Northampton Town v Mansfield Town Preview – Back to back defeats for the Cobblers have dragged us into mid-table, Injury ravaged Mansfield are next in Town as we look to stop the rot at Sixfields…
Match Preview
The last two Cobblers league performances have produced a mix bag but both ended in defeat. Sutton United left Sixfields with all three points after a desperate display from Jon Brady’s team. Last weekend saw a much improved performance (it could hardly have got worse) but the same result as Town once again struggled to stamp their mark fully on a game that was there for the taking.
Scoring goals is still a major issue for Brady’s charges but he can at least bring a man back into the fray who is all too familiar with Saturday’s visitors. Danny Rose spent four years at Field Mill before making the move to Sixfields and he returns from suspension just in time to face a struggling Stags outfit.
With Mansfield also finding it hard to hit the back of the net, we may not be getting a ding dong this weekend but whatever the performance, the Cobblers need to get back on track very quickly.
The Opposition
We’re now approaching almost a year since Nigel Clough took charge of Mansfield after Graham Coughlan had led them to nine winless games at the start of last season. Clough at least took them to safety, finishing the season in fifteenth but there would have been many who expected more this terms in his first full season in charge.
His task hasn’t been made any easier by a raft of injuries that have held the Stags back and meant that it’s been another slow start to a season. It’s not just the amount of injuries and suspensions that’s the issue either, with the quality of those missing being a major factor. There’s a feeling of square pegs in round holes at the moment as they go through the painful process of waiting for key players to return.
There’s still plenty of time for a poor start to be turned around but the Cobblers have to see this as a chance to take advantage. That usually ends well, right?!
Last time out
The Cobblers were beaten 2-1 at Hartlepool United last weekend while Mansfield were being held 0-0 by Oldham Athletic at Field Mill.
One to watch
It seems odd to pick a goalkeeper as one to watch but without Manchester United loanee Nathan Bishop, the Stags could have been in even bigger trouble than they already are. The highly rated 21-year-old has been a rare shining light in their season so far.
Team News
Jon Brady will still be without both Joseph Mills and Sid Nelson with their long term injuries. Danny Rose is back in contention to face his former club after serving his one game ban for picking up five yellow cards in the league.
Mansfield’s injury woes continued last weekend as George Maris suffered a concussion during the draw with Oldham after a clash of heads with team mate James Clarke. Maris is touch and go for the weekend and Oliver Hawkins is also a doubt with a back injury. The Stags are also definitely without James Perch, Ryan Stirk, Richard Nartey, Kallan Gordon and Will Forrester while Steven Quinn and Tyrese Simpson are suspended. Farrend Rawson is back in the squad, though, after serving a suspension. Keaton Ward is pushing for a start after impressing off the bench last weekend.
Last meeting
Northampton Town 1-2 Mansfield Town – 07/03/20
The last time the teams met was the last game before lockdown hit the country. Sam Hoskins was sent off to begin the longest suspension in history and Danny Rose converted the ensuing spot kick for Mansfield. Willem Tomlinson made it two before a late consolation from Harry Smith for the Cobblers.
Line-up Prediction
Match Officials
Robert Lewis is the man in the middle for this one. Lewis was last in charge of a Cobblers game in December of last year as we slumped to a 4-0 home defeat to Lincoln City.
Score Predictions
Charles: Cobblers 3-0 Mansfield
Danny: Cobblers 2-1 Mansfield
Neil: Cobblers 0-0 Mansfield
Jefe: Cobblers 4-0 Mansfield
*Check out our latest podcast as we look back on last weekend’s defeat at Hartlepool United*
A Cobblers fan all his life, Danny is the most down to earth football supporter from Northampton.
While at university in Southampton, Danny kept up to date with all things NTFC from afar, sharing his thoughts on his ‘A Load Of Cobblers’ online blog.
