FA Cup draw could have been kinder says Mansfield Town boss after landing Burnley away
Mansfield Town boss Nigel Clough admitted the FA Cup draw could have been kinder as they landed Premier League strugglers Burnley away in Monday night's fourth round draw.
It was their reward for Sunday’s magnificent giant-killing at Sheffield United where a spectacular Louis Reed brace plus superb strikes by Lucas Akins and Rhys Oates sealed a shock 4-3 win at Bramall Lane.
They will now head for Burnley’s famous Turf Moor stadium for the first time since a League Cup trip there 30 years ago.
“The draw could have been kinder to us – I think that is fair to say,” said Clough.
“It is a very tough one going away to a Premier League side.
“But that is what it is and we will go there and have a go.
“We will go and have a good day out and do our best to replicate Sunday's heroics.
“I know supporters like to go to grounds they've not been to for a while.
“Scott Parker had an unbelievable season last season getting them promoted, but it was always going to be tough for them this season.
“So I think they will see the FA Cup as a route for a bit of success, though they might get a few results before then to give them a glimmer of hope of staying up, which they still have.”
He added: “It's fair to say our chances there are slim just because of the quality they have.
“It was the same at Sheffield United on Sunday when they bring the likes of Patrick Bamford on as a sub. That is what can hurt you.
“With the quality they have in their squads, Premier League clubs can put half a team out and wipe the floor with you at times.
“But they take a risk when that happens.
“If the opposition get a break or a bit of luck you can get the shocks now and again.
“Since the third round draw came out we were always likely to be the underdogs. We don't mind either way.
“The main thing is, whoever we play, we just want to put on a performance, give it everything with the strongest team we can, and have a go.
“Our supporters will then stand there and give us a standing ovation, win, lose or draw.”
Ties will be played on the weekend of 14th February, meaning that Stags' trip to Leyton Orient will need a new date and is now one of three games needing to be rescheduled, leading to a packed second half to the season with midweek games most weeks.
Sunday's win at Bramall Lane delighted an army of 4,800 away fans and Clough said: “Sunday's ranks up there for me in terms of cup games.
“At 4-1 up everyone thinks you are cruising but two soft goals go in and all of a sudden you have 30 minutes of backs to the wall.
“We had that at Bolton a few weeks ago in the league as well and it's good we are developing the characteristics necessary to play that way occasionally, though you don't want to do that all the time.
“You can't defend for long periods without conceding.
“We conceded three at Sheffield United but still managed to get the win.
“But it is equally as important to be a threat at the other end - and we were.
“After three wins the momentum played a huge part. You can't buy confidence, it is just something you have to get from winning games or not losing.
“We were on the floor in November and December when we couldn't get a win and decisions were going against us.
“But all of a sudden we put in a good performance at Barnsley, despite going 2-0 down.
“It's been a springboard from there and the lads have a spring in their step now and are looking forward to Saturday and beyond.
“We have the confidence and belief we can compete with a team from the league above.”
Stags had three new faces in the squad on Sunday after signing Barnsley midfielder and young Spurs striker Oliver Irow on loan and giving Bolton striker Victor Adeboyejo a deal until the end of the season, while Forest loanee Kyle McAdam was allowed to return to his parent club.
“We are very pleased with all three that have come in,” said Clough.
“I think we are now content with the squad. There may be another one going out, we will see.
“But we are not actively looking to bring anyone else in due to the strength of our squad.
“We are seeing players coming back from injury now and the difference it's making.
“The bench we had on Sunday was the strongest we have had for months with plenty of options.
“With the backlog of fixtures we will now have very few free midweeks and we are going to need all the players.
“Regan Hendry is probably the closest to a return of the injured players.
“He did a bit of training last week but is still feeling his knee so needs to get rid of that final bit of niggle. Then he will be back available again.
“The earlier you can get players in, the better. You can start working with them and we need time to build them up.
“But there will be plenty of games for them to be involved in over the next three months.”