Here's why Mansfield Town boss Nigel Clough believes Forest Green Rovers are a great role model for clubs looking to win promotion

Stags boss Nigel Clough believes Forest Green Rovers are a perfect role model for any club seeking to win promotion.
Ollie Clarke is tackled by Ebou Adams during Mansfield's 2-1 win at Forest Green Rovers in November. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)Ollie Clarke is tackled by Ebou Adams during Mansfield's 2-1 win at Forest Green Rovers in November. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Ollie Clarke is tackled by Ebou Adams during Mansfield's 2-1 win at Forest Green Rovers in November. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Rovers have progressively built up since being promoted to the Football League in 2017.

They currently sit third in the League Two table with Clough believing it is only a matter of time before they escape the division.

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“We are trying to emulate how they have built, how they play good football and how they have sold players when needed to,” said Clough.

“They have got a good manager, play good stuff and are a good role model. It's only a matter of time before they get promoted.

“You have to have flexibility and options to win different games at this level. You need the ability to change formation and to defend the ball in the box - they have got the best balance in the league to do that.”

While confident Stags can beat Rovers tonight (Tuesday), Clough knows his side will need to defend well and be on their game.

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“We are playing one of the best, if not thee best in the league,” he added.

“They have a great variety of play and can mix it up, technically they are probably the best team in the league.

“We will have to defend. I fancy us to score, but we have to defend and keep clean sheets.”

It is the latest in a gruelling run of games which has seen Stags pit their wits against teams desperate for points one way or the other.

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“We have played teams scrapping for survival or promotion,” said Clough. “We don’t mind it though, we don’t look at the opposition. It makes no difference, they are all just hard games.

“The lads are scrapping and fighting and the work-rate has been brilliant.

“It will be our 14th game in 45 days and it is a heavy schedule for us after the break.

“We have not had that many options to make that many changes.

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“Ollie Sarkic has picked up another injury and that's a big blow for him and us. We didn’t think George Lapslie, Ollie Clarke or George Maris would get injuries - you can't legislate for that

“Everyone else is stepping up and as long as everyone is fighting that is what we have to do.”

Visit www.chad.co.uk tonight for our match report and post match reaction.