Everything you need to know ahead of Wednesday's Capital One Cup clash at Bramall Lane...
MATCHThis match will be played at Bramall Lane, Sheffield United, on Wednesday 13 August (k/o 7.45pm).
Supporters should note that as a result must be decided on the night. Therefore, extra-time and even penalties could be required if scores are level at full-time.
Please bear this in mind – especially if you’re using public transport to make the trip to South Yorkshire.
TEAM NEWS
Striker Ollie Palmer will miss the trip to Bramall Lane, having suffered ankle-ligament damage in the opening day defeat to Northampton Town.
Forward Matt Rhead is also set to miss out as he continues a suspension for receiving a red card in a match against Torquay United at the end of last season.
The Blades are expected to rest skipper Michael Higdon for this match, despite his goal in the opening day defeat to Bristol City.
However, Nigel Clough’s starting xi is likely to include Neill Collins and Michael Doyle – both of whom didn’t feature last weekend.
RECENT FORM
Both teams lost their fixtures on the opening day of the new Sky Bet Football League season.
Sheffield United slumped to a 2-1 home defeat to Bristol City in Sky Bet League One with Michael Higdon on target for the Blades.
The Stags, meanwhile, were beaten 1-0 at Northampton Town courtesy of a headed goal by Kaid Mohamed in the first half.
LEAGUE CUP HISTORY
Sheffield United have an atrocious record in the League Cup in recent seasons, having lost four times out of five in the First Round – and always to lower-division teams.
For the last two years, Burton Albion have travelled to Bramall Lane in Round One and triumphed – winning 2-1 in August 2013 and 5-4 on spot-kicks after a 2-2 draw back in August 2012.
Nevertheless, the South Yorkshire club do have some pedigree in this competition, as they were Semi-Finalists back in 2003, when Neil Warnock was manager.
The Stags made their return to the League Cup last summer following a five-year exile in non-league and were beaten 2-0 at Tranmere Rovers in the First Round.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS
You have to rewind just over a quarter-of-a-century for the last competitive meeting between Sheffield United and Mansfield Town.
That was a third-tier clash in April 1989 at Bramall Lane, which saw the Stags earn a 2-1 win courtesy of goals by Kevin Kent and Keith Cassells.
The last meeting between the two clubs in any form was a pre-season friendly match at One Call Stadium in July 2013. Febian Brandy’s second-minute strike helped United to a narrow 1-0 victory.
OFFICIALS
Mr Geoff Eltringham has been appointed by the Football League as the referee for this match. He will be assisted by Mr Paul Marsden and Mr Kevin Mattocks. The Fourth Official is Mr Matt McGrath.
MATCH TICKETS
This is an ALL-TICKET match for Mansfield Town supporters. None will be available on the night at Bramall Lane, therefore you must buy in advance.
Having sold our initial allocation, Sheffield United have given us 300 extra tickets, which will be available to buy from One Call Stadium until midday on Wednesday 13 August.
Tickets are priced as follows:
Adults: £10.00
Concessions (Students, Under 22, Seniors 60+): £5.00
Juniors (Under 17): £1.00
TRAVEL DETAILS
- By Road…
Exit the M1 at Junction 29 and take the A617 towards Chesterfield. Continue into Chesterfield and at the roundabout junction with the A61 take the third exit towards Sheffield. Continue on the A61 through Dronfield and into Sheffield. Continue past the Earl of Arundel and Surrey Public House on the left. Take the next left onto Bramall Lane and the ground is on the right.
- By Rail…
Bramall Lane is a short-walk from Sheffield Railway Station (one mile). For further details on train times and fares, please call National Rail Enquiries Line on 08457 484950.
- Parking…
Off-Street Match Day Parking is available at the following locations:
Atkinsons, Charter Row, Sheffield, S1 4HR
Eyre Street, Sheffield, S1 4QW
Furnival Gate, Matilda Way, Sheffield, S1 4QJ
Rockingham Way, Sheffield, S1 4JD
Sidney Street, Sheffield, S1 4EG
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 Bramall Lane, 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, which is open from noon.
