Newport County vs Mansfield Town preview - Storey set for Exiles start

Posted Tuesday, March 03, 2015 by PA

Miles Storey will again lead the line against Mansfield after giving Jimmy Dack a first win since being appointed as permanent manager of the club.

The striker celebrated extending his own new deal with the winning goal against Burton on Saturday, but there is competition to start alongside him.

Aaron O'Connor missed the win after failing a late fitness test, handing Chris Zebroski the chance to impress, while Robbie Willmott is also fighting for a recall.

Two wins in the last three have revived play-off hopes for the Exiles, but a shortage of goals has seen them score just four goals in seven games.

Mansfield will check on defender Ryan Tafazolli before making the trip to south Wales.

Tafazolli completed Saturday's home win over Dagenham despite suffering a dislocated shoulder but Stags boss Adam Murray is hopeful that the centre-half will remain available.

Murray will have to make a change in goal, though. Lenny Pidgeley, on loan from Newport, is not be allowed to play against his parent club so Swiss shot-stopper Sascha Studer will come back into the team for his first start since December 16.

Liam Hearn, Luke Jones and Matty Blair remain long-term absentees for the Stags, who have won just nine points on the road this season.