The Mansfield trip brings another one of those nearly local derbies that punctuates this season in the basement division, and our first trip to Field Mill for many a year feels all the closer for the construction of Mansfield Town railway station, seven minutes walk from the stadium.

The nearest pub to the station is The Railway Inn which is somewhat tucked away down Station Street. Traditional style pub with food to match and Bateman’s real ale on tap.

At the ground itself there is the American theme Early Doors pub about 50 yards from the home entrance, does what it does reasonably well, proximity to the ground being its main attraction however.

A better bet for those arriving by car and thus approaching from the A38 (Sutton Road) is the Lord Byron, (the last pub before the ground when you get to Quarry Lane off Sheepbridge Lane). Only five minutes walk to the stadium, and boasting well kept ale, food and a friendly landlord.

On Sutton Road itself The John Cockle provides the service of chain pub-eatery which is useful for families although a little bland, while just a little further along and set back from Sutton Road there is the excellent Bold Forrester which offers more variety and a better atmosphere.

On the other side of the stadium the second nearest pub to the ground is probably The Fabulous Talbot (that’s its name not my opinion!). A better bet than the Early Doors, it can be found on Nottingham Road opposite the garish pink restaurant thing that used to be the rather excellent Plough pub, now sadly no more.

The town centre (about 15 minutes walk from the ground) is another one of those that boasts plenty of bars per radius yardage. Personally my favourite has always been The Wheatsheaf next the pedestrianised shopping area near the bus station, which is nice because on Saturday I will mostly be arriving by bus…..don’t ask!!

Enjoy your day… weather permitting.