Ritchie Sutton comes close against Dagenham last Saturday PHOTO: Chris Holloway (Bluewheel) https://www.facebook.com/Bluewheel
These next four days are going to be huge for Mansfield Town. Paul Cox’s men come up against old adversaries in Newport County and York City within a short space of time with both games taking place at the One Call Stadium – Losing is not an option. It’s so tight at the bottom of league two there is no room for manoeuvre, if we are to stand any chance of avoiding a squeaky-bum esc end to the season, we need to start picking up some points – old adversaries Newport and York, on home soil, is the perfect place to start. Newport have proved a bogey side for Cox’s Stags whilst under the management of Justin Edinburgh. The 1-1 draw at Rodney Parade earlier this season aside, County have won their last three meetings as Cox took on Edinburgh. Twice Mansfield were on epic runs and looked unstoppable, yet somehow the Newport boss and former Spurs player had Stags worked out and undone with relative ease. Both of those matches were on Newport soil however, the last time the teams locked horns on Mansfield soil, supporters of both were treated to an entertaining display in which the visitors piped the hosts to the post running out 4-3 winners. Edinburgh’s side are always well drilled and are a good at exposing space and exploiting weakness, let’s face it on recent displays (especially our last home match against Bury) we’re not short of those! Wycombe and Accrington are hot on our heels and with a few well-placed results, 21st placed Northampton could be too which is why it’s key to defend well and be more ruthless in attack – in these situations you have to keep running and become uncatchable. What’s needed perhaps is a trigger, something to say that we are capable of producing the goods – I was looking back through the Mansfield Matters archive earlier and found this gem under the reign of Paul Cox – Mansfield 5-0 Newport.  Better times for Mansfield as Louis Briscoe hits home on the volley against Newport back in 2011. PHOTO: James Williamson It was September 2011 when the Stags clicked and hit Newport for five, County then under the management of Anthony Hudson were struggling whilst Stags were in fine early season form following Paul Cox’s recent arrival. A spanner for Mansfield was in the works with the presence of the TV Camera’s as the Stags hadn’t won in-front of them since relegation into the conference. That mattered little as the Stags produced the goods, opening the scoring on ten minutes as Matt Green latched onto Adam Murray’s inch perfect pass to slot beneath the on rushing Glyn Thompson. Green turned provider for the Stags second on 33 minutes as a reverse pass put Louis Briscoe through to finish with power before Ross Dyer stabbed home on 56 minutes for 3-0 following interchanging play between the opening two goal scorers. Briscoe added his second and Stags’ fourth with a sublime volley before defender Luke O’Neill completed the drubbing moments later. Want to remember the match more? Click here for AUDIO HIGHLIGHTS and here for the MATCH REPORT – Fingers crossed for a repeat performance tomorrow against the side promoted alongside us in the summer via the play-offs. York City will then provide the opposition in mid-week, there first visit to the One Call Season since May 7th 2012, the day Stags’ hearts broke. I’m not one for revenge, but look back at the squad that day and look at it now – I’m sure there are a few players itching to put things right ala Alan Marriott, Ritchie Sutton, Martin Riley, Adam Murray etc! Mansfield had been in fine form, romping to a third placed finish in the league to set up a play-off semi-final with York, the first leg at Bootham Crescent ending all square as Ross Dyer’s bullet header was cancelled out by Exodus Geohaghon’s own goal.  Adam Murray distraught after play-off defeat to York PHOTO: James Williamson The dismissal of Stags’ 30 goal hit man Matt Green is still controversial to this day but it was clear that in his absence, Cox’s Stags were mediocre at best – they had no attack and only one form of attack – Big Ex’s long throws which City keeper and torment Michael Ingham plucked out of the evening air every single time. The game went to extra time and looked like it was going to end in a shootout, that was until City’s Matty Blair popped up in the 110th minute to bundle home Jason Walker’s unchallenged cross. City shot to another level and once Ritchie Sutton was dismissed minutes later, were coasting into the Wembley final which they subsequently won, just days after beating Justin Edinburgh’s Newport in the FA Trophy final.
