Archived News from October 2003
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EVENING POST PREVIEW
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LARKIN UP FOR BATTLE OF YORK
Evening Post, 10 October 2003 Mansfield Town will be looking to make it four wins on the bounce at Field Mill tomorrow - helping to keep the heat on league leaders Hull. Victories against Cambridge, Bristol Rovers and Darlington in the space of a week have put Stags in second spot on goal difference - four points behind Peter Taylor's side. And the only aim now for Mansfield is to continue their run of good form against York City, who have won just two of their last eight matches. The visitors got off to a flying start this season by winning their first four games, but since then the club's form has been patchy. But following a 2-0 win against Cambridge last week, player-boss Chris Brass, at 28 the Nationwide League's youngest manager, will be looking for his side to get back to winning ways tomorrow. However, his counterpart Keith Curle believes the Stags are more than capable of continuing to build on their winning streak. Despite Rhys Day and Iyseden Christie both missing through suspension, Curle believes he has the strength in depth to compensate. Colin Larkin is expected to go up front while Dave Artell will return at the back. Curle said: "We are in a nice situation at the moment and our thoughts have to be towards building on that. "We need to keep going forward and maintain the momentum. "We will show York respect but if we play the football we have been doing, I'm sure we can get the result." Bobby Hassell has picked up a leg injury and will be out until the Doncaster match a week tomorrow, meaning Jamie Clarke will keep his place at right-back. But Curle is happy that with players injured or suspended, he has a good enough squad to cope and increase the competition for places. Curle added: "I have got a lot of quality players to choose from who are more than capable of coming in and doing a job. And they are all looking to take their chance. "My view is if you play well you keep your place, and if not, somebody else is waiting to take it." STAGS (probable): Pilkington, Clarke, Vaughan, Artell, Dimech, MacKenzie, Curtis, Lawrence, Corden, Larkin, Mendes. Subs: Disley, White, Beardsley, Buxton, Mitchell. ------- Press Association preview: Mansfield player-boss Keith Curle has lost Bobby Hassell to injury ahead of the game against York at Field Mill. Iyesden Christie and Rhys Day will both miss the game through suspension. Lee Williamson should return to the reckoning after recovering from a knee cartilage operation. York player-manager Chris Brass could hand a debut to attacking midfielder Craig Dove after the England Under-20 international joined on a month's loan from Middlesbrough. Brass will also be without skipper Darren Edmondson, who is still struggling with a calf injury sustained five weeks ago. Christian Fox has also been ruled out after picking up an Achilles injury. On the plus side Jon Parkin came through a midweek reserve game after a virus and will be named in the squad. |
Latest | October 2003