Manager Nigel Clough says Stags’ next two games on the road will be ‘as tough as any this season’ as his men aim to maintain top spot in Sky Bet League Two.
The amber and blue travel to Tranmere tomorrow – rejuvenated since the appointment of Nigel Adkins – followed by a trip to Bradford City, who could make a late surge for the play-offs, on Saturday.
And when asked about whether he has set a points total for the remaining ten games, Nigel said in a news conference at One Call Stadium today: “The next two away games will be as tough as we’ve had all season. We’re just looking at those two, can we stay top after those two games?
“I think they’ll (Tranmere) want to finish the season on a high. Since Nigel Adkins has taken over they’ve had a big up turn in their fortunes and got away from the relegation battle pretty quickly.
“I think they’ll be looking forward to next season and building for next season. All this thing about ‘nothing to play for (is not correct), everybody has (something to play for). You want to finish the season on a high, so no matter the situation, there’ll be no game that we can say ‘that’ll be comfortable’.
“When you’re up there [in first position], you’re there to be shot at and it’s a little scalp for clubs If they can beat the top of the league.”
Elsewhere, the manager spoke for the first time since midfielder Louis Reed penned a new contract until the summer of 2025.
“When we brought him in last January, he got injured very quicky at Bradford. We’re absolutely convinced that we would have made the play-offs had he remained fit that season. We missed out by one goal and he would have made the difference. You’ve seen the difference he’s made this season. He’s been as consistent as anyone and a player – whichever league we’re in – we think will play a major role again.”
In further positive news, defender Elliott Hewitt played his first competitive match last week, completing 45 minutes in a reserve match against Huddersfield Town.
“[He also had] No reaction, which is absolutely brilliant news,” said the manager.
“It was the best news we’ve had for some time. We’ve seen him in training and he’s back in full contact now but to see him in a game at the RH Academy was absolutely brilliant. We have another (reserve game) next week so hopefully he’ll play sixty minutes in that and hopefully be back in contention for the squad.”