The image of Murray in tears on the pitch whilst York celebrate in the background still lives on and despite us going one better the following season to be crowed champions, the hurt of that match is still deep within. Earlier in the season, the side’s first meeting since that play-off semi-final came at Bootham Crescent. Mansfield banished some demons as Sam Clucas’ 21st minute spot kick and Ollie Palmer’s 76th minute goal overturned an excellent start for the hosts who opened the scoring through Ryan Brobbel inside 50 seconds. In a way York are the a good example to follow, last term, there first back in the Football League, they struggled. Yet determination and team ethic got them stability and a 17th placed finish four points from safety. They’ve followed that with a string of decent results this term and sit just seven points from the play-offs – stability first and then build! The goalless draw against Dagenham last weekend proved we are capable of keeping sides at bay, all be it thanks to the fine form of Marriott. But still, stand firm and find that ruthless streak and we can all breathe again – I know where capable of it, and deep down, so do you! COYS The views expressed in this blog are those of the writer and not those of Mansfield Matters or its related organisations.
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 On the morning of another game, the disappointing feeling is well and truly back for us Stags fans following Saturday’s last minute U-Turn of emotion as Cox’s men slipped to a 5-4 defeat at Fleetwood.
Mansfield are now without a win in nine league outings, collecting three points from a possible twenty-seven – this is far from the form our Champions hoped for and highlights real danger of slipping into a deep relegation battle rather the ambitious ‘climb the leagues’ form the plan outlined. Boss Cox has spoken about changes, would fresh faces really do the trick or does the solution or indeed problem, lie deeper than fresh faces in the line-up. It’d be drastic to change the entire line-up, realistically could it happen? Liam Mitchell seems to have faded away recently with Ian Deakin taking a more regular spot on the subs bench, but again is the inexperienced keeper the right man for the job at the critical point. At the back, Paul Black is still awaiting his chance at left back whilst George Pilkington played a blinder when filling in a week or so ago alongside John McCombe – Another option is young Ryan Tafazolli who always puts in a shift. With Lee Beevers struggling with illness, Ritchie Sutton is the only other option, he’ll always put in a shift but if Cox wants change, who is there? I could go on but there’s no point, the perfect brew comes not from change and panic but from the same sense of togetherness and willingness which won us the conference last term and romped to third the previous. Can it be found again or has it already gone – three points tonight will provide the answer. LAST TIME WE MET The Stags and the brewers have only ever met twice during the Stags debut season in the conference in which Burton were crowned Champions. The first meeting came at tonight’s venue where Burton ran out 1-0 winners whilst the other at the One Call saw Burton 2-0 winners during the Stags transition period between Billy McEwan and David Holdsworth. TEAM NEWS Jamie McGuire again misses out through suspension whilst striker James Alabi heads back to parent club Stoke City following his three game ban. Lee Beevers and Lee Stevenson could be in doubt after being substituted during the 5-4 loss at Fleetwood. The views expressed in this blog are those of the writer and not those of Mansfield Matters or its related organisations. The 8-1 victory over St Albans Town reignited hope that Paul Cox’s Stags could re-climb the table after a slump in form, however down to ten men last weekend against then second placed Oxford United the result was a forgone conclusion.
Once again, Stags must pick themselves up in the hope of putting together a solid run of form, tomorrow they face Fleetwood Town, a fellow conference Champion looking to spread their wings into the wider world of the Football League. Fleetwood too have an ambitious chairman at the helm with a young manager who shares said ambitious, the comparison between the two clubs couldn’t be more similar. Mansfield need to regain their focus, stay tight at the back against an attack which now includes former Nottingham Forest front man Nathan Tyson and boasts the best record in the division. Defeat against bottom club Northampton last time out may have shaken growing Fleetwood whilst Stags are becoming increasingly desperate to get back to winning ways, without a win in eight league outings – It’s certainly shaping up to be not only a tough physical test, but a test of character as the cold temperature increases to drop and the seasons mould continues to set. LAST TIME WE MET The last meeting between these two came in the season when Fleetwood took the conference Champions crown in 2011-12. Stags were on a fantastic run to the play-off’s and a third placed finished but were stopped briefly by Fleetwood who ran out 2-0 winners at Highbury. Earlier in the season, the Stags were just starting out on their epic romp to third with Fleetwood running away with the top spot. The energy at the One Call was electric and it was the first sign that Mansfield had thrown away the notion of ‘they’ll never achieve anything’. Despite Fleetwood taking the lead midway through the second half, the Stags faithful still kept belief and were rewarded in the final minute as Exodus Geohaghon popped up in front of the Quarry Lane End to thump home a header and earn Paul Cox’s men a deserved point. One disappointing fact is that, in three meetings at Fleetwood, the Stags have failed to pick up even a draw loosing on all three visits to Highbury. In addition to the 2-0 defeat two seasons ago, earlier that season an illness and injury hit Stags were hammered 5-0 in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round replay, adding to the previous trips 3-0 defeat in 2010-11. TEAM NEWS Paul Cox will be boosted by the return of Martin Riley, Ryan Tafazolli and Chris Clements who all came through 90 minutes in a behind closed doors friendly with Huddersfield which ended in a 4-0 defeat. Striker Ross Dyer is now back from his loan at Hereford, its yet unknown if Ben Hutchinson or Ollie Palmer will be ok to face Fleetwood after recent injuries, midfielder Louis Briscoe is also out. The views expressed in this blog are those of the writer and not those of Mansfield Matters or its related organisations  With a stretched defence and a strike force thats failing to deliver having not scored in what seems like an eternity, the last thing Mansfield Town need is to be facing a team from a lower division on there home turf who are hungry for an upset!
