Archived News from August 2007
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Keeper dilemma for Dearden
CHAD website, 31Aug 2007 By John Lomas STAGS boss Billy Dearden must make his mind whether to stick with Jason White in goal after his poor display last week. The young Stags keeper was unfairly under fire from a section of fans at home two weeks ago but provided them with genuine ammunition after letting in two soft goals at Christie Park. Dearden does have the experienced Carl Muggleton to call upon from the bench. "I have not decided as yet and when I do Jason will be the first to know," he said. "The lad is just having a bad time at the moment and every little mistake he is making is proving costly. "But I have no doubt at all that he will get over that in the near future. "He has just lost a little bit of confidence. But he will get the backing of everyone down here and I hope he will turn the corner sooner than later. "He worked very hard last season to get into the team this season. "We do have the option of playing Carl though he is only here to play in the odd game or two as he is doing more coaching than anything now." I'd swap it all for a win, says Stags' goals hero CHAD website, 31Aug 2007 By John Lomas WITH three goals in three League games, Mansfield Town striker Michael Boulding should be enjoying life. But he admits he would gladly trade those three goals in for a first League win. "Personally it's been a decent start but, obviously, with the position we are in in the League, it has been an unacceptable start," he said. "But we are determined to turn it round and sort out our poor form. "I would swap my three goals for a win. I have set myself targets this season but I am pretty superstitious so I wouldn't say what they are. "I also think it would be egotistical to start banding figures about what you are going to do as this is a team game. "All that is important is the team and we all want to be successful together." Boulding has a very average first season back in football last year after retiring early to go into business. But, with that comeback season under his belt, he is now starting to remind people what he can do. "I am now back to my old self and looking ahead," he said. "I do not want to look back at last year which was a disappointing season for me. "I have been practising my finishing and am 100 per cent focussed. "We have some good forwards here and no player can take his place for granted. You have to keep your standards high and never take your place for granted." Preview: Mansfield v Stockport Mike Whalley 31/ 8/2007 http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk STOCKPORT must learn to hang on to a lead and tighten up at set-pieces if they are to fulfil their potential and achieve promotion from League Two. That's the view of defender Gareth Owen as they bid to bounce back from Tuesday's narrow Carling Cup defeat against Charlton when they visit Mansfield. County have won plaudits for their attacking football under Jim Gannon so far this season, and look a good bet to challenge for a promotion spot. But Owen knows County could so easily have had nine points of nine rather than the five they have notched so far. An opening-day win over Dagenham and Redbridge was followed by draws against Chesterfield and Rotherham - even though County led in both games. Mistakes And with Stockport aiming high, Owen and his County team-mates are aiming to keep up the attacking football while cutting out the mistakes. "We need a win at Mansfield," he said. "We let our lead slip against Rotherham and Chesterfield, and it's important we get back to winning ways. "We can learn from our mistakes - maybe we've been committing a few needless fouls, and perhaps the marking at set-pieces is something we need to sharpen up. But come tomorrow against the Stags, we will be raring to go." Gannon has no new injury worries following Tuesday's trip to The Valley, although Liam Dickinson is still nursing a wrist injury, while David Poole has a back problem. "I'm proud of the lads so far," Gannon said. "I think we've been unlucky with a few refereeing decisions in our games so far. But the boys have shown the resilience to keep bouncing back. "If they keep showing that strength of character, then we won't be far away." Last season: Mansfield 1 Stockport 1 Key opponent: Lee Bullock - Stags loan signing will be keen to impress Prediction: Mansfield 1 Stockport 2 - The Stags have struggled so far and County should be looking for an away win |
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