Stags recall Speight from loan to face Oxford

Jake Speight made a shock return to the Mansfield Town line-up for today’s home clash with high-flying Oxford United.

The striker had banged in five goals in six games on loan to Conference neighbours Alfreton Town but was this morning recalled by Mansfield to replace Ollie Palmer, who tore a hamstring last weekend.

There were also two changes at the back as Lee Beevers and John Dempster returned from suspension at the expense of George Pilkington and John McCombe.

The visitors included former Stags defender Johnny Mullins.

Oxford had won four and drawn two of their last six away League games while Stags were looking for a first League goal in 428 minutes and looking to end a run of six League games without victory, though would be lifted by that fine 8-1 away FA Cup win at St Albans last weekend.

STAGS: Marriott; Beevers, Sutton, Dempster, Jennings; Clucas, Howell, McGuire, Daniel; Stevenson, Speight. Subs: McCombe, Murtagh, Rhead, Meikle, Deakin, Andrew, Pilkington.
OXFORD: Clarke, Newey, Raynes, Rigg, Kitson, Smalley, Hunt, Williams, Whing, Rose, Mullins. Subs: Constable, Hall, Davies, Crocombe, Bevans, O’Dowda, Ruffels.

REFREREE: Charles Breakspear of Surrey.