Last year during the Stags barron run in October and November, Cox's men stumbled through the FA cup fourth qualifying round at Workington thanks to Jake Speights double - they also scraped through the first round via a replay and penalty shootout. In the FA Trophy they slipped on the banana skin via a replay at Matlock being well beaten and outplayed. Never underestimate the under-dog. This time around I'm hoping Stags will use there trip back into the unknown as a reality check - buck up your ideas or be back here.No disrespect intended in that statement to St Albans, they are going to give us one hell of a fight for not just the prize money but for the romance, something we witnessed first hand last term. A good cup run can ignite a season which is exactly what's needed right now. Goalless and with a deflating back line, a bit of magic would do us wonders. Team News Stags are without John Dempster who serves the final game of a three match ban, fellow defender Lee Beevers is also suspended for a match after being booked for the fifth time last Friday.Loanee James Alabi starts a three match ban with fellow hit man Ben Hutchinson also out for at least a month through injury. Martin Riley, Chris Clements and Ryan Tafazolli are also unlikely to feature. 
As we move into November, another of our statistical poor months, Paul Cox’s men hope to stop the slump after a poor October which accumulated in late defeat against Plymouth Argyle on Saturday.
A point would have left fans frustrated having played so well in the opening 25 minutes or so, the manner of the loss left a bitter taste for sure but what has been the most disappointing factor is most definitely the lack of goals. The Stags are 338 minutes of football, excluding time added on, without a goal – this is the longest goal drought under the guise of Paul Cox. Naturally there are a lot of calls for a return of Matt Green, it was always going to be difficult to replace someone of his talent, however its highly unlikely the goal machine will return and so the constant and ever growing conversations of “Matt Green would of scored that” are verging on annoying. Paul Cox has to accept we need a new striker and should have done more in the close season to bring one in, he knew Green would be going and struggled to plug that gap. Calvin Andrew excited in pre-season but hasn’t delivered what was expected, is that due to him playing out of position or against a higher standard of opposition? Ollie Palmer is another excellent prospect with the sort of goal scoring record Green departed with having scored 37 in 67 games with Havent & Waterlooville, but were we all expecting too much from a young player whose never played full time football league football before, and on the flip side, how is he ever going to prove his presence if he’s not getting a look in. Jake Speight, Ross Dyer and Louis Briscoe are all players that can put the ball in the back of the net yet are out elsewhere. Fair enough Louis Briscoe’s injured at the minute after taking a knock on his Nuneaton debut, Ross Dyer’s also on the road to recovery and, like Palmer to balance my argument, hasn’t played league football – however he’s getting a run at Hereford at the minute and has been on the score sheet. Speight is in the similar mould to Green and in the past I’ve criticised him for being a greedy player, yet despite his greed he gets goals and out on loan at Alfreton at the minute he’s already grabbed a handful of goals playing regular football for Nicky Law’s men – there are naturally going to be arguments against all three but it seems strange that whilst we’re struggling for goals and slipping down the table as a result, we have players elsewhere delivering the goods for other clubs. It’s like royal mail loaning out a postman to parcel force – I don’t get it. Cox has admitted he’s going into the loan market, with Stoke City’s James Alabi set to arrive on loan as I type – another youngster with little experience but a good reputation. Will it solve any problems, we’ll wait and see. I genuinely think Hutchinson can get us goals, maybe pairing him with Palmer and not Rhead would ignite the spark – if we play football on the floor, the penny will drop it’s just that, as we proved on Saturday, we’re too impatient and are far too quick to resort to a direct game. Tomorrow night against Southend will be another tough test, a mid-table clash against a side used to the evening conditions at Roots Hall. Fingers crossed, Friday night can be our night to stop the slump. LAST TIME WE MET Mansfield and Southend haven’t locked horns since the 2004-05 campaign where the Stags took four points from the six on offer. The sides last met at Field Mill where Adam Murray put the Stags ahead on 52 minutes, firing home Ritchie Barkers knock down following Alex