HAVING beaten the Stags twice already this season, the Dragons will find David Holdsworth's side a completely different proposition when they face off at the Racecourse on Saturday (3.00).
Even allowing for a points deduction early in the season, Mansfield have now come to terms with life in the Blue Square Premier league and sit just eight points behind us having played the same number of games.
Having joined us in relegation last season, the Field Mill club had to endure an uncertain summer before a locally-based takeover finally secured the club's future - following a series of strange events behind the scenes.
Since then a change of manager in mid-season has seen their on field fortunes lift somewhat, but the former Watford and Sheffield United defender knows there is still a long way to go before they can make that jump back into the Football League.
"I think we all know we need to make a step up. This is why we are halfway up the league," said Holdsworth.
"We have to look at each game, but we also have to look at the bigger picture.
"We have to improve the quality in the squad. That is painful for the players to hear, but they are fighting for their futures.
"I'm aware there are a lot of things we need to improve on, but you can't do it overnight."
While their home record is looking good The Stags have lost their last three away games, at Cambridge, Grays and Histon.
Mansfield won their first two games under their new boss, at Lewes and Eastbourne in January, but they have managed just one more victory on the road since then - at Rushden - and have struggled since then.
"We want to go to Wrexham and be victorious; the mindset has to switch to that," said Holdsworth.
"Reflecting on the games we have lost away from home, the concentration levels have not always been as high as they should be.
"The players need to be focused and switched on at all times.
"It's been a strange week. We had a really good couple of days after Torquay and felt buoyant and then went down to Histon and were beaten when players switched off a vital moments.
"But it can be put right if we get a victory tomorrow. A win from Wrexham and Histon wouldn't be a bad return."
Mansfield will welcome Matt Somner back into their squad after he has been suspended for the last three games.
Holdsworth said: "We have missed Matt's competitive edge, particularly the other night at Histon.
"I think he has thrived and improved under me, and he is back in the frame for the weekend."
Daryl Clare, Adie Moses, Rob Duffy and Louis Briscoe are all carrying knocks, and they are further hampered by the illness of Mark Stallard and loan signing Ollie Hotchkiss.
Holdsworth said Clare, who has a slight thigh problem, will definitely start against Ebbsfleet on Tuesday - if he is fit.
"I'm not interested in excuses, but where we were healthy with players before, we are struggling a bit now," said the manager.
"The good thing is that even though they have knocks, they all want to play. Sometimes though your heart tells you different to your head.
"I don't want to put any of the players in a situation where they are vulnerable and there is no time for recovery at the moment with so many games.
"Perhaps a few of the younger players will come in."
Nottingham Evening Post
