FC Boro

After the first defeat in 5 against Torquay at the weekend, next up for Boro is a home game against Mansfield Town who were relegated from League 2 last season. Boro will be looking to get back to winning ways after picking up just 1 point from the previous 2 games. With both teams losing at the weekend, plus the Stags being deducted 4 points this afternoon due to fielding an ineligible player earlier in the season, this game takes on added significance as they push for the play-offs.

Mansfield have no new injuries or suspensions after the defeat to Woking meaning they more or less have a fully-fit squad to choose from. The only absentee will be Adie Moses who is struggling with a calf problem. New signing Maxime Chanot who has joined the club on loan from Sheffield United is in line to play after making his debut on Saturday. Boro will have to keep an eye on striker Mark Stallard, who is the Stags’ top scorer so far this season with 7 goals. Stallard is a proven goalscorer in the football league after spells with clubs such as Notts County and Lincoln and could be a handful tomorrow night. One player that Boro fans will know is winger Michael Blackwood, who played at Broadhall Way in the 2002/2003 season. Blackwood moved to Field Mill after being released by Kidderminster in the summer.

Boro have no new injury worries after Saturday’s game, but still are without several key players in Daryl McMahon, Lee Boylan, Andy Drury and David Bridges. After failing to score against Torquay, Graham Westley may decide in bringing Callum Willock or Anthony Thomas back to the team. If GW does bring back either Willock or Thomas then I’d think Vincenti would drop to the bench with Mitchell Cole moving back on the left wing. Steve Morison will be looking to add to his 8 goals already this season after firing blanks in Devon at the weekend.

Both sides’ form this season has been patchy. Mansfield have been fairly inconsistent away from Field Mill, picking up only 5 points on their travels so far and 3 of them came in the last away game against Salisbury. Although they were beat by Woking on Saturday, Mansfield have been very strong at home winning 16 points. Boro have also been strong at home so far this season and are unbeaten in 5 matches since Eastbourne won 3-1 there back in August.

If Boro play to their potential then we should beat Mansfield, but that hasn’t happened consistently enough this season. Good performances against Barrow and Forest Green have been followed up by poor performances and after a disappointing display against Torquay, Graham Westley will be looking to get his players back on track with a win tomorrow night. Billy McEwan’s sides’ are usually well organised and with Stallard in the team then there is a goal threat. McEwan will be asking his players for a similar response so it could be a tricky game for Boro.

Prediction: Boro 2-1 Mansfield