Marriott calling on Stags fans to stick behind the side for Stanley clash

Mansfield have not won in 11 League games and have failed to win any of their last seven games at home in all competitions, and Marriott admitted: “We now need to get on a run. We went on a fantastic run after Christmas last year.

“We need to keep plugging away and need the fans to stick with us.

“They give us a fantastic lift when you are down on confidence. It makes all the difference when people are clapping you.

“I do understand their frustrations as they pay their hard-earned money to come and watch. They want to see exciting football and something to cheer. But we are not really producing that at the moment so it’s a Catch 22 situation right now.

“A win on Saturday has go to be a must as it’s getting to that stage when the table takes shape at Christmas time. It’s about time we turned our home form around.

“Saying that, Accrington are on a half-decent run themselves and will be coming here thinking we are a wounded animal.”

Stags’ latest disappointment was a midweek 4-1 FA Cup replay defeat by Oldham that ended hopes of a third round tie at Anfield.

Marriott said: “People will say it stops the crazy build-up for Liverpool through Christmas. But it was a once in a lifetime opportunity we threw away and it hurts me personally as it was there for the taking, but we didn’t peform in the second half.

“Now Saturday has come round really quickly and three vital points are needed.

“Three of their goals came from set pieces and the free kick was right into the top corner. I couldn’t do anything about it. But it was disappointing to concede four goal live on TV.

“We are working extremely hard on the training ground on our shape and organisation. We are a work in progress. We have moved up a league where there is a difference in quality, no disrespect to the Conference where we sometimes came up against part-time players.

“There are no easy games in League Two. Players are a bit cuter and a bit wiser at times.”