Stags look to make it three wins from three in all competitions as they face Newcastle United’s under-21s in the Papa John’s Trophy

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Mansfield Town’s Papa John’s Trophy campaign has been far from ideal as they have lost all of their group games so far.

However, the amber and blues have a chance to redeem themselves against the Magpies’ under-21 side who are also winless in the competition.

The Stags have faced both Harrogate Town and Sheffield Wednesday in the competition with the amber and blues recording a 3-1 away loss against the Sulphurites and a narrow 2-1 defeat against the Owls.

On the other hand, Newcastle’s under-21s have failed to score a goal in their last two games as they have fallen to 3-0 and 2-0 defeats against Wednesday and Harrogate respectively.

However, the Stags will take a lot of confidence heading into the final game of the Papa John’s Trophy group stages as they have nothing to lose with qualification out of their reach.

The current run of form will also breed confidence in the Mansfield camp after back-to-back victories and clean sheets were recorded.

Two weeks ago, Nigel Clough’s men were able to secure their first league victory since August as they beat promotion-pushing Tranmere Rovers 2-0 at the One Call Stadium.

Goals from Rhys Oates and Danny Johnson saw the amber and blues secure a vital victory that saw them move out of the relegation zone.

In the FA Cup First Round last weekend, the Stags travelled to the Stadium of Light for the second consecutive season as they took on ex-Premier League outfit Sunderland.

A quick goal from Oates saw him score his second goal in as many games as Mansfield progressed into the next round of the competition.

After the fantastic victory against the Black Cats, Clough stated that the players that did not feature in the FA Cup game will get some valuable game time against the Magpies’ under-21 side in the Papa John’s Trophy.

Mansfield’s 17-man squad has already been released with the following players likely to get valuable minutes under their belts.

Goalkeepers; Marek Stech and George Shelvey

Defenders; James Clarke, Ferrend Rawson, Will Forrester, John-Joe O’Toole and George Cooper

Midfielders; Keaton Ward, Ryan Stirk, George Maris, Harry Charsley and Jason Law

Forwards; Jordan Bowery, Danny Johnson, James Gale, Tyrese Sinclair, and Nathan Caine

Clough’s side will be looking to make it three wins from three in all competition and not bowing out of the Papa John’s Trophy without a win under their belt.

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