The Stags look to build on their league opening victory as they welcome Newport County to Nottinghamshire

A win in the first league game of the season sees Nigel Clough’s Mansfield Town looking to make it two consecutive league victories as they face Newport County at the One Call Stadium.

In recent years, Mansfield Town and Newport County have faced each other too many times in league and play-off action.

Eight games in the last three seasons have culminated in two wins for the amber and blues, three victories for the Exiles and three draws with a combined total of 16 goals altogether.

Michael Flynn’s Newport, similarly to the Stags, had a very tense opening day of the season as they travelled to Boundary Park to face Keith Curle’s Oldham Athletic.

Not many chances were created throughout the 90 minutes but Kevin Ellison made a positive impact after coming on in the 73rd minute to score a goal in the dying embers of the match.

Ryan Haynes delivered the ball into the box and the veteran forward saw his bullet header go past Oldham goalkeeper Danny Rogers for the Exiles to win 1-0 and earn three points.

The Stags were at home for their opener as they faced newly relegated Bristol Rovers in their first game at League Two level in five years.

Oli Hawkins gave Mansfield the lead just before half-time as he headed the ball into the back of the net after an inch-perfect Stephen McLaughlin delivery.

A wonder strike from Cian Harries put the Gas back into the game in the 63rd minute, but they ran into trouble when captain Paul Coutts was sent off.

Mansfield Town pilled on the pressure and were awarded a penalty in the dying embers of the game. Hawkins was pulled back in the box by Mark Hughes with the referee pointing to the spot.

Up stepped Danny Johnson and slotted the ball into the back of the net which gave the Stags a dramatic 2-1 win and three points.

Both sides also sprung into Carabao Cup first-round action in midweek with Mansfield facing Preston North End and Newport facing Ipswich Town.

Nigel Clough’s Stags were defeated 3-0 after an inspiring performance but the Lilywhites’ clinical edge saw them move into the second round of the competition. Flynn’s Exiles made it through to the next round after they narrowly beat the Tractor Boys 1-0 at Portman Road.

The last time Mansfield Town beat Newport County was in their final game of the 2019/20 season before its curtailment with the amber and blues 1-0 victors.

With the Stags unable to meet the Exiles in the last two competitive fixtures, Nigel Clough’s men, certainly lifted by the home crowd, will look to get another three points on the board.

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