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Archived News from October 2012

WORKINGTON PREVIEWS
23rd October 2012 14:33


Cox: No room for complacency
mansfieldtown.net

Manager Paul Cox insists that there is no room for complacency in his squad ahead of our FA Cup with Budweiser Fourth Qualifying Round trip to Workington this weekend.

http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/article/cox-no-room-for-complacency-432400.aspx?pageView=full#anchored

The Reds currently sit just two points above the Blue Square Bet North relegation zone and suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat to Oxford City in their last league outing.

Nevertheless, our boss is expecting a tough game against a side that he encountered on numerous occasions during his long stint as manager of Eastwood Town.

He said: “It's an interesting tie. We've had them watched by Paul Ogden, so we know what we're up against. It'll be a tough game and it's our away form that has been the problem this season.”

“The FA Cup is a great competition and we want to progress. The lads have a spring in their step at the moment after the win against Forest Green, but we need to make sure we come out of this game with a result.

“I think you have to be greedy in football. You want a good cup run, you want to win promotion and you want to do well in the FA Trophy too. Every game we participate in is one that we want to win.”

Cox added: “Now is the time for us to go away from home and be resolute and nasty in order to get a result.”

Both Exodus Geohaghon and Ryan Tafazolli are doubts for the clash at Borough Park, though there could be a return to first team action for striker Nick Wright, who bagged a hat-trick for the reserves in midweek.

Ben Hutchinson is also in contention for a place in the squad, though Cox has stated that no firm decisions will be made on which players make the long journey to Cumbria until tomorrow.

Our boss has also quashed recent rumours that have linked duo George Pilkington and Matt Green with moves away from One Call Stadium.

He continued: “There's no truth in the rumours as far as I know. George has injured his back and in the 18 months I've been here, I've not had one enquiry for Matt Green.”

In the event of Saturday's game at Workington ending in a draw, a subsequent replay would take place here at One Call Stadium on Thursday 25 October (kick-off 7.45pm).

The draw for the First Round of the FA Cup with Budweiser will take place on Sunday at 1.30pm

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Workington banana skin test for Mansfield Town in FA Cup
chad.co.uk, Thursday 18 October 2012

PAUL Cox and his Mansfield Town players head north to Workington tomorrow to prepare to negotiate their potential FA Cup banana skin at Blue Square Bet North Workington on the north Cumbrian coast on Saturday (3pm).

http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/mansfield-town-fc/workington-banana-skin-test-for-mansfield-town-in-fa-cup-1-5041418

“Last time I went up there it was when they had all the floods and the bridge collapsed. The whole place was in mourning for the people that had passed away,” said Cox.

“It is a trip and a half and one of the old Football League grounds with a lot of history behind the club. Taking all that away, we have got a job to do on Saturday and we want to do it well.

“We have had them watched and we know what we are up against. It will be tough but we will take last Saturday's result into this game. The lads have a spring in their step right now, but we don't want to get too far ahead of ourselves.”

He added: “I would think the whole of non-League football is going to want Workington to beat us for a bit of a giantkilling. That is human nature. Just like we all wanted Crawley to do well at Manchester United.

“This is the FA Cup and we know that if we can get through this round then it may be us who are the underdogs in round one. The beauty of the FA Cup is that it creates memories for people.

“It is a special competition to play in and I want my players to be excited. It is a competition of dreams. For supporters it is great to go to huge grounds around the country and see if you can pull off a giant-killing.

“I take every competition seriously. You have to be greedy and want to win everything. I think it would be disrespectful to our supporters if we played weakened sides.

“Our away form needs to improve and I don't care what competition that starts in. We need to start being horrible, nasty and resolute.”

Skipper Adam Murray misses the game with a one match ban while there are worries over Exodus Geohaghon's ankle injury. He, Ryan Tafazolli, Nick Wright and John Thompson will all have fitness tests before the bus departs tomorrow.

