Preview: Mansfield Town
On the back of Tuesday night’s impressive victory, Rovers head to in-form Mansfield Town with wind in their sails.
The Stags have hit an impressive run of results themselves in recent weeks, stringing together five League Two wins in a row, so it promises to be an entertaining clash.
Here is all you need to know ahead of the game:
What we said:
“Mansfield have been on a great run of form since Nigel Clough took over. He’s a great manager and wherever he’s been he’s done well,” explained Mark Cooper.
“They’ve had some troubles with their pitch, but we’re not going to make any excuses and they’ll be ready to play too.
“Wherever the game is, we’ll be ready. It could be on tarmac and we’d still run hard and fight for the points.
Team news:
Rovers have a clean bill of health for this one, having returned no positive Covid-19 tests in the latest round of testing.
Jamille Matt may also return following a knee injury, while Ebou Adams has completed his one-match suspension.
Key Player: Jordan Bowery
In June 2020, Mansfield announced the signing of experienced striker Jordan Bowery from MK Dons, after the two clubs agreed terms for the transfer of the 28-year-old.
The former MK Dons’ frontman became the first Stags' signing since the conclusion of the regular 2019/20 Sky Bet League Two season.
Despite finding the net on the second game of the season, Bowery struggled in front of goal until the back end of December, but has since been on fine form.
Last time we met:
A valiant Forest Green Rovers effort yielded nothing, as they fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Mansfield Town back in November.
The Stags, under the charge of Nigel Clough for the first time in League Two, raced into a 2-0 lead as George Lapslie and Harry Charsley both capitalised to find the net
The second half was dominated almost entirely by the hosts, but it took until the 84th minute for any sort of reward to show itself, Odin Bailey prodding home after a set-piece.
Despite a late barrage, Rovers simply couldn’t break through the wall of navy blue to earn a point.
Head-to-head:
Tomorrow’s clash at Field Mill will be the 20th meeting between the sides, Mansfield having already chalked up 10 victories in the fixture.
Things have looked better for Rovers in the last few years though, most memorably emerging 4-3 victors on the road at the start of last year.
Coverage:
This game will be available to watch live by subscribing HERE, or you can listen to the game with our audio service HERE, both abroad or in the UK.
If watching on a mobile device, you will need to download the FGR TV app from the App Store or Google Play Store to be able to watch or listen to the match.
Please contact fgrtv@streamamg.com if you have any issues with your FGR Live account.
Full commentary of Saturday’s match will also be available on BBC Radio Gloucestershire on 1413AM.
Stay up to date also on Twitter and Instagram by following @FGRFC_Official, which will have all of the team news before kick-off and updates throughout the game.
There will also be key updates and team news on Facebook. Round-up the clash by checking out the club website where there will be a full report looking back on the encounter.
