Mark Cooper wants Notts County to lift fans with victory at Mansfield Town

Notts County manager Mark Cooper has praised the club's fans and called on the players to give them a lift by claiming local bragging rights at Mansfield Town.

The Magpies have played the Stags twice this season, losing to them in a League Two clash right at the start of the season but then clinching a 3-1 win in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

Cooper said: "It would be nice to give the fans something to smile about. They've been really good since I've been here. It would be good to give them a lift and a good result against Mansfield would do that.

"They will be coming in their numbers and you always want your fans' backing away from home – they always seem to be louder. I am sure it will be a really good atmosphere.

"The first thing you have to do is compete. You have to match the opposition's work rate.

"But the players have to be calm and realise that the team which deals with the occasion the best, usually comes out on top.

"It's about playing the game, not the occasion. You don't want to be taken in by the hype, it's about going to do a job."

Can Notts County get the better of Mansfield? Share your thoughts with Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the discussion.