Stags defender Dempster still smarting from Drysdale decisions

Stags defender John Dempster is still smarting from two major decisions by referee Darren Drysdale that went against him in Tuesday night’s 1-0 home defeat by York.

As he prepared for tomorrow’s massive showdown with relegation rivals Northampton Town at Sixfields, Dempster said he completely disagreed with the penalty given against him and confirmed he was blatantly elbowed in the face by Ryan Bowman on a night when almost every decision by Drysdale went against Mansfield.

“I didn’t think it was a penalty at the time. I have looked back at it and I still don’t think it was a penalty,” he said

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“Their lad was looking to win a penalty and I feel like the referee got conned. It was a bit soft to say the least.

“The lineswomen was in a good position as well and she didn’t give it. She had a perfect view and their players didn’t really appeal for it. It was a strange decision for me.

“There was slight contact. But I was round the other side of the player and he could have carried on running in my opinion. It was a nothing incident.

“It went against us but that’s football and you just have to get on with it.”

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On the second flashpoint minutes later, he added: “It was a blatant elbow in the face. I thought the lineswoman had a perfect view. I went over and spoke to her, without being rude, but she said she didn’t see it and the referee didn’t see it. There is nothing I can do about it now.

“You go home and wonder how you could have done things differently. But a lot of times it can be out of your hands, though I know it’s a tricky job as a referee.

“The important thing now is to prepare and train for the next game as we have some big games coming up.”

Tomorrow is a big six-pointer as Northampton, who are now unbeaten in five games, can suck Stags to within two points if they can beat them.

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“Northampton is a big game and they are one of the in-form sides,” said Dempster.

“They have a new manager who has gone there and done a great job already in giving them a chance of getting out of it.

“But we are a decent side away from home so it should be a good contest. It is not the be all and end all, but it should be an exciting game.

“It is up to us. If we can pick up a clean sheet then I don’t think a draw there would be a bad result and would give us another point on our tally.

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“It will be an interesting couple of months as there are a lot of big sides in there battling away.”

Striker Emile Sinclair, who almost signed for Stags a few weeks ago, has now notched twice already for the Cobblers and Dempster said: “Emile has done quite well for Northampton already and he is definitely one of the threats we are going to have to keep quiet.”

Stags are expecting up to 900 away fans at Sixfields and Dempster said: “The fans have been brilliant away all season and long may that continue. They have been part of our decent away form and they can play a massive part between now and the end of the season.”