Mansfield Town boss David Flitcroft describes Notts County as "an intimidating place"

Mansfield Town boss David Flitcroft has described Notts County as "quite an intimidating place" as he gears up for his first Nottinghamshire derby.

The 44-year-old has only been in charge of the Stags since the start of March, leaving Swindon Town to take over from Steve Evans in the Field Mill dugout.

As derbies between the two go, Saturday's clash at Meadow Lane is arguably one of the most significant in recent years, with both sides in the thick of the League Two promotion race.

“They play a certain way and do things how Kev (Kevin Nolan) likes to play and we’ve got to combat that,” Flitcroft told the Nottingham Post. "We must make sure on the day we turn their strengths into weaknesses and that we are stronger in what we do.

“Notts can be quite an intimidating place. They have made it a fortress and we have to try to take ownership ourselves, which can only come through the performance of the players and the energy they show which will cascade onto our fans.

“Notts have had a good season. Kevin has had that momentum from last season. He went in there just after Christmas time and built momentum. Obviously the owner's backed him. He is a great football man, but we have to concentrate on our game.

“They are up there for a reason. If you are in the top three over the course of a season then you’re doing something right. We have to understand that. But since I came in here from day one we’ve been concentrating on Mansfield Town and what we can do to improve and how we can get better. We are certainly seeing small signs of that.”

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