Stags still in search of elusive victory as they take on Rochdale at the One Call Stadium

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Mansfield Town’s luck on and off the pitch has been awful, to say the least as they hope to shatter their winless run with a positive result against in-form Rochdale.

Nigel Clough was struck with more bad news this week as Stephen Quinn’s ban of three games was changed into a harsher one of six games due to another incident in the Harrogate Town game.

The Stags boss gave his thoughts on the decision from the FA and regarding Quinn’s ban as a whole.

“He [Quinn] got done for two separate incidents and it was a bit confusing, the way it came out. But he has got six games [ban], so five more to go.

“He can play in our Papa John’s Trophy game against Sheffield Wednesday next month, but he misses the next five league games.

“We were very disappointed. We thought it [punishment] was excessive. He’s been banned for six games and he’s hardly touched anybody, so we’re disappointed. He’s been disciplined accordingly and will be a big miss for us.”

The midfield has probably been the strongest area since the arrival of the 55-year-old at the One Call Stadium in November 2020.

However, without two key components, Quinn and Ollie Clarke, that department has faltered ever so slightly with Mansfield having to play youngsters Ryan Stirk and Tyrese Sinclair in the places of the two senior professionals who are serving their suspensions.

On the topic of the last league game, the amber and blues were once again beaten and let in another three goals which moved their tally of goals conceded in the league to 13, second-highest behind bottom of the league, Oldham Athletic who have let in 14 goals after only seven games.

Walsall had their finishing boots on against the Stags last Saturday as Barnsley loanee and young forward George Miller ran riot to claim a brace with Ash Taylor’s goal sandwiched in between.

Clough’s men had another poor day at the office as the defence and the centre-back partnership, in particular, of loanee Richard Nartey and Elliott Hewitt were torn to pieces.

The duo couldn’t outmuscle Miller for his first and Nartey fell over and allowed the forward to get past him and slot the ball into the back of the net for his second.

Mansfield were able to consolation through Danny Johnson in the latter stages of the game, however, it was too little too late as the Stags fell to a fifth successive defeat.

After their defeat to Forest Green, Rochdale have not lost a game and are currently on a six-game unbeaten streak.

In their last match, they took on Tranmer Rovers in Merseyside and extended their winning run to three games. Danny Cashman’s goal in the 84th minute secured the points for the Dale as they moved into the top 10.

The Stags don’t have the best record against Rochdale as they’ve only won three times compared to Dale’s six league victories.

It won’t be an easy game for Clough’s men with their current league form but a positive performance and a clean sheet are vital.

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