The pressure is on Chesterfield says Mansfield Town’s Stephen McLaughlin ahead of big cup local derby
Mansfield Town wing back Stephen McLaughlin believes the pressure is on Chesterfield in tomorrow night's eagerly-awaited Carabao Cup First Round local derby clash at the SMH Group Stadium.
Stags have narrowly lost both their opening League One games while Chesterfield have won both League Two openers and not conceded a goal.
“I don't think the pressure is on us,” said McLaughlin, who scored a screamer in Saturday's 2-1 home defeat to Doncaster Rovers.
“They are at home and doing quite well at the minute, so the pressure is kind of on them.
“With our away fans behind us it's going to be one hell of a game and I think we can take the shackles off a little bit.
“I think if we won this game and didn't win another game I think some of the fans would be quite happy – it means that much to them.”
McLaughlin has had little experience of big local derbies in his career but can't wait to taste it for himself.
“I played in one derby back home – Derry v Linfield – and that was absolute chaos,” he said.
“I have heard about the derbies with Chesterfield since day one when I came in.
“Even the new lads who have just come in are well aware what kind of game this is going to be.
“I can't wait. There is no better game to play in after the run of results we've had.
“I can't wait to see our away fans there. It's going to be some atmosphere and I am really excited to be involved in that.
“This game will be played on emotion and it's about controlling that as well as you can get sucked into big tackles.
“With the new rules you can't really touch anybody these days so your emotions will play a big part in the game.”
On the opening League One games, he said: “They have both been very narrow defeats and it's all about bedding in the new players.
“We have a lot of new players in this year so it's going to take time to gel.
“We are not happy with the goals we have conceded, but there have been some good performances as well.
“You can see what we are trying to do and getting the new lads to understand it as well.
“Hopefully we will start settling down and starting playing the way we know we can sooner than later
“We are creating very good chances and we have produced some good play at times.
“But our defending needs to be a bit more ruthless, especially at home.”
McLaughlin has started both games on the bench behind young Forest loanee Kyle McAdam but come on in both to make a massive impact.
“Like every player I want to be starting, but when I am called upon I will be ready as I have shown in the last two games,” he said.
“The gaffer knows that and knows what he is going to get from me – I will give 100 per cent.
“Kyle is just starting out on his career – everyone has to start somewhere and you need games to be able to do that.
“I want to play as many games as I can this year and stay fit for selection.”
On his spectacular long range strike on Saturday, he said: “I should have scored in the Burton game as I had a really good chance, but I got a good assist.
“Then on Saturday it was just one of those goals – just head down, keep it on target and thankfully it's just flown into the top corner.
“Hopefully I will get a few more this season though I don't know if any will be as sweet as that one.
“The balls these days move everywhere so if you get a good connection anything can happen. It moved in the air and the keeper had no chance.”