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Archived News from November 2003

RESERVES BEATEN 2-0 AT YORK
24th November 2003 22:14


Stags reserves lost 2 - 0 at York in a behind closed doors friendly.
The team was
JWhite, DJones, Clarke, Dimech, Eaton,Disley, MacKenzie, Hurst, TCurle, Christie, Beardsley.
Subs Used :- Woods, Lloyd, Holmes, Mitchell, Naylor

Despite going down to two sloppy early goals, Stags fought back well and matched
the Minster Men during the rest of the game.

Thanks to John Street for the info.
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CURLE IS GUNNING FOR THE TOP SPOT
STEVIE RODEN, Evening Post, 21 November 2003

Mansfield Town will be looking to hit top spot in Division Three for the first time this season when they take on Huddersfield tomorrow.

The Stags are just one point behind leaders Hull and if they take three points and results go their way, they will go top of the table.

And manager Keith Curle believes his side can achieve that against bad travellers Huddersfield, who have won only one game away from home all season.

But he is taking nothing for granted as the visitors are still eighth in the table thanks to a solid record at home.

Curle said: "We know they do not have the best form away from home but we are going to have to earn the right to play because it will not be made easy for us.

"They will not come here to try to play entertaining football, matching us pass for pass.

"They will come and battle, be very dogged in their game and stop us playing.

"We know what to expect but we have the ability in our game to come out on top.

"Our aim is to get to the top of the division as quickly as possible and stay there. Hopefully we can get there with a victory against Huddersfield."

But the big test of the game will be how Mansfield cope with Huddersfield's strike duo, Andy Booth and Jon Stead.

Curle said: "Their strikers will be coming up against two centre-backs that are in good form as well so it will be a well-matched contest."

Neil MacKenzie was dropped to the bench last weekend in preference to Lee Williamson, despite scoring a hat-trick in the FA Cup seven days earlier. But he could start tomorrow.

"Macca has been great in training all week," said Curle.

"He has been all season like all the others. It's about the squad and I'm trying to create a good squad atmosphere."

Speculation this week still surrounds Liam Lawrence and a move to Rotherham, but Curle insists there has been no improved offer on the original £125,000.

He added: "There has been no contact from any manager about Liam.

"But this will not affect his game. I have got him focused.

"If a bid comes in that matches our valuation of Liam then we will all wish him well, but to put a price on him at the moment, well I think he"s invaluable."

Mansfield (probable): Pilkington, Hassell, Vaughan, Day, Artell, Curtis, MacKenzie, Lawrence, Corden, Larkin, Mendes. Subs: J White, Christie, Disley, Dimech, Williamson
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Ananova:
Preview: Mansfield v Huddersfield

Player-manager Keith Curle is expected to keep faith with the same side that won 2-0 at Carlisle when Mansfield host Huddersfield.

With Iyseden Christie recovered from illness, the only absentees are likely to be Curle, who is recovering from knee surgery, and long-term groin injury victim Adam Eaton.

Eaton has not kicked a ball in anger since April but completed 65 minutes of a practice match at York earlier this week.

Huddersfield have a major fitness doubt over Andy Booth ahead of the clash.

Booth suffered a hamstring injury during last Saturday's 3-1 win at home to leaders Hull and is struggling to recover in time, so Fola Onibuje could be handed his debut after signing on loan from Preston.

Lee Fowler and Efe Sodje are both available after suspension but may have to settle for a place on the bench if manager Peter Jackson decides to keep faith with the players on duty against Hull.

Chris Holland and Rob Edwards are also in contention after ankle and hamstring injuries respectively but David Mirfin (hamstring) is sidelined.

 

Latest | November 2003