Mansfield etc

Well we managed to secure the usual 1 point at Field Mill with a decent performance. We should have been a couple of goals to the good before conceding a goal which to be fair was an excellent strike. The usual gremlins that seem to befall us at Mansfield were again in evidence and how we did not manage to win with the possession we had I don't know, but an excellent free kick from Howells was headed home by Will Antwi and despite Matt Green failing to add to his goal by the width of a post, there only looked one winner. However, it was not to be but we remain unbeaten and while not an ideal start we are certainly up and running and will be challenging at the very top of the table before much longer.

Would my imposter stop posting crapola on Outlaws under my name please! I was at the match at the time and so unable to out him/her!

On the news front, I regret to say that the striker deal I was expecting to be completed, and one which would have been very acceptable to the fans, has hit a problem; one which may yet be overcome, but we will have to wait and see.  It should have been done and dusted by now but 'goalposts have been moved'. I can't say any more than that for now. Meanwhile, other options are being looked at and one of those would be very acceptable too, but I believe that Styche is unlikely to be among those options. Never say never, but when Baldock signs for Reading don't be surprised if Styche signs for the Mongs as his replacement. Not saying 'bet the farm' but it is on the cards.

Despite rumours of players being dropped for Mansfield, I can state that Keane had a dead leg from Saturday but refused to come off and suffered a reaction; Lawless had a niggle that meant to play him so soon afterwards was not a risk worth taking; and Wilmott has been used sparingly while he recovers from a slight injury but will be awesome as ever once fully fit.

Don't expect Pilks back for a while yet, he is running but it's going to take time and advice from a specialist, Henry is a long way off and Blackett will probably be a week away for the rest of the season or indeed his contract!

Braintree have been watched and they play some decent football and are very physical, so it will be a test on Saturday. Nuff sed!