Some say that our defending from set-pieces could be better, or that – on the road – our fortunes rest on the ‘keeper having an off day or Fraser scoring a worldie. All we know for sure, though, is that we’re back indoors. And it is for the visit of the now-rudderless Stags of Mansfield that we’re having to give the gaff a little clean. We’ll need an orange ball or three at the ready too. At least they won’t clash with Steve Evans‘ fake tan now.
So, does Evans not think he’d take Mansfield into League One – even though they’re looking well set in fifth? Or is he just impatient, now he’s just squeezed into the Posh hotseat? Or have the stars miraculously aligned and London Road is the man’s cosmic calling. We don’t really care. It’s the Stags’ beef, not ours; we’ve quite enough of our own to navel gaze at. Like getting this game on. It’s like The Day After Tomorrow out there.
Stevenage v Mansfield Town: The Lowdown
The Referee
P1 W0 D1 L0 F2 A2; last result: Tranmere Rovers 2-2 Stevenage, 01/11/2014
We’ve the pleasure of Seb Stockbridge‘s company this week; something we’ve only said once before. Fourth official Kevin Howick, meanwhile, has the pleasure of not having Steve Evans and Paul Raynor in his lugholes.
The Opposition
P11 W5 D0 L6 F16 A15; last result: Mansfield Town 1-0 Stevenage, 18/11/2017
This used to be a fixture that promised (and delivered) goals. In four of the first five meetings between us and them, we scored three times. In the six that have come since, however, three goals is all we’ve blagged in total. The fact those three goals came across two games in 2016 is not one to bat away. Nor is the fact that our most recent two tussles ended 1-0 to them. You won’t be laughed off stage for expecting more of the same here.
You can always see what the likes of Bet365 Australia have to say on the matter?
The Form
Fifth in the table and eight points off top; Mansfield are in the frame for promotion this term and it’s not hard to see why. The Stags have taken 13 points from a possible 18 in League Two… or 23 from 30, if you like it like that. Only Accrington can flaunt a better record. And, yes, that’s with the small contribution Boro’ made at the Wham Stadium not so long ago. Charity begins at home, lads. Let’s take something for ourselves this time.
• BoroGuide’s Mansfield Town club profile – for the stagony and the ecstagsy…
