Just how vital is Saturday's game?

Last updated : 06 March 2007 By Paul Smith

With the Stags in action tonight at home to Chester City, by the time this local derby begins, Notts could be below their Nottinghamshire rivals for the first time this season. That would be the case should Mansfield beat Chester, and would have Notts fans desperately seeking a victory on Saturday, not that they already don't.

In the amber corner... Stags boss Billy Dearden

Only one win in eight, just four in seventeen, and Notts fans are becoming increasingly frustrated at another season of false promise. It began so good, as did last year, but is petering out to a mid-table finish. Fortunately, so bad are the clubs in the lower echelons of League 2, that a relegation battle will not materialise, as did last year. However, it is true to say at this stage last season, Notts were only three points worse off than they are now, so anything could happen, and as its Notts, probably will.

Despite conceding that Notts are out of the Playoff race, a ten point deficit surely too big a gap, local derbies will always be passionate do-or-die affairs. Quite simply, it I perhaps the one game for Notts, and Mansfield fans for that matter, that is left to get excited about. It makes it a must win game, particularly for the home side.

Should Notts lose:

Manager Steve Thompson declared following the defeat at Peterborough United "we will not lose more than two games out of the last ten". That would mean an eight game unbeaten run would be needed, otherwise more false promises will become unfulfilled from those in power at Meadow Lane.

It will also mean that Notts have picked up just one point from their local rivals out of six, and slipped a possible four points behind them. All this would see the Magpies become the worst placed of the Nottinghamshire league sides, yet more embarrassment for the fans to have to endure, particularly with the last two season seeing the Stags finish above Notts.

It would certainly increase the pressure on Thompson, and would make it just one win in nine, relegation form for certain. With back to back away wins to follow, optimism will be at an all-time low, and the season will be gone once and for all.

In the black and white corner... Notts boss Thompson
Should Notts win:

And many are seriously doubting this with the visitors in good form, and Notts on a huge slide. If they do, then fans will rejoice, but it would probably only cloud over the obvious doubts of the clubs ambition.

Nevertheless, a win over your rivals is always special, and would give a great lift to everyone at the club. It may even propel Notts towards the eight victories needed for a Playoff place… stranger things have happened! Blind optimism maybe, but everyone gets carried away after a good result, and a result over Mansfield, which would keep Notts above their fierce rivals regardless of their result against Chester, is always satisfying.

In reality it would show off the inconsistency of the side further, and highlight that on the big occasion, as against Lincoln, they can deliver. Notts fans will be saying they must.

If it's a draw:

A point-less point each in fairness. Wouldn't boost anybody's slim hopes of a late Playoff chase, and would give neither fans bragging rights.

Is it all to play for?

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