Fa Cup 3rd Round Mansfield (A) Build Up

[Glenn Hysen]

Maybe he used the latest map in the IPhone..

[Chazza]

JamesNursey 5 mins ago Twitter
Mansfield's err...pitch for #LFC . twitter.yfrog.com/kfq82df...



Like a carpet

[Tee]

Looking at the state of that pitch there is a real danger of someone picking up a knock in this game.

[Chazza]

Fears weather may claim Mansfield-Liverpool tie

Mansfield manager Paul Cox is worried one of the biggest games in the club's history may be a wash-out.

The Stags are scheduled to host Liverpool in the FA Cup third round on Sunday afternoon but the state of the pitch at the One Call Stadium is causing concern.

Mansfield's Blue Square Bet Premier fixture against Grimsby on Saturday had to be postponed because of a waterlogged pitch and the playing surface still looked soggy this morning.

With forecasters predicting more rain ahead of the weekend, the club's groundsman Michael Merriman has his work cut out to ensure that the Liverpool tie does not fall victim to the weather.

"The pitch took a lot of stick against Alfreton on Boxing Day and it is hard for it to recover with all the rain," said Cox, who will celebrate his 40th birthday on Sunday.

"In fact the assessor in the stand said to me he was surprised that game actually finished as the ball wasn't moving in some places on the pitch and players just couldn't run with it.

"Then we had Grimsby called off. That game was in doubt on the Friday but overnight there were strong winds and no more rain, so I was quite optimistic about the pitch inspection.

"But the water just wasn't draining away and if you threw a ball up it just wouldn't bounce. The forecast for later was torrential rain so there was little option.

"And here we are again. All we can do is hope for Sunday.

"The front page of the newspaper the other day said the new year is set to be a wash-out, so you start to worry about the Liverpool game.

"Obviously, we want to have a decent surface for the Liverpool game. We want to be be able to give the best account of ourselves that we can in front of a worldwide TV audience.

"The FA Cup has something special about it and to get Liverpool is a dream for the club, it is what dreams are made of.

"It will be a massive game for the club and such a shame if the weather ruins it for everyone because the players, the chairman and the supporters all deserve it."

http://www.itv.com/sport/football/article/2013-01-03/fears-weather-may-claim-mansfield-liverpool-tie/

[greenbloodred]

I'dd like to see Kristian Adorjan get a run out v Mansfield.

[RedReet]

I'dd like to see Kristian Adorjan get a run out v Mansfield.

With the amount of games our first team players have had recently and the fact our reserves haven't played since before Christmas, this really could be the opportunity for some of the lesser known names to get a chance.

Ngoooooooooooooooooooo.

[Fosterbloke]

We should just play our reserve team entirely!

[SB]

It would be disappointing if it was called off & Sturridge couldn't make his debut in a low pressure match like this.

[Assassin]

If it is in danger of be called off it should be switched to Anfield. From a financial point of view Mansfield would be much better off

[Lee]

If it is in danger of be called off it should be switched to Anfield. From a financial point of view Mansfield would be much better off

Should've probably been switched in the first place but I'm guessing it's too late now anyway.

[Chazza]

Should've probably been switched in the first place but I'm guessing it's too late now anyway.

I think the ground switching option is now in the hands of the local council who have to prove that they cannot accomodate the away team with the ground being unfit of they can't police it etc. Even then they have to try and find the next closest ground to play it at before it can be switched to the other teams ground.

[Lee]

I think the ground switching option is now in the hands of the local council who have to prove that they cannot accomodate the away team with the ground being unfit of they can't police it etc. Even then they have to try and find the next closest ground to play it at before it can be switched to the other teams ground.

Ah I wasn't aware of that.

So if the Mansfield pitch ends up being an absolute bog then they'd look to move it to, erm, the City Ground or Chesterfield's stadium or something before deciding to move it to Anfield?!

Well everyday is an education.

[Fredo]

Shaggy's from Mansfield isn't it?

[Lee]

Shaggy's from Mansfield isn't it?

Dunno mate. Thought that was CJ.

PS - I'd completely forgotten about Pacheco. I'd start him too.

[BigChief]

Please don't get called off. My phones weather app is showing dry weather this weekend. How the hell do Mansfield fulfil their football status if their drainage is so ****? Can't blame the weather we live in England ffs.