Baptise’s deep free kick. The visitors pulled level controversially five minutes later as Murray was unfairly penalized for a late challenge, the resulting free kick was taken quickly and the Stags switched off allowing Gower to blast home. The reverse fixture saw Stags take all the points at Roots Hall in late December. Loanee striker Paul Warne drilled the Stags ahead midway through the second half, Mansfield rode a late storm to take all the points. In total, the sides have met 49 times (one cup meeting) with the Stags grabbing 20 wins to Southend’s 16 however on Southend turf, the Stags only have seven wins loosing twelve and drawing the other five. TEAM NEWS Captain John Dempster serves the second of a three game ban whilst fellow defender Martin Riley remains side lined with injury. Left back James Jennings is back from suspension after serving a one match ban for five yellow cards, he could go back into the line-up to give us a natural left back however George Pilkington did an excellent job in deputising in what his first appearance in a Stags shirt for over a year. Ryan Tafazolli may be ok for the bench but a lack of minutes could rule that one out, the same goes for Chris Clements whose still on the road to recovery. As of yet there’s also no news on keeper Alan Marriott who failed a late fitness test last weekend with a back spasm. The views expressed in this blog are those of the writer and not those of Mansfield Matters or its related organisations.  On paper it says that our Stags are three games unbeaten, however we’re feeling a negative run with three draws with Tuesday evenings goalless draw at Bury the latest in a line of frustration.
Captain John Dempster’s straight red card and left back James Jennings’ fifth yellow of the season has left Cox struggling for options at the back, the least thing he needed was an injury yet sadly, things come in threes and fans favourite Martin Riley is also side-lined for at least a month through injury leaving Cox even more stretched. Ritchie Sutton, John McCombe, Ryan Tafazolli and Paul Black provide the options for cover with youngster Liam Marsden also an option. Black will presumably make his debut and fill the left back void although Junior Daniel would also be a viable option allowing Clucas to move to the left wing and incorporating Meikle onto the right. At centre back, McCombe & Tafazolli have paired up for the reserves so have a ready-made partnership however Sutton is a first team regular and will be an ideal choice to replace two solid centre-backs. Another issue with Dempster suspended for the next three games, is the captaincy – it’s clear we need a strong character to take the reins and lead us forward, but who? Alan Marriott has experience as Stags skipper having deputised for Murray two-seasons ago, he’s a respected figure within the dressing room and can read the game well, the problem is communication – I can’t quite see Marriott racing out of his goal to calm the lads after another brawl-starting challenge from midfield! Lee Beevers has worn the armband on occasion in friendlies, another experienced professional that has the respect of his peers however for me I’d be tempted to hand the duty to Sutton – a commanding centre back with a sensible head, the perfect person to drag Stags out of the rut and back onto the straight and narrow. Whatever Cox chooses to do will shake the pack, we’re going to learn a lot about our character over the next few weeks, fingers crossed the reaction we see is a positive one. LAST TIME WE MET It’s been a while since these two last met, just over a decade in fact as the sides last met in February 2003. Sadly, it wasn’t the result Mansfield wanted as on Argyle turf the hosts ran out 3-1 winners. The last meeting at Field Mill as was came earlier that season, a thrilling encounter finished 4-3 to Mansfield on the opening day of the 2002-03 season, Andy white netted twice to add to goals from Craig Disley and Colin Larkin. In total, the sides have met 29 times (1 cup tie) with the Stags only managing six wins overall to 16 defeats. Argyle have netted 52 goals to Stags 33 over-all. TEAM NEWS Paul Cox is without the suspended John Dempster and James Jennings whilst fellow defender Martin Riley joins midfielder Chris Clements on the sidelines. Paul Black could debut at left back whilst John McCombe & Ryan Tafazolli will battle it out for a recall. The views in this blog are those of the writer and not those of Mansfield Matters or its related organisations. 
Following Saturday’s frustrating goalless draw with Torquay United, playing against ten men for the final 21 minutes, it’s time to move on to tonights match with managerless Bury, another team at the wrong end of the table but another team that make me concerned we might not get the result we want.
