Nigel Clough highlights key areas of success for Stockport this season ahead of Mansfield Town clash
Nigel Clough has reflected on ‘some brilliant games’ Mansfield Town have played against Stockport County in recent years.
Stags will face promotion-chasing Stockport this evening after securing their place in League One for another season, thanks to the latest batch of results. Their draw against Luton Town last time out was enough to guarantee their safety, with relegation candidates Exeter City now mathematically unable to catch up to them.
Mansfield have now bettered their points tally from last season by reaching the 55-point mark and still have four games left to play before the season ends. Stags will be able to enjoy this final stretch of fixtures, with Huddersfield, Peterborough and Cardiff City to come after their trip to Greater Manchester tonight.
As for Stockport, they are currently fifth in the league standings with a five-point advantage over Plymouth in seventh. While County have all but secured their play in the play-offs, they are still at risk of being leapfrogged if they suddenly enter a significant dip in form.
However, the odds are on Stockport’s side based on their recent form. Dave Challinor’s side are unbeaten in their last seven games and have won eight of their last nine home fixtures. Clough is well aware of the threat Stockport pose as his side prepare to face them at the Edgeley Park this evening.
“We have had some brilliant games with them in recent years. They are challenging once again and have just about secured a play-off spot and another great achievement,” Clough said in his pre-match press conference. “They have had a very good season again. They have got a lot of quality players, similar to Luton in some ways, and a lot of quality in the squad even if they make changes.
“They are very solid defensively and have got people who will get you a goal. They are strong on set-plays as well. They have got a good foundation and good players.”
The last time Stags played Stockport earlier this season, they lost 2-1 at the One Call Stadium. Throughout the history of these two sides meeting each other, Mansfield have won 34 and lost 31 of the 87 games the opponents have faced so far.