With Notts County not prepared to allow on-loan keeper Liam Mitchell to become cup-tied, Shane Redmond will play in goal, just five days after getting his first clean sheet of the season in the midweek reserves 7-0 win against Bradford

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Meikle wants Cup run
mansfieldtown.net, 18th October 2012

Winger Lindon Meikle is hoping to continue his romantic association with the FA Cup when we lock horns with Workington in the Fourth Qualifying Round on Saturday.

http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/article/meikle-wants-cup-run-432169.aspx?pageView=full#anchored

The 24-year-old scooped a prestigious 'Player of the Round' award back in 2008 after his spectacular strike helped former club Eastwood Town record a famous victory over Wycombe Wanderers.

The Badgers ultimately reached the Third Round of the 132-year-old competition that season, before they succumbed to an agonising defeat against non-league rivals Kettering Town.

And after our defeat to Fleetwood Town at this stage of the competition last term, Meikle is hoping for a more prolonged spell in the FA Cup this time around.

He said: “The FA Cup is always good and it's exciting for both the players and the fans. I absolutely love it and it's a great competition to play in.”

“Workington will be a tough game though. I've played there a few times before and they've always had a lot of big, strong players so they are no pushovers at all.”

Meikle will no doubt be hoping to feature in our clash at Borough Park after enduring a highly frustrating week whilst on international duty with the England C squad.

Paul Fairclough's men flew out to Durres in Albania for a scheduled friendly, but saw their game called off only a few hours before kick-off after heavy rain led to a waterlogged pitch.

Meikle continued: “It was disappointing, but what can you do? The weather was sunny one day and then raining the next.”

“The pitch had lots of puddles and even the changing room was flooded. There were power cables running through water that we were standing in, so in the end we just wanted to get out of there.”

“I wouldn't say it was a total waste of time though, because we still had a good few days training with each other.”

Meanwhile, midfielder Andy Todd also believes that our trip to Borough Park will represent a tough challenge and that we must earn the right to progress to the next round.

Todd added: “You've got to graft hard in these type of games and after that it's the luck of the draw, but we have to earn the right to progress to the next round.”

“It's one of the longer trips, but we'll prepare for it professionally as we always do.”

In the event of Saturday's clash ending in a draw, a subsequent replay would take place at One Call Stadium on Thursday 25 October (kick-off 7.45pm).

The draw for the First Round of the FA Cup takes place on Sunday at 1.30pm

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Meikle Condemns Racist Scenes In Serbia
mansfield103.co.uk, Thursday 18th October, 2012

Mansfield Town midfielder Lindon Meikle has joined the calls for Serbia to be banned from football following the ugly scenes after the England U21 game there this week.

http://www.mansfield103.co.uk/sport.php?n=2030

Players and staff from Stuart Pearce's side were attacked at the final whistle whilst monkey chants were heard from home fans aimed at Danny Rose.

Meikle was with the England C side that suffered racist abuse during their game in Russia earlier this year and he is in no doubt that Serbia must be punished.

He told Mansfield 103.2: "It's not right. This is football at the end of the day, and football is just the same sport for everyone.

"There is no reason for fans and players to conduct themselves in the way that they have. There's no need for it.

"The FA need to look into it because it could have got a lot worse."

Meikle is back home and ready for Saturday's FA Cup clash at Workington after his trip to Albania with the England C squad.

Their friendly with the hosts' Under-21 side on Tuesday was abandoned at the last minute when they got to the ground in Durres and found the pitch and dressing rooms underwater.

The squad, therefore, have returned home without playing a game but Meikle insists the four days away were useful as England C prepare for a possible Semi-Final place in the ICT Trophy.

He told Mansfield 103.2: "I wouldn't call the trip a waste of time. It could have been a sunny day and the game would have gone ahead, you just don't know and it's one of those things.

"We had a good few days training to keep the team bonding for the semis, should we get through."

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Mansfield Town: Cox demanded mental toughness at Workington in FA Cup
Tuesday, October 16, 2012 Nottingham Post

MANSFIELD Town boss Paul Cox says his side must show a real mental toughness if they are to make progress in the FA Cup at unglamorous Workington.

http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/story-17089121-detail/story.html

The Stags head north on Saturday in the fourth round qualifying tie.

And the eight-hour, 400-mile round trip to the edge of Cumbria to take on a side in the Blue Square North is not one many will fancy.

The Stags have kept consecutive clean sheets in their last two league matches, both on home soil. But away, they have conceded 19 goals in just six games.

