Mansfield Town are set to be backed by one of their biggest ever league followings on Saturday for what’s a promotion decider at the MK Dons.
The Stags know that if they avoid defeat at Stadium MK, they will be promoted to League One, and in doing so, will be roared on by almost 5,000 fans.
Town have already sold over 4,000 tickets for Saturday afternoon’s showdown, with the remaining tickets expected to sell before the game, meaning there will be 4,988 fans in attendance for what the travelling hoards hope will be a promotion party at the 30,500 seater arena.
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Previously, the Stags’ biggest away support for a league match came when 4,283 made the short journey along the A60 to watch their side beaten 1-0 at arch-rivals Notts County in mid-February, and that could be dwarfed for this winner takes all clash.
Boss David Flitcroft was left disappointed after his side threw away the chance of securing promotion, losing late at home on Saturday to Stevenage in front of a sell-out Field Mill crowd.
With a far superior goal difference to MK, the Stags boss knows that one final effort in Buckinghamshire would see his side secure a place in the third tier, and hopes that a clear week will give his players just the preparation needed for the mammoth contest.
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“I want to see an enthusiasm and a love for football [in training this week],” he said.
“I want to see competition, I want to see full commitment. I’ll emphasise that all week.
“I don’t have to tell the lads how big this game is or what this game means to everyone concerned.
“They know that, and if they don’t, they’re in the wrong place.
"It just comes down to a group of players who are totally focused on delivering one final massive effort.”
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