A manager less team always poses a threat as players up their game either to help the caretaker get the job to try and impress a potential new boss who could be watching from the stands. I fear after recent results this month that we’ll fall right into that trap, which is why we need characters out there tonight, characters who will grab hold of the strings and shake it up. We’ve had an excellent start and credit must go to the players for putting the work in, however this month’s stats don’t lie that we are slipping away, is it because of a lack of fire power or does it coincide with another incident, I think the former is a growing concern. We have only won by more than one goal on two occasions this season and, despite the potential of Clucas, Rhead, Palmer and Andrew, we are crying out for a proven goal scorer if only to stop the annoying phrase “Matt Green would have scored that” – he’s gone, he’s not coming back – get over it! We do have the capabilities to turn potential into proven, provided we play the right system. Ben Hutchinson has perhaps enjoyed his best season so far in terms of starts, having been involved in all but seven of our games, yet gets criticised 80% of the time because he’s playing out of position – stick him central just off the shoulder of a target man ala Rhead or Palmer and your onto a winner. Our problems are in the system, just creases that can be ironed out by picking to a more productive system and sticking to it – fingers crossed we find that tonight and shake it up to the tune of three points. LAST TIME WE MET The Stags and the shakers have met on 67 occasions previously having last locked horns in the 07-08 season, meeting in quick succession in February & March respectively. At Field Mill in February it was a 1-1 whilst in the reverse fixture, the shakers ran out 2-0 winners. Mansfield’s last victory at Bury came in February 2005 when they ran out 2-0 winners, one of only five wins over the shakers on their turf. In total, Bury have 28 wins to our 18 and lead the goals tally 104-77. TEAM NEWS Paul Cox has no fresh injury worries ahead of this one, with Chris Clements still on the sidelines. Last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Bristol Rovers failed to make the sunshine through this miserable month of weather, as bursts of rain continue to be swept through the chilling wind and brown autumn leaves get stuck to your shoes, fellow supporters will be hoping for a little more joy as the Stags head for the cost tomorrow as they take on Torquay United.
There’s no question Mansfield need to find the form of last month which saw them climb to third and beat arch rivals and league leaders Chesterfield along the way. As with every season we’re starting to enter our rough patch and as injuries and suspensions set in, it’s no secret Paul Cox is on the search for fresh input, especially in midfield, but how come he’s looking elsewhere? First Cox cast his eye over former Coventry midfielder Steve Jennings who was sent off in the reserve teams 2-1 defeat at Hull City midweek. Then the stags boss appeared to bring Godfrey Poku out of the cold and ending his interest in Jennings stating that Poku’s “application and work rate had impressed him” (which we’d actually like to see) before declaring his interest in Nottingham Forest youngster Jake Blake. Fair play, Forest’s academy is a few more years down the line than what ours currently is, but after all the fuss Cox made about the youngsters at Stags in the summer (Jack Thomas et al), why go looking to take someone whose part of another academy? Naturally the debate can carry on and go round and round in a never concluding circle, but there’s no point in carrying it on as it wont find Stags an answer – that’s something they have to find themselves on the pitch tomorrow. Fingers crossed Jamie McGuire will be fit to play, he was suspended of course last week after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season in the chesterfield cup game, however he was taken off injured in the same match. McGuire has been impressive since his arrival and a real fighter in the midfield, that’s defiantly an attribute we need to re-find our feet and go on another decent run of form. Torquay are another side struggling for form sitting just outside the drop-zone however, Stags haven’t faired too well against struggling sides in recent weeks so need to ensure they stay focussed as they aim to bring home three points before heading to managerless bury in midweek. LAST TIME WE MET The Stags and Torquay last met in the conference during our debut season outside the football league in 2008-09. Billy McEwan was at the helm as Stags headed for Torquay and failed to bring home nothing bar rock and humbugs as the gulls flew away with all three points in a 2-0 victory. The last meeting came at the One Call Stadium, where the sides took a share of the spoils in a 1-1 draw. The last football league encounter came in January 2007 at Field Mill as was, the Stags smashed the gulls 5-0. In total, the sides have met 67 times of which the Stags have grabbed 31 victories and slipped to 18 defeats. The Stags lead the goals tally 98-74 but have only won 10 times at Torquay, the last victory on Gulls territory coming in 2006. TEAM NEWS Paul Cox has Jamie McGuire back from suspension however the question remains over if the midfielder will be fit after being taken off injured in the cup show down with Chesterfield, fellow midfielder Chris Clements remains sidelined. The views expressed in this blog are those of the writer and not those of Mansfield Matters or its related organisations. 
