Archived News from January 2004
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ARTELL WILL NOT BE RECALLED FOR KIDDIE GAME
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Artell made to wait
CHAD DAVE Artell will have to wait at least another week before forcing his way back into the Mansfield Town first team. Rhys Day and Luke Dimech have forged an impressive partnership in the centre of defence since Artell suffered a hamstring injury and they will remain in place for this Saturday's visit of Kidderminster Harriers to Field Mill (3pm). Artell had been a dominant force at the back until his injury and is likely to find himself back in at Leyton Orient next Saturday when Maltese international Dimech is suspended following last weekend's red card. "Dave Artell is fit and available," said manager Keith Curle. "But Rhys and Luke have played very well together and earned the right to be there. "We will be missing Luke next week so this Saturday is an opportunity for him to sign off with a good performance to leave a lasting memory until he is available again." Craig Disley and Lee Williamson have shrugged off knocks from last weekend and are back in training and available to play. Tony Vaughan's rib injury is improving, though he has also had an X-ray on an ankle injurywhich has niggled him for a while now. If that shows nothing serious then he could be back for the Orient trip as could midfielder Neil MacKenzie. MacKenzie has been nursing three broken fingers since Christmas but is now back in non-contact training with a protective glove on. "We are trying to concoct a contraption he could wear during a game to protect the injury," said Curle. "But medical advice was not to play him this weekend as the bones are still knitting together and he can't afford a knock on it. So if that means one more week to wait then so be it." The Kidderminster side could contain one or two familiar faces with Adam Murray, who spent a highly successful loan sspell with Stags while at Derby County, having recently joined Jan Molby's side, and former Stags defender Matt Gadsby also in the squad. But striker Andy White will not figure as Stags stipulated he could not play against his parent club while on loan at Aggborough. Kiddersminster look set to be without midfield ace and joint leading scorer Danny Williams (twisted knee), but that could open the door for Murray to start the game. Molby's big new Danish target man Jesper Christiansen will also need to be watched closely. "We have realigned our focus after the Burnley game and are ready to get back into action," said Curle. "Kidderminster are just starting to gain belief in Jan Molby since he came back as manager. "He is starting to turn them round. He likes to play good passing football and if they are allowed to play their game they can be an attractive side. "We have to get them on the back foot and impose our game on them." Stags have taken Leeds United teenager Chris Armstrong on a one week trial. The 18-year-old target man has been recommended to Mansfield Town through their scouting network. |
Latest | January 2004