Stags kickstart their pre-season campaign by making a short trip to Retford

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Mansfield Town make the short 20-mile journey across Nottinghamshire to Cannon Park to face Retford United in their opening game of pre-season ahead of the 2021/22 EFL League Two season.

After making eight signings so far this summer, Nigel Clough will be looking to integrate those players into the first-team setup as the Nottinghamshire club face Retford United in their first pre-season friendly.

Mansfield Town started their pre-season preparations on Monday as they returned to the RH Academy for tests and high-intensity training.

With this being the first game in over two months, it will be a test of fitness and most importantly it will test the abilities of the current squad that Clough has assembled.

The Stags boss has announced who he will be taking for the encounter against the Badgers with 21 players in contention for a starting 11 spot for the game. The squad for Tuesday’s match is:

Goalkeeper: George Shelvey

Defenders: James Clarke, James Perch, Stephen McLaughlin, Ryan Burke, Kellan Gordon, Farrend Rawson, Elliott Hewitt, Jaden Charles

Midfielders: Keaton Ward, George Maris, Harry Charsley, Jason Law, Ollie Clarke, Stephen Quinn, George Lapslie

Strikers: Jimmy Knowles, Oliver Hawkins, Tyrese Sinclair, Danny Johnson, Jordan Bowery

Retford United, who play in the Central Midlands League North Division, had their 2020/21 season abandoned after only seven games.

The Badgers’ pre-season is in full swing though with the encounter against the amber and blues being their fourth pre-season match. In those three games, they beat Dronfield Town 3-0, drew 1-1 to Stocksbridge Park Steels and lost 4-3 to Sheffield FC.

Retford has confirmed that 1000 supporters will be allowed into Cannon Park for the game against the Stags due to coronavirus restrictions.

Tickets will be available for purchase on matchday, with the gates opening at 6pm, and only cash payments will be accepted.

Supporters are advised to arrive plenty of time ahead of the game to have the best chance of being allowed to watch the match.

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