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Archived News from October 2009

STAGS DRAW ALTRINCHAM IN FACUP...+ DOBSON ON TRIAL
16th October 2009 22:11


FA Cup 4th qualifying round

Mansfield Town v Altrincham
Sat 24 Oct 2009

Full draw --->
http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/FACompetitions/TheFACup/Fixtures.aspx

The 32 winning clubs in the fourth qualifying round will also receive £12,500 from the Football Association's prize fund.

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Stags can't wait for Altrincham visit
CHAD.co.uk, 12 October 2009, By John Lomas
AFTER Saturday's ill-tempered affair, Mansfield Town can't wait to face Altrincham at Field Mill for their FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie a week on Saturday.

http://www.chad.co.uk/stags/Stags-can39t-wait-for-Altrincham.5725742.jp

Certain aspects of the way the home club and sections of their fans conducted themselves in Saturday's 2-1 Stags success left a bitter taste in the mouth as Ripon referee Andy Halliday was given a torrid time, forced to red-card two home players and show a further nine yellow cards.

So when the sides were paired together for a quick re-match at Field Mill in today's draw, Mansfield were delighted and Altrincham can expect a hostile atmosphere after Saturday's battle.

"There is not better place than home to hold a game against recent opposition when you've had a feisty encounter," said Stags boss David Holdsworth.

"I am sure our players will be up for taking us through to the next round if possible. And I am sure our fans will have a great day. They know that it's the FA Cup and that their support can generate our extra man here.

"They will realise that Altrincham's fans made a big contribution towards the game on Saturday and I am sure our fans will give them a very warm reception and support our team to the hilt in a fortnight.
"I don't think my players will need any motivation."

For once the officials' decisions went against Stags' opponents but, despite the flak they took from the home side and fans, it is hard to see how they could have done anything else with the challenges and actions of the Altrincham players on the day.

"I felt during the game the referee was asked a large amount of questions and conducted himself in the correct fashion and used his fourth official and assistants," said Holdsworth.

"Their players lashed out at Kyle Perry and Gary Silk and they were sent off.

"Apart from Gary Mills I don't believe our players made a bad challenge on Saturday though they competed to the upmost and held strong under firm provocation.

"I don't know if it was due to all the hype before the game or came from the new belief they have at Altrincham, but I was pleased with the way we conducted ourselves.

"The fourth official and linesman were under extreme provocation being on the nearside, but you have to be respectful if things are not going your way and try to conduct yourself in the correct fashion.

"That is four wins out of five so we have turned that massive corner after the three losses and the boys are absolutely delighted.

"We are in a good vein of form and I am looking to my players to fight for their places for the FA Cup game at Eastbourne this weekend.

He added: "The abuse you sometimes have to take in football sometimes goes with the territory, but I felt some of the stuff directed at myself and my team on Saturday was rather unnecessary.

"But I felt on the main the Altrincham fans deserved a pat on the back for their support to their club during the game which gave their players an extra yard in their step.

"And the Stags fans that travelled were outstanding - we thank them once again for their support on the road.

"I didn't think Altrincham played football. The only ball they had was into high areas and they had very willing runners.

"Our fans might have had a few anxious moments, but Alan Marriott did not a save to make and the lad was five yards offside at the end for the disallowed goal so it was good defending and not even a chance.

"I felt we defended well but didn't make their keeper work hard enough from about 15 shots we had and I was critical of my forwards and wide players.

"But we played very well in the first half in the back yard of a team that were seven games unbeaten. We were able to bully them and show them what we are about. It's not a phrase I like as someone used it on me once but we 'footballed' them to death."

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Shock return this weekend for Jones?
CHAD.co.uk, 12 October 2009, By John Lomas
STAGS' assistant captain Luke Jones could make a shock return for the Stags at Eastbourne this Saturday, just a month after suffering an ankle injury that initially looked to be long term.

http://www.chad.co.uk/stags/Shock-return-this-weekend-for.5725736.jp

"Luke has worked very hard and could even be fit for Saturday," said boss David Holdsworth.

"Luke's ankle scan showed a miniscule rupture which he has put right with physio. Luke is a model professional and is different class as a sperson.

"He has worked himself very hard and has stayed as fit as a fiddle which is why he could be back this weekend to put pressure on the two centre halves.

"He was back in training today and we will play him in an inter-squad practice match on Thursday when one or two other players may come in and take part."

Holdsworth said he was grateful to be told he could move for a replacement for Jones if the injury looked to be long term.

He said: "I would like to thank the chairman and the board for their backing as they told me I could bring in another centre half if it was necessary.

"But I didn't want to spend funds cheaply and I managed the situation."
But it is touch and go if stomach bug victims Kyle Nix and Daryl Clare will be ready for the coach to Eastbourne on Friday afternoon.

"Kyle and Daryl have both been quite poorly with this bug and have not eaten for four or five days," said Holdsworth.

"So I am not sure if they will be fit for Eastbourne. Kyle Perry is not as bad, but he was throwing up at half time on Saturday and asked for another 10 minutes which I gave him while I got Jake Speight warmed up."

Strikers Jason Bradley and Grant Ryan will see a surgeon this week to determine if they need operations.

Bradley has torn ankle ligaments while Ryan will have an arthroscopy to see if he has cartilage damage at best or torn medial ligaments at worst.

Also youth team keeper James Elliott suffered a broken leg on Saturday. "We wish him a speedy recovery, it's not a nice thing for a young man," said Holdsworth.

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Jamaican winger training with Stags
CHAD.co.uk, 12 October 2009, By John Lomas
Jamaican right winger Craig Dobson is training with the Stags.

http://www.chad.co.uk/stags/Jamaican-winger-training-with-Stags.5725731.jp

The 25-year-old former Crystal Palace, Cheltenham, Barnet Stevenage, Cambridge and MK Dons player was released from Brentford in March and was once included in the Jamaican national squad.

Boss David Holdsworth said: "He has moved up north now with his girlfriend and he has pace and ability. He is training with us and we will take it from there.

"Peter Thornton is still here training too. It's up to him to get fit and show us what he can do. But he has also showed good ability."

Leicester City winger Levi Porter was allowed to return to the Foxes last week after his month's loan ended after just two substitute appearances.

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