Cox warns: "We cannot look at Workington and go 'they are a league below, we will be fine'. This is Mansfield Town, not Manchester United.

"We have to earn the right, everywhere we go, to win a football match. I have been there before and it is a very difficult place to go, a long trip.

"But we want to do well in all competitions and although they will be right up for it, we have to show real character and mental strength."

A winding-up petition against Mansfield Town has been heard in the High Court and adjourned, as the Stags dispute the debt relating to a petition issued by Minotaur Assets Finance.

Mansfield confirmed the petition relates to ex-chairman Andy Perry trying to recover the £85,000 loan he made to the football club together with interest (around £92,000 in total).

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We can be heroes, Workington Reds boss tells players
Times & Star, Friday, 19 October 2012

http://www.timesandstar.co.uk/we-can-be-heroes-workington-reds-boss-tells-players-1.1006292?referrerPath=sport/reds

Darren Edmondson has a simple message for his Workington players ahead of tomorrow's FA Cup clash with Mansfield Town: “Make yourselves heroes.”

The Reds boss has challenged his players to book their place in the club's history by winning the fourth qualifying round match at Borough Park (3pm ko).

Edmondson knows victory would cement his side's success in the annuls of Workington folklore, and said: “We have absolutely nothing to lose, but absolutely everything to gain.

“Mansfield are expected to win, but if everything clicks, and we cause an upset, we become heroes.

“Victory puts Workington back on the map.”

Reds have only made the first round once in 30 years, but can count on inspirational captain David Hewson to lead them down the tunnel and into battle after he recovered from a knee injury.

Edmondson added: “It would be unbelievable if we made it through and went to one of the big grounds.

“A match with Preston North End, MK Dons or Doncaster Rovers would be fantastic, not only for the players, but the fans and the town too. Victory tomorrow means so much, but we cannot let the bright lights of round one cloud our judgement. Mansfield at Borough Park is our cup final, and that's the way we have to look at it.”

Morecambe winger Joe Mwasile has joined on loan after flier Andre da Costa broke a bone in his foot.

The Portuguese prodigy is expected to be out for 10 weeks with the metatarsal injury, ending his stint in west Cumbria.

Mwasile is good friends with Workington defender Niall Cowperthwaite, who came through the Shrimps youth academy with the 5ft 9in wide player

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Reds Chance to make history beckons
Times & StarSport, Friday, 19 October 2012

WORKINGTON Reds boss Darren Edmondson has challenged his players to immortalise their legacy in football history by beating Mansfield Town at Borough Park tomorrow (3pm ko).

http://www.timesandstar.co.uk/sport/reds/chance-to-make-history-beckons-1.1006234?referrerPath=sport/reds

INSPIRATION: Reds captain Dave HewsonJust 90 minutes separate the Borough Park club from a trip to the likes of Sheffield Utd, Coventry City and Portsmouth in the first round of the FA Cup, and Edmondson knows victory would cement his side's success in the annuls of Workington folklore.

“We have absolutely nothing to lose, but absolutely everything to gain,” he said.

“Mansfield are expected to win, but if everything clicks, and we cause an upset, we become heroes.

“Victory puts Workington back on the map.”

Reds have only made the first round once in 30 years, but can count on inspirational captain David Hewson to lead them down the tunnel and into battle.

Losing 4-1 to Bury in 2007 was the last time Workington made it to round one – a match that the skipper lasted less than 10 minutes before injury forced him off.

Hewson, who has recovered from a knee injury, snapped a bone in his foot during a crunching challenge, and he is now desperate to enjoy round one with victory over Mansfield.

He said: “To get to the first round of the FA Cup is what semi-professional footballers dream of, and for my day at Bury to end less than 10 minutes into the game was heartbreaking.

“My friends, family and an army of supporters were there that day, and to leave the action so early was just awful.

“That is why I am desperate to lead Workington out at one of the big grounds in round one.

“I want my FA Cup moment, because Bury does not count for me.”

Edmondson has not dared to dream past the final qualifying round, but said: “It would be unbelievable if we made it through and went to one of the big grounds.

“A match with Preston North End, MK Dons or Doncaster Rovers would be fantastic, not only for the players, but the fans and the town too.

“Victory tomorrow means so much, but we cannot let the bright lights of round one cloud our judgement.

