Everything you need to know ahead of our Sky Bet League Two curtain-raiser at Northampton Town.
TEAM NEWSManager Paul Cox is expected to have almost all his players fit and available to choose from for the Sky Bet League Two curtain-raiser at the Sixfields Stadium.
That means a whole host of players could make their Football League debuts including Liam Hearn, Sascha Studer, Fergus Bell and Alex Fisher.
Northampton could also hand debuts to numerous players – most notably John-Joe O’Toole and Kaid Mohamed, both of whom played for Bristol Rovers when we relegated them on the final day of last season.
PRE-SEASON FORM
Our team enjoyed some eye-catching results during pre-season – losing just once against established Premier League outfit Aston Villa.
Striker Liam Hearn was in blistering form – scoring four goals in four outings, as well as netting twice in a behind-closed-doors match at Derby County in midweek.
Meanwhile, the Cobblers also lost just once in pre-season – to last year’s Sky Bet League One Play-Off Finalists, Leyton Orient.
Chris Wilder’s team’s most recent outing was a 1-0 at Vanarama Conference new-boys Eastleigh last week. New signing John-Joe O’Toole scored the winner.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Last term, we were held to a 1-1 draw in what was a gripping clash at the Sixfields Stadium.
Ollie Palmer broke the deadlock with a cool finish just after the half-hour mark, but Chris Wilder’s men earned a share of the spoils thanks to Darren Carter’s second half spot-kick.
We also boast a superior head-to-head record against the Cobblers, having won 35 of 68 previous meetings with them.
Our full record against Northampton Town is as follows: Played 68, Won 35, Drew 11, Lost 22.
OFFICIALS
The Football League has appointed Mr Andy Davies as referee for this fixture. He will be ably assisted by Mr Stuart Eagland and Mr Daniel Meeson. The Fourth Official is Mr Lee Collins.
Davies, who is now on his third-year on the officials list for the Football League, dished out 111 yellow cards and four red cards in 28 matches last season.
He last took charge of us for a 2-1 win at home to Newport County back in March.
MATCH TICKETS
Our allocation of tickets have sold-out for this fixture. Therefore, our team will be backed by a 900-strong following who will be housed in the South Stand at the Sixfields Stadium.
Supporters who aren’t in possession of a valid ticket are strongly advised not to travel to this match as they will be unable to gain entry to the ground.
TRAVEL DETAILS
- By Road…
Leave the M1 at Junction 16 and take the A45 towards Northampton. You will eventually reach the stadium on your right-hand side. The stadium is also well-signposted in the local area, should you be travelling via a different route.
- By Rail…
Northampton Rail station is approximately a 25-30 minute walk from Sixfields Stadium. If you choose to walk, come out of the main station entrance, go across the car park, up the steps and turn right onto Black Lion Hill. Go over the railway bridge and straight on along St James' Road. At the HSS Hire outlet, turn left onto St James' Mill Road. After approximately 400 yards, turn right at the Fabric Warehouse (opposite Jewson) onto Harvey Reeves Road, which becomes Edgar Mobbs Way. This road leads you to the stadium. Alternatively, you can catch a D2 bus from outside the station which passes the Sixfields Stadium. If you arrive close to kick-off, there is a taxi rank situated in the station forecourt.
- Parking…
There is a fair sized car park located at the stadium, which costs £4. Parking in the facilities at the nearby cinema and restaurant complex is strictly prohibited, and parking there could result in your car being issued with a ticket.
Follow us on Twitter (@MansfieldTownFC) for comprehensive pre-match coverage and minute-by-minute updates throughout the match.
COMMENTARY
If you aren’t travelling to the Sixfields Stadium, you can hear full-match commentary on Stags Player (online) and Mansfield 103.2 (local radio).
You can also hear full-match commentary in the company of other supporters in the Sandy Pate Sports Bar.
Mansfield 103.2’s ‘Stags FM’ show begins at 1.00pm. To subscribe to Stags Player, click here.
