LOMAS ON STAGS: Early days but are we witnessing a historic season of success for Mansfield Town?

But it’s hard not to feel you are witnessing what could be one of the most wonderful seasons in Mansfield Town’s long history.

Yes, football can be a cruel mistress and things can change very quickly. But results, performances and crowds are all hugely impressive and the fantastic start to the season has been achieved with a string of key players out injured.

Last season the injury jinx hurt Mansfield badly, but this season they are riding the storm, despite a new wave of knocks.

Hopefully the unbeaten start to the campaign goes on after tonight’s big clash with rivals Wrexham.

To be one of only two clubs in the country unbeaten alongside the mighty Arsenal by the start of October is hugely impressive, as is the football being played. And Stags are on the verge of the Carabao Cup quarter-finals for only the second time in their history.

It has certainly captured the imagination of the town with tonight’s game sold out – and if things continue the way they are doing many more will follow and pressure to at least turn the derelict Bishop Street side into standing terracing will grow.

In Davis Keillor-Dunn, Stags also have a player with eight goals to his name already and one of the division’s best players. He and centre half man-mountain Aden Flint are two that everyone prays will stay fit as they are so important.

Already, with the injury list easing, the bench looks fantastic.

And, with players of the quality of Stephen McLaughlin, Rhys Oates, Stephen Quinn and Elliott Hewitt to return – maybe even Alfie Kilgour if he can get fit ahead of schedule – the potential must be frightening for League Two promotion rivals.

Even Lady Luck for once smiled on the Stags last weekend as their equaliser was allowed to stand. Gillingham players were left aghast as they stopped for a yellow card that the referee had pulled out only to see Ollie Clarke take a quick free kick and send Keillor-Dunn away. It was an error by the official and should have been brought back without doubt. Booking the home player after the goal was rubbing salt in the wounds!