Mansfield Town are looking to extend an impressive run of three straight home victories when they host Carlisle United tomorrow night.
But manager Nigel Clough says his side are aware of the threat ‘outside challengers’ Carlisle United possess in what he expects to be a tough assignment.
Speaking in a news conference this afternoon, Clough said: “They were tough opposition last year and we had two very close games against them.
“We’re more than aware of their capabilities. I think they’re one of the outsiders that certainly could challenge this season.
“I think they’ve made a couple of good signings adding to the good players they’ve already got there.
“I think if they stay injury free and get a little bit of luck that everybody needs, there’s no reason why they can’t be up there in May.”
The Queen’s death meant Stags’ scheduled home match with Bradford City was postponed on Saturday and after a good training session on Friday all the players had the weekend off.
Both sets of players will wear black armbands and, along with the fans in the One Call Stadium, will observe a minute’s silence.
“I think all sporting events will be doing the same and rightly so, for the next few days or weeks,” said Clough.
“It might sound a little bit callous, but we’ve got to put that to one side for 90 minutes to a certain degree and concentrate on trying to get three points.
“We have to approach it the same as we have in all of the home games in the last 12 months now.
“The remarkable home record that we’ve established, we want it to continue.”
The Stags have had several injury and illness problems in recent weeks and there won’t be a rush of bodies back tomorrow although the manager hasn’t totally ruled out James Perch.
Rhys Oates is definitely out and the Carlisle game might have come just a bit too soon for Jason Law and Hiram Boateng.