It’s strange how much can change in seven days, this time last week we sat at our desk at home writing about how we must stop the usual October rot with it being statistically one of our poor months for form under Paul Cox along with November. Here we are a week later, looking out to the Devonshire sea having been on holiday, wondering if the Stags too have been on their jolleys from their recent form, having lost twice since last writing.
Many will argue that the 1-0 loss in the JPT midweek was worse than last Saturday’s 4-1 defeat to Hartlepool United due to the fact it was Chesterfield. We wrote on Monday about how it would be nice to remain in the competition so to be knocked out is disappointing, it leaves an extra bitter taste with it being to Chesterfield however hopefully, we can spin the negative into a positive and use is as the clear kick up the backside we need to focus on our league form for the foreseeable future as we aim to add our name to the list of conference champions who have gone onto gain back to back promotions. Bristol Rovers provide the opposition tomorrow and sit in a similar league position that Hartlepool did last week, let’s not make the mistake again and think the result will be a foregone conclusion – nothing is set in stone at this time of the campaign and one result, if you let it, can change everything. Cox opted for 4-4-1-1 midweek with Stevenson behind Andrew, we wont comment too much as being away meant we had to rely on the eyes of others, however we’ve seen Stevenson play in this formation before and know that, if he gets the right partner, he will thrive. A flat four gives us a solid base at the back and something to build on going forward – fingers crossed tomorrow that we dig our heels in and go onto gain three points! LAST TIME WE MET The two sides tomorrow lock horns for the first time since 2006-07 when Rovers did the double over Stags winning 1-0 at Field Mill in 2007 thanks to Steve Elliott and again by the same score-line in the reverse fixture earlier in the season as former Stag Craig Disley netted the only goal of the match. The Stags last win over Bristol Rovers came in the 2003-04 campaign when on a September’s night in Bristol, Craig Disley struck twice to add to an opening Junior Mendes goal before half-time, the hosts grabbed a consolation in the final minute from the penalty spot. In total there have been 47 meetings, one in the cup, Stags have 15 wins but have suffered 20 defeats and also trial the goals 61-74 however on Mansfield turf, the Stags have 13 wins to Rovers’ five and lead the goals 38-17. TEAM NEWS Paul Cox will be without midfielder Jamie McGuire who picked up his 5th yellow card of the season in midweek however will be boosted by the news that defender Ritchie Sutton appears to be fine after his worrying injury during the build up to Chesterfield’s goal. Midfielder Chris Clements is also on the sidelines which leaves Anthony Howell and Godfrey Poku as the only other central midfielders available to partner Keiran Murtagh tomorrow although given the situation with the latter (Poku) it’s likely Howell to be given the nod after being dropped midweek. Written by Craig Priest & Emily Sykes The views expressed in this blog are those of the writers and not those of Mansfield Matters or its related organisations. Following Saturdays unacceptable defeat to Hartlepool, Paul Coxs men must now pick themselves up and prepare for another battle with archrivals Chesterfield. The competition is one which gains little interest on the calendar, however the fact we've been drawn against Chesterfield makes people's ears prick up and there eyes widen - each and every supporter wants to have the bragging rights in much the same way as ten days ago, a win Saturday would have been that extra confidence boost so to lose in the manor we did makes the next 24 hours or so nervy. Cox's men showed so much courage a week last Saturday when Calvin Andrews solitary goahl grabbed Stags their first win over Chesterfield in ten years. The passion and desire to fight for the badge was evident throughout and so refreshing for us in the stands - move forward a week to the Hartlepool match and it was something totally different, something which can not happen again.We write that not just in relation to tomorrow night, but in general. You have to fight for every point and stay focussed rather than slump like a mardy school child everytime something doesn't quite goto plan. People say that the JPT is a worthless competition but we disagree, now that the matches are settled on the night and without extra time it's not a huge interruption if you do happen to embark on a decent run. With three or four wins, you can find yourself within a Wembley final and a chance to boost the club coffers, a trophy is a trophy and only Champions win them.So what are we, Champions or a side incapable of progression? Tomorrow night is the time for answering that question. There's no doubt for us that Cox got it wrong on Saturday - but that's gone and can't be changed now, let's put it right with a victory over our rivals tomorrow, hopefully in a dominant, hungry and successful 4-4-2. It will be a battle out there for sure, Paul Cooks men now not only have to avenge the defeat ten or so days ago but also have to win over the supporters, after letting a three goal lead slip to Morecambe at the weekend as they fell to back to back defeats COYS! Time to be champions again...  |
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