County away at The Stags
Newport County AFC are finally on the road again for their first away trip since February 15th (Hartlepool) as they travel to North Nottingham to face fellow Football Conference promoted club from last season, Mansfield Town, at the One Call Stadium with a 3:00pm kick off. County will be in their all white kit for this Sky Bet League 2 match.
Justin Edinburgh has injury concerns over Ismail Yakubu after the central defender was taken off on Tuesday during the 0-0 draw with Fleetwood Town whilst Elliott Parish continues in goal as Lenny Pidgeley and
Jamie Stephens are continuing their rehabilitation work.
The previous encounter between the two teams ended in a 1-1 draw after Chris Zebroski’s header was cancelled out by Mansfield’s top scorer Sam Clucas. Last season’s encounter on the opening day of the season at the One Call Stadium was a thriller that the County edged 4-3 with Tony James amongst the scorers and Edinburgh understands that tomorrow represents another tough game:
‘We have faced 5 games at home with all the re-arranged games and with a heavy pitch the lads have shown how hard they are willing to work for the club. 70-80% of the clubs in the Football Conference last season played a physical game so that doesn’t faze us. We know what to expect from Mansfield Town and every game in this league is tough, but we have the players to cope and a different environment will freshen everyone up.’
Mansfield Town are currently in 20th place in League 2 but just 3 points from 12th place showing how tight the division is. Manager Paul Cox is hoping to welcome back defenders James Jennings and Martin Riley and The Stags will also be looking for former Hereford United winger Sam Clucas to add to his 13 goal tally this season.
This will be an interesting game with former Mansfield Town players Tom Naylor and Adam Chapman in the County side and with both players local lads it is sure to add some spice to what is likely to be a tasty encounter.
The game is all ticket for Newport County AFC fans and they must have been purchased in advance. No ticket sales will be allowed for County supporters on match day and Mansfield Town FC will refuse entry to any Newport County AFC fans without a ticket.
Those unable to get to the game can follow Tim Thraves’ live radio commentary via the Exiles Player.