“Mansfield at Borough Park is our cup final, and that's the way we have to look at it.”

Morecambe midfielder Joe Mwasile has joined on loan after flier Andre da Costa broke a bone in his foot.

The Portuguese prodigy is expected to be out for 10 weeks with the metatarsal injury, ending his stint in West Cumbria.

Mwasile is good friends with Workington defender Niall Cowperthwaite, who came through the Shrimps youth academy with the 5ft 9ins winger.

Edmondson said: “Losing Andre was a big blow to our preparation.

“He is an exciting player, and one that could bring the game to life with his trickery.

“Unfortunately, his spell with us is over after breaking his foot, and we've moved quickly to bring Joe in.

“He's a player we've scouted, and know he has the ability to cause defences problems.”

Victory tomorrow would double Workington's prize money to £24,500 with £12,500 on offer to the winner.

Around 800 fans are expected to file into Borough Park, making it the biggest gate of the season

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Mansfield are there to be beaten, says Workington Reds chief
Times & Star, Tuesday, 16 October 2012

Workington Reds chairman Humphrey Dobie set manager Darren Edmondson a target: Get us into the first round of the FA Cup.

http://www.timesandstar.co.uk/mansfield-are-there-to-be-beaten-says-workington-reds-chief-1.1005196?referrerPath=sport/reds

Humphrey DobieAnd that dream is now just 90 minutes away from becoming reality.

The pair met to discuss team affairs ahead of the big kick-off in August and during the discussion Dobie said his dream was to see Workington back in the main draw. Reds host Mansfield Town in the final qualifying round on Saturday.

The Borough Park club has already pocketed £12,000 for wins over Blyth Spartans and Barwell in previous rounds and would double their money with victory over the Stags.

Dobie said: “It was just a throw away line that I wanted us to make the first round, but the closer it's become, the more I hope it comes true.

“It's possible too. There's no doubt about it. Mansfield are there to be beaten.

“The FA Cup is a great competition, and we haven't been in the first round since the loss to Bury in 2007.

“That day I was extremely proud to be chairman of Workington. To see my team playing in a Football League stadium, against professionals, was a great day for everyone connected with the club.”

A trip to Bramall Lane to face Sheffield United would be Dobie's ultimate round one draw, but he said a visit to any Football League ground would be incredible.

“I'd like to enjoy another occasion like Bury,” he said.

“And it doesn't get any bigger than Sheffield United. They would do for a first round draw.”

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Workington Reds skipper Dave Hewson eyeing FA Cup upset
Times & Star, Thursday, 18 October 2012

Workington captain David Hewson is desperate to beat Mansfield and secure a plum FA Cup draw after injury ended his dream at Bury five years ago.

http://www.timesandstar.co.uk/workington-reds-skipper-dave-hewson-eyeing-fa-cup-upset-1.1005958?referrerPath=sport/reds

Dave HewsonHewson was stretchered off, and replaced by boss Darren Edmondson after breaking a metatarsal during a crunching collision 10 minutes into the Gigg Lane clash in 2007.

Leaving the pitch to applause from all corners of the ground did not help the utility man, who spent the remaining 80 minutes receiving treatment on his snapped bone, and 10 weeks on the sidelines.

He said: “To get to the first round of the FA Cup is what semi-professional footballers dream of, and for my day at Bury to end less than 10 minutes into the game was heartbreaking.

“My friends, family and an army of supporters were there that day, and to leave the action so early was just awful. That is why I am desperate to lead Workington out at one of the big grounds in round one. I want my FA Cup moment, because Bury does not count for me.”

Hewson knows just 90 minutes against Blue Square Bet Premier side Mansfield stand in his way.

The Stags travel to Workington for the fourth qualifying round on Saturday, and Hewson said: “Getting to round one is not just important to myself, but this football club. It would be great if we could enjoy a massive pay day at one of the big League One teams. But Mansfield will be an extremely tough team to beat. Professional clubs always are, because they train full-time and spend hours working on things that semi-professional clubs can't because we have other jobs.

“The amazing thing about the FA Cup is that it puts everyone on an even keel, and if Mansfield have an off day, and we're at 100 per cent, then we can cause an upset.”

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