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Lee Tomlin out of trip to Mansfield with ankle problem. Craige Farrell (groin) is a major dout and Simon Downer (tendonitis in the knee) is struggling to be fit.

Who will replace them?

Stuart

StuartRDFC wrote:Who will replace them?

Stuart

I imagine Huke will come back in at right back, with Osano moving to the middle. Up front, it'll presumably be 3 from Smith, O'Connor, Akurang, Louis and Thomas (probably the first 3).

Tomlin = Louis

Downer = Huke

Farrell - Smith

No surprises really, I reckon Justin would have rested Tomlin and Farrell anyway, Downer he'll be keen to nurse along to full fitness - we need all 3 for the semis.

Incidentally, any tips on where best to park in Mansfield? Last time I went I parked at the ground (don't ask, lets just say I got there early and got lucky ;) ), any safe parking tips recommended.

Hope Smith does start, personally think he looks very dangerous atm. Just lacked match sharpness and fitness against Kiddy and Ebbsfleet, but they will come. Also he is very overdue a goal. I also have a feeling if he gets one, he could get 3/4 before the season is over, including playoffs of course ;)

Really hope Cliff doesn't start though. He was okay as a sub on Saturday but last monday I thought he was dreadful with the ball. He had one good header but a couple of times he just completely skewed it, and he appeared to wait far too long when one on one in first half, letting the defender get back and nick it of him. I know he hasn't played much lately either but I personally find him very painful to watch, especially now he isn't grabbing the odd goal.

Would like to see Thomas play, although maybe J-Lo with a couple of games rest will be raring to show us what he's worth.

Steve wrote:Hope Smith does start, personally think he looks very dangerous atm. Just lacked match sharpness and fitness against Kiddy and Ebbsfleet, but they will come. Also he is very overdue a goal. I also have a feeling if he gets one, he could get 3/4 before the season is over, including playoffs of course ;)

Really hope Cliff doesn't start though. He was okay as a sub on Saturday but last monday I thought he was dreadful with the ball. He had one good header but a couple of times he just completely skewed it, and he appeared to wait far too long when one on one in first half, letting the defender get back and nick it of him. I know he hasn't played much lately either but I personally find him very painful to watch, especially now he isn't grabbing the odd goal.

Would like to see Thomas play, although maybe J-Lo with a couple of games rest will be raring to show us what he's worth.

Tbf to Akurang, he's in the same boat as Smith, lacking match fitness. If we can get Cliff back to grabbing those odd goals like he was earlier, and Sam like he was when he came off the bench last season, both would stand us in good stead for the playoffs.

PigmanRDFC wrote:No surprises really, I reckon Justin would have rested Tomlin and Farrell anyway, Downer he'll be keen to nurse along to full fitness - we need all 3 for the semis.

Incidentally, any tips on where best to park in Mansfield? Last time I went I parked at the ground (don't ask, lets just say I got there early and got lucky ;) ), any safe parking tips recommended.

Last season we parked at the ground no problems. I imagine this season will be the same - they aren't expecting too many home fans to bother.

I hope if Farrell is out then Smith starts with Akurang and O'Connor. They looked quite sharp in the second half on Saturday after both looked poor on monday.

We could finally see some of Thomas, or J-Lo could come back into the squad, but I think Smith has earnt a place in the side at least off the back of a decent showin on Saturday.

Maybe Pattison will get a game? Surprised he didn't play at Kiddy, wasn't even on the bench on Saturday though.