Schofield To Relive Mansfield

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25th August 2006

Lincoln City's Head Coach John Schofield returns to Mansfield Town on Saturday afternoon.

At first thought, many people might wonder what is significant about his trip to Mansfield. The answer is that Mansfield was the place where Schofield took charge of a Lincoln City FC team for the first time in his career.

The match took place on January 1st 2006, which is an infamous date in Lincoln City FC's history. That morning had seen then Imps' boss Keith Alexander and his assistant-manager Gary Simpson placed on leave. Having to pick up the pieces was a shocked Schofield, who oversaw Lincoln City's 0-0 draw at Mansfield later that afternoon.

Seven months later, and Alexander has quit Lincoln City leaving Schofield as the new manager in his own right. Schofield has impressed many, as he did at Mansfield on January 1st, with the manner in which his side plays passing football. His belief in young players such as Lee Frecklington is refreshing to watch. For his part, Schofield has been rewarded with these inexperienced players turning in consistent displays.

Frecklington has also proved individual reward for Schofield by scoring in the past two games. Unfortunately, neither game provided a win for Schofield's men, with The Imps losing the lead on both occasions.

Mansfield will prove another stern test for Lincoln as they have yet to lose a game this season. In fact, Peter Shirtliff's men are shrewd tips for promotion having finished last season strongly. This was reinforced on Tuesday evening when Mansfield shocked League One promotion favourites Huddersfield Town via a 2-0 away victory.

Schofield is likely to name the same sixteen man squad as per the midweek defeat at Scunthorpe United. The Imps are hoping to sign at least new player before the transfer window closes on August 31st but it is unlikely that any such signing will be completed before Saturday.

Mansfield are expecting a psychical battle against Lincoln tomorrow, despite Alexander having left the club.

Mansfield midfielder Jonathan D'Laryea revealed: "We are expecting a battle against Lincoln.

"The way they play seems to be about long balls and flick-ons and winning the second ball. With their height we are not going to win every header. So we have to make sure we are first to react to the flick-ons."

These two clubs first met on August 29th 1934 in a Division 3 North match at Mansfield, which Lincoln City won 4-3 - a repeat tomorrow would please the travelling Imps fans! Please click here for a full historical round-up of results between these two clubs.

Odds for the game:

Mansfield 13/10
Draw 11/5
Lincoln 9/5

Odds kindly supplied by Sporting Odds, who regularly offer free bets to customers. To ensure that you obtain the freshest offer, you will need to click this link and register immediately - so please return to this page first, if necessary.