Stags' defender Krystian Pearce wants a vocal home support to be the '12th man' at One Call Stadium for this Saturday’s vitally important match against Portsmouth.
We host Pompey with a top seven finish still in our sights with two games of the Sky Bet League Two campaign remaining.
And Pearce, who has captained the side in the absence of Lee Collins in recent weeks, believes a large home crowd will give the Stags an extra boost against their Hampshire opponents.
“We’re going to need everyone behind us on Saturday and hopefully there'll be a big crowd there to cheer us on and hopefully get that three points we need," the former Birmingham City defender said.
“They always talk about the '12th man' and obviously we’ve got that in the fans, so hopefully they’ll turn up and show their support.
“They’re (the fans) the 12th man. They’ve (Portsmouth) got a good following themselves so if we can outdo them, I think that extra boost will help.
“Everyone come down and support us and hopefully we can get it over the line and get in the top seven after the game and stay there.”
The former Torquay United defender has been involved in 15 out of the Stags’ 16 clean sheets this season and he wants that defensive solidity to remain throughout the rest of the season, beginning with Saturday’s game against Portsmouth.
“I think we need to keep a clean sheet, because we know we’re capable of scoring goals. So if we keep a clean sheet, I think we’ll get all three points.
“I think someone told me we’re second in the most clean sheets in the league, behind Portsmouth, so it’ll be a tight game and hopefully we can come out on top.
“We’re obviously going to go for the three points but every point at this point of the season is vital.”
Despite the temptation of thinking what could happen if the Stags finish the season in the play-offs, 27-year-old Pearce insists his focus remains on the next game.
“I think we’ve just got to take it each game at a time, you can’t look too far ahead.
“You have to take it one game at a time and you can’t really look back at things where you failed because you’ve got to keep positive and keep that positive energy flowing, so that’s what I’m trying to do myself.
“I think I’m happy with my performances so far this season, I think I’ve been quite solid. I’ve managed to stay on the pitch more than last season, which is helpful!”
Supporters can login to Stags PlayerHD to view Krystian Pearce’s news conference in its entirety.
To purchase tickets for this Saturday’s game against Portsmouth, visit www.stagstickets.co.uk.
