CATLING'S CORNER STAGS BLOG: Nicky Hunt's impending departure the only blot on a good week for Mansfield Town

I’ve probably not mentioned this much in my blogs before, but well done to the Stags’ youth team who beat Scunthorpe over the weekend and have gone joint-top of their league.

At Morecambe we came from a goal down to win 2-1 which away from home shows the spirit and character we have as a team.

It was absolutely brilliant for the club as we had to respond.

We then backed it up with another excellent win against Crawley which was deserved.

Before the game at Crawley we got the news that the superb Malvind Benning was back in the starting line-up and what a relief to see him back.

Welcome back Mal and well done on the assist.

We also got the news that captain Nicky Hunt was possibly going to be signing for another club.

I’ve heard since that the club in question is Leyton Orient.

To be honest it is very odd as I don’t get the point in him doing so but as has been said he played with Nolan at Bolton and we are getting a fee so it makes sense to let him go.

The only thing I would say to this is that we need to replace him with an experienced right back.

I have heard that it could be Alan Dunne from Orient but this may not prove true.

Anyway, another few bits of news is that Liam Marsden went out on loan to Brackley and young striker Dan Fletcher was released so good luck to both of them.

With regards the Crawley match, my friend who attended said afterwards: “The starting line-up with McGuire and Beardo keeping their places from Tuesday was extremely pleasing.

“It was great to see Benning - he just needs games now to get his match fitness back.

“The whole team looked strong with us having men out on the pitch rather than boys in which we’ve had in some home games this season.

“It was a very good, positive away following.

“Murray got the starting team and use of subs spot on for once and we were in control of the game for almost the whole 90 minutes.

“Beardsley took his goal well with great movement in the box and a bullet header which was unstoppable for their keeper.

“Greenie should have had two goals in the first half but his sending-off was the right decision by the ref.

“Very foolish by Greenie.

“Blair had a one-on-one with the ‘keeper in the last minute which was saved well but he should really have scored.

“McGuire, Beardo and Collins stood out as our main players but I’d say a good all round team performance that won it for us.”

So to summarise, this week it has been a brilliant one with six points from the two games away from home.

Benning being back is brilliant news but not great news about Nicky Hunt leaving.

Murray really does need to get this signing to replace Hunt right and I expect him to do so.

I’d also like another signing whether it be a striker or midfielder just to freshen it up a bit more but that might be me being greedy.

Now we have momentum we need a win at home as I and many others need to be shown the same passion and belief we have away from home at field mill.

Come on you Stags!