Craig Priest & Emily Sykes write... Yet more snow spreading across the UK threatens to jeopardise tomorrow’s crunch fixture with Grimsby, fingers crossed that the match goes ahead to that there is a big turn out to help clear the pitch tomorrow. Coming together to help get the game on demonstrates a community spirit and determination to come together for one cause – project promotion. Hopefully on the pitch the players will match that spirit and put in another spirited display as Paul Cox’s men aim to break a club record for the amount of consecutive victories following Saturday’s win over Stockport Stags are now on seven back-to-back victories which equals previous club records. Naturally we need a good turn-out in the stands as well as on the pitch, the unique support at The One Call Stadium could prove the driving force and the eventual difference. On paper everything bodes well however it’s on the pitch where we have to do the talking and tomorrow’s opponents Grimsby will be no pushover. Despite recent results the Mariners are still a tough side especially to break down as they hold the best defensive record in the division, in some respects we need to re-create the atmosphere and energy from the Fleetwood match last season – there was just something about that night and they way we all came together, a repeat of this against one of our main rivals will give us the edge not only in points but physiologically – at this stage of the season you’re mental state is just as important as picking up the points. By our calculations tomorrow’s game is one of two games in hand on Kidderminster which does add a little bit of pressure, however with it coming against a rival it kind of kills two birds with one stone and with Newport’s trip to ‘Gateshead’ postponed tonight it puts pressure on them and means theoretically we have no reason to look over our shoulder. The same can’t be said for Wrexham after their stumble at Dartford on Saturday, they travel to Lincoln which as we know is tough and will be wary of being caught and overtaken by ourselves. Once more our destiny is in our hands but let’s just do what we do every week, get our heads down focus on our game and make The One Call Stadium the place of nightmares for our opponents and rivals – this story continues let’s enjoy being a part of it. LAST TIME WE MET It almost seems like a different season when these sides last two locked horns as this seasons trip to Blundell Park saw a game played out which you wouldn’t imagine given Stags current form, the bitter truth is though – that Stags put in a woeful display and were battered by four goals to one as Frankie Artus opened the scoring on 34 minutes before Greg Pearson netted a spot kick on the stroke of half time. After the break further strikes from Joe Colbeck and Pearson saw Stags 4-0 down before they were ultimately brought down to ten men when Gary Roberts received his marching orders – Matt Rhead’s goal five minutes from time was nothing more than a mere conciliation. Tomorrow’s game, should it go ahead with continuing fears of snow, will be the 46th meeting between the pair who first met in 1951, Stags lead the win tally 18-16 in total and 11-4 at The One Call Stadium whilst in total, the pair are level on goals with 65 a piece – at the One Call Stadium Mansfield lead 37-21. TEAM NEWS Paul Cox will be eager not to change a winning side following Saturday’s 4-1 win over Stockport County, Louis Briscoe should be available for selection after missing the aforementioned win with a tight glute (Bum cheek) whilst Ross Dyer and Jake Speight remain side-lined. MATCH COVERAGE If you can’t make it to the first of four critical games for the Stags then join Craig for regular updates throughout the night, he’ll be live on our MM-LIVE page from 7pm and then on 106.9FM at 7.30pm.
The Views expressed in this blog are those of the writers and not those of Mansfield Matters or its related organisations – To submit a blog, email mtfcmatters@gmail.com
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