News

18/10/2008 - O'Connor: Stags need to play without fear

Aaron O'Connor believes a lack of confidence caused by Mansfield's recent slump is hindering their attacking prowess.

The Stags have failed to score in three of their last five matches after being among the division's top scorers at the start of the season.

Striker O'Connor (pictured) has five goals so far, but thinks the chances have dried up because the players are anxious not to make errors.

And he believes they can only bring the best out of themselves against Wrexham today by playing without fear.

He said: "Earlier in the season players were trying things out things that they are not prepared to risk now.

"No one wants to do anything that will cause us to leak a goal. We are playing cautiously. But we have to get back to relaxing and playing naturally, as we were doing at the start of the season.

"We need everyone to start expressing themselves and playing open football again.

"Even though we have come back in games before, getting the first goal in a match would definitely help."

Wrexham come to Field Mill having recorded back-to-back wins for the first time since April 2007. They will be out to impress new manager Dean Saunders, who has taken over after the departure of Brian Little.

But O'Connor does not think it is a bad time to be playing the Welsh side. He said: "If we perform I would back us to be good enough, regardless of the situation.''

Stags have signed defensive midfielder Sam Wedgbury, 19, from Sheffield United. He can also play in central defence and joins on a one-month loan.