DAVID’S FIRED UP TO TAKE ON THE LEADERS
DAVID Flitcroft is backing Mansfield to continue their fine form against their promotion rivals as they prepare to face table-toppers Lincoln.
Of the current top seven heading into this weekend, only Bury have got the better of the Stags in League Two so far this term.
However, Flitcroft feels that his troops have let themselves down with results against teams at the other end of the table, leaving them with ground to gain on the league leaders, who they host on Monday.
“The disappointing aspect of our season is a defeat to Yeovil, to Port Vale and a defeat to Notts County, who are all languishing at the bottom of the table,” said Flitcroft.
“It’s deeply hurt me and I’ve come out the other side knowing what that takes to feel that hurt and move on from it.
“There should be no need for motivation. We’re up near the top of the table and we have a chance of automatic promotion.
“Adding to the points total and where you’re sat in the league is always the motivation. That’s where you get pride from.”
Tomorrow’s game is a derby and Flitcroft is expecting it to live up to its billing.
He is anticipating an entertaining fixture for the fans, while he hopes Matt Preston and Ryan Sweeney will recover from injury to feature.
“Lincoln come here flying against a Mansfield Town at home that have only been beaten twice,” he added. “We have a real affinity with the supporters here, which is vital. The lads love playing here, and the added stimulus is the Sky cameras.
“The football we play here (at the One Call Stadium) is good and it’s forward-thinking. We put teams on the back foot, and that will hopefully be no different when we turn out on Monday night.”