tall and good in the air and two wingers in Hamshaw and Boulding so there isn’t much of a suprise there.
Player to watch: Barry Conlon
Appearances 17 (+ 8 as sub); Goals 8; Yellow cards 2;so far this season. He started the season with a return to Darlington from Barnsley. He had been quiet prolific in his last spell up North, and hopes were high as he hit a debut hat trick on the first day of the season. This was followed by a regular scoring spell. However behind the scene changes was combined with a barren scoring spell, the arrival of Tommy Wright at Darlo lead to him been allowed to leave. He has scored on his first two games for Mansfield. He is capable of been the man to score the goals to keep Mandfield out of relegation trouble.
Walsall Team News:
Ian Roper was withdrawn with a calf problem and cramp It is not thought that this will keep him out of the side. Alan Picken who felt pain in his knee before the Boldmere game is unlikely to feature. Whilst Darren Wrack and Alex Nicholls both featured in this game they may both be given more time to recover.
No other injuries are reported and competition for places is strong, especially with Fox returning to the squad after suspension.
Upfront the Hector Sam, Martin Butler partnership look likely to start with Par Cederqvist getting another run out off the bench.
Player to watch: Martin Butler
After waiting for a goal for months, then two come along at once. The Saddlers faithful will be looking to see if Matin can continue a new scoring streak.
Match Facts & Stats
Mansfield last six results
Latest Results
Accrington 3 – 2 Mansfield
Hereford 1 – 3 Mansfield
Mansfield 0 – 1 Hartlepool
Darlington 0 – 2 Mansfield
Barnet 2 – 1 Mansfield
Mansfield 0 – 2 Bury
last 6 results of this fixture
Football League Two Mansfield Town 1-3 Walsall 26-11-1994
Football League Two Mansfield Town 1-2 Walsall 27-11-1993
English Division 4 Mansfield Town 3-1 Walsall 30-11-1991
English Division 3 (old) Mansfield Town 0-2 Walsall 14-10-1989
English Division 3 (old) Mansfield Town 1-3 Walsall 05-04-1988
English Division 3 (old) Mansfield Town 2-0 Walsall 02-05-1987
Match Prediction:
Things will not be as easy as our second half romp against Mansfield was earlier in the season. So not another 4-0 win I am affraid. Also the weather and pitch conditions maybe a bit of a leveler.
However despite this we should have enough to win. But be warned if we go with the wrong attitude we could end up losing as Swindon did earlier in the season (2-0)
Next Fixtures:
Back to Bescot for a game against another crisis club Boston Town saturday 27th January at 3pm
