Mansfield Town

The Stags will be without frontman Ben Hutchinson, who is expected to miss the remainder of the campaign after a recurrence of a knee injury.

Defender Ryan Tafazolli is also rated as 50/50 as he picked up a knock in the match with Chesterfield.

However, manager Paul Cox could welcome back loanee full-back Darryl Westlake, who missed the match against the Spireites through suspension.

Our team remained in 18th position in Sky Bet League Two, despite a hard-fought 0-0 draw with arch-rivals Chesterfield on Saturday. Sam Clucas and Ollie Palmer enjoyed our best chances. To watch highlights, click here.

Meanwhile, the Pools slipped to a 1-0 defeat at promotion-chasing Oxford United last Friday. To watch highlights, click here.

Despite the loss, Colin Cooper’s team have been in excellent form on home soil in recent weeks. The Pools have won four out of their last five matches at Victoria Park, scoring 12 and not conceding any goals.

In their last home outing, they cruised to a 4-0 victory over Bristol Rovers. Marlon Harewood, Brad Walker, Simon Walton and Jon Franks were all on the score-sheet.

In 79 previous meetings with Hartlepool, we boast a superior head-to-head record, having won on 39 occasions.

However, in the reverse fixture at One Call Stadium in October, the Pools were comfortable 4-1 winners. Jack Compton netted a brace with Andy Monkhouse and James Poole also on the score-sheet.

Our last victory at Victoria Park came in November 1998, when Tony Lormor scored both goals in a 2-1 success.

Interestingly, despite the Pools having been regular opponents for us down the years, there has only ever been one 0-0 draw, which occurred in October 1984.

Our full record against Hartlepool is as follows: Won 39, Drew 15, Lost 28.

 

Mr Garry Sutton has been appointed as referee for this match. He will be assisted by Mr Paul Curry and Mr Duncan Street. The Fourth Official is Mr Graeme Fyvie.

£25 Adults

£13 Concessions (Senior Citizens, Students and Under 19s)*

Disabled supporters pay the appropriate price determined by their age/status. Carers are admitted free-of-charge.

From the A1(M), join the A19 and then take the A689 towards Hartlepool. Stay on the A689, following ‘Town Centre’ signs for 2.8 miles, over two roundabouts. Go straight at two sets of traffic signals, passing Hartlepool College on your right, and the next left takes you to Victoria Park. If you miss the turning, continue past ASDA, turn left at the next roundabout and then left again at the next set of traffic signals.

Hartlepool Rail station is located around half-a-mile away from Victoria Park. To reach the stadium, go straight up a short approach road as you exit the station, then turn right and head up Church Street. At the end of this road there is a bridge and junction with the A689. Go across the junction and Victoria Park is straight in front of you. It should take no longer than about 10 minutes to walk.

There is a reasonably-sized car park at the stadium which welcomes away supporters, so if you arrive early enough you should be able to get a space. A ‘Residents Only’ parking scheme is in operation in streets close to Victoria Park, so you are advised not to park here.

Follow us on Twitter (@MansfieldTownFC) for comprehensive pre-match coverage and minute-by-minute updates throughout the match.

If you aren’t travelling to Victoria Park, you can hear full-match commentary on Stags Player (online) and Mansfield 103.2 (local radio only).

You can also hear full-match commentary in the company of other supporters in the Sandy Pate Sports Bar, which is open from midday.

Mansfield 103.2’s ‘Stags FM’ show begins at 7.00pm. To subscribe to Stags Player, click here.