Craig Priest and Emily Sykes write... As we begin to write this preview, we write in the hope that tomorrow’s game defies the odds and actually goes ahead – at this critical stage of the season we cannot afford another postponement especially after Tuesday’s late postponement against Wrexham. Some teams are having to pull in three to four game weeks to complete the season on time, all we can do though is hope as shouting at the snow to stop doesn’t work, believe us we have spent the last half an hour trying! The match faces an 11.15am inspection which gives any volunteers which go along to help clear the pitch roughly two hours to get the game on, fingers crossed there’s a good turnout and the community spirit can shine through as we aim to keep our title charge on course. In the matter of interest we had a look at any spare dates the two clubs have should the game be called off, both clubs are free on Tuesday 9th April. Looking out the window it doesn’t look good but let’s hope that looks can be deceiving as the players will be itching to get back to action after spending the past week watching others battle it out and gain some ground on us. We are still in great form and will be going for our tenth straight victory tomorrow which will equal a pre-war club record and more importantly keep us on course. Of course the Stags will be aided by the fact that Southport versus Kidderminster kicks off at 1pm so in similar ways to a few weeks ago we’ll know the fate of our rivals before we kick a ball which relieves a little bit of pressure. Also tomorrow we play our game in hand on Wrexham who aren’t in league action due to their FA Trophy Final with play-off chasing Grimsby, fellow play-off chasers Forest Green are also out of action so in reality there are only two games which Stags will be looking at, Kidderminster’s trip to Southport and Newport’s trip to Stockport. Obviously all of this is irrelative should the pitch fail it’s inspection, dig those shovels out, pump up the tyre’s on the wheel barrows and get the sweeping brushes out – let’s do our best to get this game on and then hand over to the players and let them do the business. One Team, One Community, One Dream – Project Promotion! LAST TIME WE MET The two MTFC’s last met mid November as Paul Cox’s Stags surprised us all by putting in a shift and grabbing all three points, our first away league win since August 18th – how times have changed, as since that match Stags have only lost once on the road and have collected eight victories. Matt Green opened the scoring shortly before half time before second half strikes from Lindon Meikle and the restored Luke Jones wrapped up a solid 3-0 win in the sides first ever meeting outside the football league. These sides first met in 1997 and have since played each other 14 times, The Stags having won nine games and Macclesfield winning six, and drawing on five occasions. At the One Call Stadium Stags have been victorious five times and have been beaten only twice – the other two fixtures ending in a draw. 60 goals have been netted in total between the two, Stags lead 33-27, whilst at the One Call Stadium Stags lead 20-10. TEAM NEWS It seems like an eternity since Stags last game however in reality it has only been seven days, once again Paul Cox has no fresh injuries to worry about. Cox’s counterpart Steve King has two injury worries as he awaits news on Waide Fairhurst and Kieran Murtagh whilst Ryan Jackson could return following a recent spell on the sidelines. MATCH COVERAGE If you can’t make it to The One Call Stadium for tomorrow’s game then be sure to join Craig via our MM-LIVE page and 106.9FM for regular updates with build up starting at 2pm.
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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