Mansfield Town

Right-back aims for more starts after playing full 90 minutes in win at Exeter City.

Defender Liam Marsden is hoping to build on a solid display in last weekend’s win at Exeter City when our team travel south to face Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday.

The Chairboys, who are managed by Gareth Ainsworth, have enjoyed a bright start to the new campaign and currently sit in fifth position with 11 points from six matches.

Their form is in stark contrast to last term when they looked destined for the drop going into the final day, as they were three points adrift of relegation rivals Bristol Rovers.

However, a 3-0 thumping of Torquay United – coupled with our nerve-jangling 1-0 victory at Bristol Rovers – was enough for Wycombe to defy the odds and maintain their Football League status.

Nevertheless, Marsden is expecting no favours in Saturday’s encounter.

He said: “They’ve had a very good start to the season. They’re in and around the play-offs and compared to last season they look like a completely different team.”

On his own form in recent weeks, the right-back said: “You’ve always got to think of the positives. I’ve had a good pre-season and I guess the little ankle injury I had didn’t help – it was terrible timing.

“I picked it up in training and it just kept recurring, which meant I was unable to get to full strength, but its fine now.”

He continued: “But things are obviously progressing for me. I’m setting more and more goals every year to hopefully get better and keep progressing.

“[My goal] is to get more starts in the first team. Last year was obviously a good season – getting my debut and things I didn’t really expect, so I want to keep progressing as a player.”

Liam Marsden's full interview is now available on Stags Player. To subscribe, click here.