Mansfield Town will face Newport County on the opening day of the new season, with their defeat in the play-off semi-final fresh in their minds.
There seemed to be a world between the two for much of last season. The Exiles, bogged down by a great cup run, meandered around the middle of the table, occasionally looking like play-off material.
On the other hand, the Stags looked destined for League One, with a blend of talented players pushing hard for a top three spot. Only a heartbreaking final day saw them fail to achieve their aims, losing 1-0 at MK Dons to finish fourth.
Newport needed a final day draw with Morecambe to earn their spot in the play-offs, something they duly secured thanks to Jamille Matt’s last-gasp leveller. They snuck in ahead of Exeter and Colchester, setting up the two-legged play-off with the Stags.
On the opening day of last season, Mansfield beat Newport 3-0, but over two play-off legs the two sides only managed a goal each. Tyler Walker, a scorer on the opening day, missed the crucial penalty to send Newport to Wembley.
Fate wasn’t kind to the Exiles either, they lost in the play-off final to a late goal from Connor Jennings, ensuring both clubs start the new season in League Two.
On Twitter, these Mansfield fans feel the fixtures was almost inevitable, with the two sides having met on the opening day in 2012, 2016 and 2018.
death, taxes and Newport 1st game. 3 certainties in life
— Ashley Paul Snuggs (@ashsnuggs) June 20, 2019
Ffs. Sick of playing them.
— Ben Mason (@88BenM) June 20, 2019
We have played each other every season since you got promoted from the Conference South. Was hoping one of us would go up but we both failed.
— Ben Mason (@88BenM) June 20, 2019
Omg how many times for first game?
— Tom Parsons (@TomParsonsStags) June 20, 2019
Announce another semi-final defeat to them whilst you're at it then???
— Josh Brown (@JoshjwbBrown) June 20, 2019
Eugh swear we alternate this every season
— Chris Holmes (@holmesy1989) June 20, 2019
Least exciting fixture list since the conference years
— Mark England (@ScrutterInk) June 20, 2019
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