Mansfield Town boss David Flitcroft has lashed out at his opposite number from Lincoln after a fiery encounter at Sincil Bank last week.
The Stags beat the reigning EFL Trophy champions 2-1 in a heated affair which saw Michael O’Connor dismissed for Lincoln and prompted ugly scenes at the whistle as Flitcroft refused to shake Nicky Cowley’s hand.
Despite the game being a week ago, Flitcroft was eager to have his say in his press conference this week.
“It doesn’t matter what football match a Mansfield Town team takes on,” said the former Swindon boss. “If we’ve got an opportunity to win a football match then we will be over-committed to everything we do.”
His side were guilty of some robust challenges early in the game, some of which perhaps warranted a strong referee, but that is exactly what he calls for in future matches at Sincil Bank.
“When a referee doesn’t make a good decision, or a positive decision in Lincoln’s favour, it’s like they deserve every decision. It’s like it’s expected because they’ve been on this winning curve. I think the Referees’ Association are probably getting wise to it and making sure that strong referees do turn up at Lincoln. They’ve got the crowd, they have the noise behind them. If it’s a referee with no experience, he can become unstuck there.”
Flitcroft, who once played a couple of games on loan at Lincoln, isn’t impressed by the Imps atmosphere, nor their successful manager.
“That’s certainly one thing I will never become – intimidated – by anyone, and certainly not Danny Cowley.”
Our View
It seems a bit odd to be talking about a manager you’re no intimidated by a week or so after you’ve played, but hey ho.
Mansfield Town were early favourites for the title, but they’re adrift in the middle of the pack whilst Lincoln are the current leaders. Maybe Flitcroft is trying to get under the Cowley’s skin. He’s a bit early, the two sides don’t meet until November.
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