Blank weekend gives Mansfield Town boss Nigel Clough chance to work on targets

Mansfield Town don’t have a game this afternoon so manager Nigel Clough will be doing his homework instead.

The in-form Stags were due to face League Two table toppers Carlisle United, but the contest was postponed due to a positive Covid test in the Blues' camp.

Instead, Clough will spend his day casting an eye over rivals and scouting as he continues to try to add to his squad.

"It gives us an opportunity to watch games at the weekend - players, opposition and such," said Clough.

"And it's a chance to keep working on targets.

"(It’s) disappointing when you're on the run we're on, but on the other hand it (the postponement is) totally understandable. They've had the positive test and there's no way we can play the game.

"Also with the weather I think it might have been in doubt anyway, with the rain we've had."

Looking to the positives, Clough hopes the break in fixtures can help get his squad back to full strength.

"It gives us that 10-day break," he added.

"We haven't had too hectic a Christmas period. Normally we've played a few more games over the period, but it gives the likes of Ollie Clarke (knee) and James Perch (illness) those few extra games to make sure they're ready."

MORE STAGS: Quinn joins Mansfield

MORE STAGS: Midfielder departs for Robins

MORE STAGS: Keeper’s Wembley dreams