Stags defender John Dempster enjoyed the battle of Newport

John Dempster thoroughly enjoyed last weekend’s bruising 1-1 battle at Newport County.
John Dempster.John Dempster.
John Dempster.

And the Mansfield Town central defender is confident Stags can bring home all three points from their revenge mission at York City tomorrow.

“It was a hostile crowd at Newport who really tried to wind us up and get into us and it was a real tear-up,” he smiled.

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“I said to their assistant manager afterwards that it was a really good battle and he agreed. I really enjoyed it.”

The game saw two red cards – one to home player Lee Minshull for an elbow to the face of Martin Riley and one to Stags striker Matt Rhead for two questionable yellow card decisions.

“I don’t think their player meant to elbow ‘Riles’ in the face, but he did catch him,” said Dempster.

“The Matt Rhead sending-off was a bit soft, he didn’t deserve that. But we just have to move on.

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“We have looked solid at the back. A set piece did us at Newport, but in open play we looked pretty good and kept a good shape. The two players alongside me – Martin Riley and Ritchie Sutton – have been outstanding which makes it a bit easier.

“But keeping the goals against tally down is a team effort.”

He added: We don’t want to get too carried away as we know it will be a difficult game at York.

“They have a good, experienced manager and will want to get their season started.

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“They are probably expected to be up there at the end of the season and will want to get some points on the board as soon as possible.

“But we are going there in confident mood and there is no reason why we can’t bring all three points home, though even a draw would be a good result.”

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