Mansfield Town

A strong Stags’ side recorded a well-deserved 2-1 victory over Notts County last time out in the Central League Cup. Playing their first fixture of the New Year, Mike Whitlow’s line-up featured several first-team players who needed some valuable game-time.

They got off to a brilliant start at Kirklington Road as striker Danny Rose and wide-man Kevan Hurst grabbed two quick-fire goals within the opening ten minutes. However, the Magpies were not deterred and almost staged a robust comeback with a second-half goal from winger Sam Osborne.

But Whitlow’s men held on to their composure to secure their first victory in the competition.

As the focus shifts to the Central League tomorrow, Mansfield’s youngsters reside sixth in the table with three points, which were collected on the road courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Rotherham United in the season’s curtain-raiser. 

A first-half strike from winger Charlie Shaw, coupled with goalkeeper Adam Hassan’s superb showing between the sticks, sealed the deal for our under 21s.

Since then though, they have succumbed to three consecutive defeats against Grimsby Town (6-2), Hartlepool United (5-1) and York City (3-0).

The reverse fixture in November 2016 against the Minstermen saw the Stags concede three goals at crucial junctures in the game. Striker Scott Fenwick’s brace and an own goal from Hassan did the damage for Whitlow’s men in Yorkshire.

Looking at the positives, Mansfield’s centre-back duo of Mohammed Kamara and Kane Baldwin were committed in their defensive duties, while skipper Lewis Collins and substitute Devante Reittie both saw their goal-bound efforts intercepted by City’s stopper Kyle Letheren.

Tomorrow’s visitors York City will play their first fixture of the calendar year, and currently occupy the third place in the table with nine points from six outings.

Their previous Central League game against Rotherham United in December last year resulted in a 1-0 defeat on home soil, as Millers’ defender Fabian Bailey poached the winner on 70 minutes after Mason Warren’s free-kick had bounced off the crossbar and was pounced on by Bailey.

Supporters are welcome to attend the game against York City tomorrow at the following address: 

Kirklington Road, 

Rainworth, 

Mansfield, 

Notts, 

NG21 0JY

Entry will be £3 for adults.