Archived News from June 2002
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CHAD PREVIEW OF THE NEW SEASON
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MANSFIELD Town will take on Third Division champions Plymouth Argyle in the
opening game of their Second Division campaign at Field Mill on Saturday, 10th August. The two sides were involved in a couple of titanic battles in the Third Division last season but Argyle ended up completing the double over Stags. A 3-0 win at Field Mill included two goals in time added on at the end when Stags were pressing hard while the Home Park return saw Argyle snatch a late winner for the only goal of the game. Stags manager Stuart Watkiss said: "We knew it would be tough whoever we faced on the first day of the season but at least we are at home. "You are never quite sure what system Plymouth will play but we will have them watched pre-season and see how they line-up. "Whatever formation they use, at the end of the day it's all about us and we must be organised and competitive come 10th August. "We had two good games with Plymouth last season and they proved they deserved the Championship." It is a tough start for Stags with the Plymouth home game followed by a midweek trip to Wigan Athletic's impressive new JJB Stadium and then a Saturday trip to Wycombe. August Bank Holiday weekend sees the much-anticipated visit of bitter local rivals Chesterfield on the Saturday with a trip to Stockport on Bank Holiday Monday. The return with Chesterfield at Saltergate is on Saturday 18th January. There are also two derbies to look forward to with Notts County, provided the Magpies get their financial problems sorted out, at Meadow Lane on Saturday, 9th November, and at Field Mill on Saturday, 8th February. Boxing Day sees the return visit of Stockport to Field Mill while New Year's Day is a trip to Crewe Alexandra. The long haul to Plymouth is on Saturday, 1at February. Good news for local Police is that the notorious Cardiff fans will not be here in force as the home clash with the Bluebirds will be on Tuesday, 29th October. And all those looking forward to a weekend in Blackpool will note the game is on Easter Monday, doubtless many fans heading West after the Saturday home game with Steve Parkin's Barnsley two days before. The season ends with the visit of Northmapton Town on Saturday, 3rd May. Don't miss a full cut-out-and-keep fixture list in next Wednesday's Chad. Source: The Chad |
Latest | June 2002