It is getting increasingly harder to predict results in League Two this year, and as the season comes to its inevitable dramatic conclusion, leaders Mansfield Town have been given a pep talk on how to manage the remainder of the season.
Nigel Clough has taken the Stags to the top of the league, and with that comes the battle of holding their nerve, and staying true to their style, despite being the team that is being chased down.
With just 10 games to go, Clough spoke ahead of tonight’s clash which was reported by Chad, against Tranmere Rovers, which is followed by another game on their travels at Bradford City at the weekend.
“It is a lovely position to be in at this stage. Being top is certainly better than chasing, like if we were five points behind and relying on other people all the time. It is very much in our hands. I just don’t want us to get nervous or anything like that.”
With Stockport County and Wrexham, two teams that were preseason favourites to go up, chasing them down, and with Milton Keynes and Barrow not too far behind, the manager just needs his side to remember what has got them to this stage so far.
“I just want us to keep doing what we are doing and playing like we have for the previous 36 games, which I know is easier said than done. It’s no fluke when you are top after 36 games. But it counts for nothing if you’re not there after another 10.”
📰 Manager Nigel Clough says Stags’ next two games on the road will be ‘as tough as any this season’ as his men aim to maintain top spot in Sky Bet League Two.#Stags 🟡🔵
— (P) Mansfield Town FC (@mansfieldtownfc) March 11, 2024
After a loss to MK last midweek, Mansfield bounced back with a 3-2 win against Swindon Town last Saturday. A result that was needed to keep promotion ambitions on track.
“It was a pulsating game and Swindon certainly played their part – I think there were 40 shots between the two teams. The performance was good enough in parts, certainly the quality of the three goals. But it was much closer than it should have been.
“We have to get back to not conceding as many goals.”
In recent games, if you’re a fan of high-scoring games then watching the Stags is a must. They have seen 25 goals in their last four home games. “It’s wonderful for the supporters to come along and see that. That is what they pay their money for – to hopefully see us win and also to be entertained.
“We do try to replicate it on the road. After this week, five out of the last eight games are at home and it will be absolutely crucial to continue that good form if we are to achieve what we want to come the end of April.”
Writer’s View
Nigel Clough has built a team that scores lots of goals, it wasn’t that long ago they put a staggering nine past Harrogate. Because of this, they are the league’s top scorers with 72 goals. It wouldn’t be a stretch to predict they could top 100 by the end of the season.
This should spell promotion. As the season progresses though, teams will tighten up under pressure, and as much as the goals are flowing, Clough is concerned about the defensive end which is really where the title and subsequent promotion will likely come. It is theirs to lose though, and with two games that on paper they should get a decent return from, they will remain the team to hunt down as Easter nears.
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