Views Of The Oppostion: Mansfield #1

How have your first two games gone?

Our first two games have gone very much like pre season, as we have not lost yet.

I was slightly disappointed to only come away with 1 point from Shrewsbury because I felt we had the better of the game.

However winning against MK dons on Tuesday night made up for it as I expected to get beat quite heavily to them with them having Izzy Mcleod (miles too good for this league!).

The biggest disappointment of the opening two games has been our failure to deal with set pieces (more so the Shrewsbury game). I Am very impressed with the way we have attacked teams though and we look like we will score a lot of goals this season but my only fear is conceding too many!

How has Matt Hamshaw played since signing for you?

Matt Hamshaw has had 3 man of the matches through pre season and into the start of the league campaign!

Him and Boulding provide good width on the wings and provide good service for Barker and Brown. The only disappointment for Hammy is that he seems to tire a little towards the end of games, but his set pieces have been like a breath of fresh air!

What about the rest of the new signings? How have they performed?

We have only signed four players this pre season has Shirtliff has looked for quality rather than quantity.

Hamshaw you already know about but playing at right back just behind him is Johnny Mullins who we have signed from reading. This lad is only 20 and looks very assured and will play at a higher level in the future I`m sure - whether with the stags or not though I`m not sure!!

We have also re signed Micky Boulding who was a fans favorite when here a few years ago, he provides good width and has pace to burn down the left hand side.

Our one other signing is Carl Muggleton who was bought as back up for number 1 keeper Jason White. But with White`s injury through pre season Muggleton seems to have made the position his own!


Have expectations increased or decreased after the first few games?

Expectations have definitely increased amongst Mansfield fans and we now expect promotion this season, whereas before the season we were hopeful of maybe snatching a play-off place!


Who should we look out for on Saturday?

Obviously barker is our main hit man, scoring his first goal of the season against MK dons after securing a new 3-year contract with the club. Always gives 100% and if he gets a chance he WILL score!


Is there anybody injured that would normally feature?

Giles Coke was injured for Tuesday`s game but with Dawson receiving 2 yellows on Tuesday (but no red!!!) I`m expecting him to be banned, so hopefully Coke will be fit for Saturday`s game!!


Where should County fans go before the game?

The pub nearest to the ground is called 'Early Doors` but that may be occupied by Mansfield fans (not that trouble is to be expected) if not there than there are a number of pubs past KFC on Nottingham Road where fans always mix!


Prediction?

I`m going for 2-0 to the Stags with Hammy getting one against his former club and Barker with the other...good luck guys!

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