Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565

Anticipation is high for Saturday’s first visit of mighty Birmingham City for almost 34 years.

It is only the third time the sides have crossed swords in league action and is definitely a free hit for Nigel Clough’s men against the league leaders.

The Blues left with the Division Three points back in January 1991 with a 2-1 win, Steve Charles on target before a home crowd of 3,654.

But the season before Stags had given them a real spanking as they ran out 5-2 winners with Steve Wilkinson incredibly netting all five goals.

Mansfield Town striker Steve Wilkinson scores one of his five goals against a shellshocked Birmingham City back in April 1990.

The money being spent at St Andrews’s at this level is simply eye-watering – don’t forget that on transfer deadline day they shelled out £10 million on Fulham striker Jay Stansfield to set a new transfer fee record for the division.

The pressure on them to go straight back up is immense, though they seem to be handling it well so far.

But after winning away at Barnsley and beating Blackpool at home – two other former Premier League outfits – Mansfield will fancy giving the Blues a bloody nose before the Sky TV audience on Saturday lunchtime, especially after Tuesday night’s fantastic 2-1 away win at another ‘sleeping giant’ in Wigan Athletic.

Mansfield rarely go into a home league game as firm underdogs, but that could work perfectly for Nigel Clough’s men. As long as Stags give it a go on the day no one will be too worried about the result as anything would be a bonus.

It is a very different feeling to recent seasons when the pressure has been on Mansfield to win and get promoted.

No one wants to lose a football match. But it feels very different this season with the burden of promotion gone.

Stevenage came, saw and conquered on Saturday thanks only to a wonder free kick that drew applause from home and away fans alike.

But, despite a first half lacking any teeth up front, Stags had a real go in the second half, lacked an ounce of luck in front of goal, and eventually had to give full credit to the visitors for a solid, disciplined defensive display.

Home fans showed their appreciation at the end, despite the disappointment of defeat.

Now Stags need Lee Gregory or Will Evans can conjure up a ‘Steve Wilkinson display’ on Saturday to send the Brummies home with the Blues once more!

LOMAS ON STAGS: Can underdogs Mansfield shock the big-spending Blues?