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

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First leg score: Mansfield Town 2-1 Northampton Town

Northampton have won five of their last eight home matches against Mansfield, including a 2-0 victory back in November.  

Northampton to win and both teams to score NO is 11/4.

Northampton are 9/4 to qualify.

Sam Hoskins is 6/1 to break the deadlock and 9/4 to score anytime. 

Match preview

After Saturday night's first leg at Field Mill, it's still very much all to play for with a place at Wembley on the line.

In the first leg, it was Mansfield who struck the first blow when Jordan Bowery's inch perfect through-ball was cooly finished by Rhys Oates.

Then, shortly after, Bowery doubled the home side's lead, tapping home from close ranger after Jamie Murphy's wicked cross.

However, on the hour mark, Northampton halved the deficit when Louis Appéré broke down the left, teed-up Ali Koiki and he found the bottom corner.

So, 2-1 it finished, meaning this tie is on a knife-edge as the two reconvene 74 miles south.

Northampton are only in these play-offs after missing out on automatic promotion in the most dramatic of fashion.

On the final day, the Cobblers beat Barrow 3-1 but, simultaneously, Bristol Rovers hammered Scunthorpe 7-0, meaning the Pirates went up on goals scored.

The pain of this will only be healed of Jon Brady's side secure an instant return to League One.

Mansfield meanwhile only finished three points below their opponents in the table, but snuck into the top seven at the last.

The Stags are aiming to return to the third-tier for the first time since 1993 but, to get there, they'll have to gain promotion via play-offs for the first time ever.

Who will secure a place at Wembley with victory at Sixfields?

Northampton Town team news

Louis Appéré's assist in the first leg could see him keep his place up front, chosen over Danny Rowe.

Sam Hoskins will be their main threat going forward, having scored 14 goals this season.

Liam Roberts was sent off on the final day of the regular season but is available again so will return in goal, displacing Jonny Maxted.

Mansfield Town team news

Rhys Oats and Jordan Bowery will continue to lead the line for Mansfield after both scored on Saturday.

Right-back James Perch is the most experienced member of this squad; he made 65 Premier League appearances for Newcastle.

Speaking of the Magpies, Matty Longstaff has shone since arriving on loan from Tyneside, scoring six goals in 17 League Two appearances.

League Two table:

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