Freeman injury offers Marsden a new Stags opportunity

With Freeman out for a few weeks, Lee Beevers has been pulled across to left wing back, freeing up Marden’s right wing back slot.

Ahead of tomorrow’s visit of Southend United, the long throw specialist said: “Personally I thought I started well. But Keiron Freeman has come in and he is a great player.

“Now he is injured and I hope I can get a good run in the side and get my place back.

“There is nothing like playing for match fitness and I hope I can show the gaffer what I can do now.

“I just want to get more and more experience and push on.”

Stags are hoping to get more of their walking wounded back tomorrow for a tough game against a good side, currently in ninth place.

“Southend are up there, but a win puts us on the same points and if we can get on a good run before Christmas, we can be there or thereabouts,” said Marsden.

“It’s madness this year. Last year we had a squad twice as big and no injuries. But it’s just one of those things.”

Last weekend Marsden played on the right of a straight back four after a back spasm saw centre half Martin Riley drop out of the side 30 minutes from kick-off, Stags ending up drawing the game 1-1.

“I thought we were unlucky not to get three points to be honest. But any point away from home is happy days,” he added.

“The gaffer had the formation and team in his head , then two minutes before we go out to warm up it all changes. But the lads just got on with it. I thought we bounced back well from Tranmere on Tuesday.”