Clough Says Fixture Schedule Has “Caught Up” With Mansfield
Mansfield Town manager Nigel Clough admitted his side’s intense run of games has started to take its toll after their dramatic 2-2 draw with Barnsley, according to BBC Sport.
The Stags rescued a point after falling two goals behind, with veteran striker Lucas Akins converting a penalty before Stephen McLaughlin struck a stoppage-time equaliser.
However, Clough suggested the demanding schedule, including an FA Cup run that saw them face Premier League opposition, had finally begun to show.
“This was the one where it’s caught up with us,” Clough said.
“We were toying with putting fresh legs out there but because we had played so well last Tuesday we didn’t want to tinker too much and maybe, with hindsight, we should have done.”
Mansfield have played 16 matches in the first 73 days of 2026, an intense period that has stretched the squad and forced Clough to balance form with fatigue.
The manager also highlighted the value of experienced players during the comeback.
“It shows the value of the experienced players at this level,” he added. “Sometimes you need that experience out there.”