Mansfield Town defender Farrend Rawson insists that despite the ‘tough test’ of facing league leaders Forest Green Rovers this Saturday, the incentive will be on the Stags to ‘bring the game to them’.
The mouth-watering fixture sees the division’s two form teams go head-to-head.
Stags have earned five victories from their last six in the league, while League Two’s pace-setters Forest Green have earned four wins from six.
The 25-year-old, who formerly played for Rovers, was in buoyant mood when speaking at this week’s pre-match news conference at RH Academy.
“It’s going to be a tough test but we’re looking forward to it,” said Rawson.
“Defensively, we’re going to have to be on it. We’re going to have to marshal them well.
“They’ve [Forest Green] been scoring a lot of goals [but] it’s nothing to fear at all.”
Nigel Clough’s men have enjoyed a remarkable revival in the last six weeks, winning nine out of the last ten matches in all competitions.
“We go there in good form. We’re full of confidence with the run we’ve been on.
“We’ll go there with our chests out and [will] bring the game to them.
“We’re working extremely hard; I think everyone can see that.
“We’ve got people who were injured back [in the squad] and the team spirit is at an all-time high.
“We’ll approach it like every other game and show Forest Green what Mansfield are all about.
“We’re all ready to go.”
The Nottingham-born centre-half is confident that the team can continue the current run of form.
“The sky is the limit. When you have amazing owners like we’ve got, a good gaffer and good players – [then] it’s just a matter of time I’d say [before we get towards the top end of the table].
“In this league it’s about working hard and scrapping for your teammates.
“It [Saturday’s game] will be a tough test but it’s nothing to shy away from [given the playing squad and staff.]”
After two home victories last week, the defender praised the lift that the Mansfield supporters have given the team.
“When you make a tackle, sometimes you get more of a cheer than when you play good football, that’s how much it means [to the fans].
“You’re putting your body on the line, you’re making tackles and making blocks.
“They let you know about it [the supporters’ passion] and that makes you feel ten feet taller.
“It drives the team on and it pushes you on. You might have been lacking [energy] in the last ten minutes but that cheering brings it [a good performance] out of you.”
Watch Faz’s interview in full now at www.mansfieldtown.net/ifollow
