Archived News from January 2004
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EVENING POST PREVIEW
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MANSFIELD AIMING FOR SWEET REVENGE
Evening Post, by STEVIE RODEN A Big crowd is expected at Field Mill tomorrow, as Mansfield look to take revenge following the "Battle of Swansea" last August. Iyseden Christie and Lee Williamson saw red that day as nine-man Mansfield crashed to a 4-1 defeat. The game ended with both sides involved in a brawl and Mansfield were later fined £2,000 by the English FA for failing to control their players. But the Welsh FA took no action against Swansea. But manager Keith Curle has told his players to let their football do the talking to ensure they pick up all three points. He said: "It did feel very hostile there, although I'm sure that is not something Swansea deliberately tried to create. "But we have not forgotten the injustice we felt. We were called before the FA for being involved in a brawl and were fined. "The video clearly showed only four of our lads were involved, but Swansea were not punished on the day by the Welsh FA. You got the feeling it was not a level playing field." Curle knows his players are up for this match and are ready to make amends for the defeat at Vetch Field. Liam Lawrence should keep his place on the right, after returning to action in midweek, and Jamie Clarke returns from suspension, although Jake Buxton is expected to stay at left-back after three impressive performances. Tony Vaughan is still injured. Another boost for Mansfield is that Swansea's star striker, Lee Trundle, with 18 goals already this season, is out with a fractured cheekbone. The Welsh outfit have only won one of the seven games without him, away at Rochdale back in October - the last time they claimed a victory on their travels. But Curle said: "They are not a one-man team. We need to hurt them with our football." Stags (probable): Pilkington, Hassell, Buxton, Dimech, Day, Curtis, Williamson, Corden, Lawrence, Mendes, Christie. Subs: J White, MacKenzie, Artell, Larkin, A White --------------- BBC.co.uk: Mansfield boss Keith Curle looks set to be without defenders Adam Eaton and Tony Vaughan through injury. Midfielder Neil MacKenzie has a hand injury but right-back Jamie Clarke will be available after completing his ban. Swansea's new signing Shaun Byrne is expected to make his debut following his arrival from West Ham. Leading scorer Lee Trundle is out and Kieron Durkan and Lenny Johnrose are doubtful, but Karl Connolly is fit and could be included in the squad. |
Latest | January 2004