Mansfield Town vs Northampton Town betting tips: League Two play-off semi-final first leg preview, predictions and odds

By Ben Gray Published: May 11, 2022 10:25 am

Mansfield Town

2

-

1

Northampton Town

Match ended

Show players

Murphy, Jamie
Akins, Lucas

86'

Quinn, Stephen
Stirk, Ryan

77'

66'

Appere, Louis
Rose, Danny

Perch, James

61'

61'

Koiki, Ali

Longstaff, Matthew
Wallace, Kieran

60'

56'

Kanu, Idris
Eppiah, Josh

Maris, George

50'

Bowery, Jordan

32'

22'

McWilliams, Shaun

Oates, Rhys

14'

At the moment there is no player information for this match. Please check later.

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Northampton have won just one of their last seven meetings with Mansfield, a 2-0 victory at Sixfields back in October. The Cobblers have also failed to win any of their last eight visits to Field Mill, dating back to a play-off tie in 2004. None of Mansfield’s three play-off campaigns have ended in promotion. This is Northampton’s seventh play-off adventure, going up in 1997 and 2020. 

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Both teams to score is 10/11.

Draw and both teams to score is 15/4.

Northampton Town to qualify for the play-off final is 3/4.

Sam Hoskins is 15/2 to break the deadlock and 11/4 to add to his 14 goals this season.

Mansfield Town to draw 1-1 with Northampton Town- 5/1!

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Match preview

NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – MARCH 02: Ryan Watson of Northampton Town celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Sky Bet League One match between Northampton Town and Plymouth Argyle at PTS Academy Stadium on March 02, 2021 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)

After heartbreakingly missing out on promotion in dramatic fashion on the final day, how do Northampton Town pick themselves up and go again?

On Saturday, the Cobblers seemed set for League One, racing into a 3-0 lead at Barrow.

Sam Hoskins bagging a brace with Fraser Horsfall scoring in-between, with Barrow pulling one back on the stroke of half time.

However, simultaneously 242 miles south, Bristol Rovers were hammering already-relegated Scunthorpe 7-0, scoring five times in a 32 minutes second-half spree.

These details are key because it saw the Pirates pip Northampton to promotion on goals scored. with their points tallies and goal differences identical.

So, despite being unbeaten in six, Jon Brady’s team missed out on an automatic return to the third-tier, needing to go again in these play-offs.

In contrast, Mansfield Town only secured their place in these play-offs on Saturday, so will feel they have nothing to lose.

The Stags held champions Forest Green Rovers to a 2-2 draw at the weekend with Matty Longstaff and Jordan Bowery on target.

This means Nigel Clough’s men have taken eight points from the last 12 available, ensuring they ended up above the play-off line.

Now, the Yellows are dreaming of returning to League One for the first time since 2003.

Will there be a winner in this first leg at Field Mill?

Mansfield Town team news

MANSFIELD, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 03: A Mansfield Town fan holds his scarf up before The Emirates FA Cup Second Round match between Mansfield Town and Guiseley at the One Call Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Mansfield, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

Since joining on loan from Newcastle in January, Matty Longstaff has become a key figure, starting 16 of the last 18 games, scoring six times.

Jamie Murphy will continue to support the front two of Jordan Bowery and top-scorer Rhys Oates who has 11 to his name this season.

Northampton Town team news

NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 15: Mitch Pinnock celebrates with team mate Fraser Horsfall after scoring his sides goal during the Sky Bet League Two match between Northampton Town and Forest Green Rovers at Sixfields on January 15, 2022 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)

First-choice goalkeeper Liam Roberts was sent off in the final minute of Saturday’s game against Barrow so is now suspended for this first leg.

This is a big blow because Roberts has started all 46 League Two games this season, keeping 21 clean sheets.

So, Jonny Maxted, who’s only played in the EFL Cup and EFL Trophy this season, will be drafted in for this huge game.

In attack, Louis Appéré will continue to partner Sam Hoskins who took his tally to 14 for the season with a brace at Barrow.

Final League Two table:

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