Mansfield Town boss David Holdsworth hopes home advantage will prove the difference when his side entertain Boro this weekend. The Stags have not lost on home soil since Holdsworth took charge last December and, after the 3-1 defeat to Kidderminster on T

Mansfield Town boss David Holdsworth hopes home advantage will prove the difference when his side entertain Boro this weekend.

The Stags have not lost on home soil since Holdsworth took charge last December and, after the 3-1 defeat to Kidderminster on Tuesday, the former defender believes that a return to Field Mill could herald a return to winning ways.

"They (Stevenage) know what this league is all about and it is going to be a challenge, as it was when we played them last season," said Holdsworth. "But we are at home and hopefully our players will respond to that.

"I thought to myself on Tuesday night that I couldn't wait to get back to Field Mill.

"We have got a tremendous support wherever we play, but particularly at home.

"It will do us good after two away trips because the fans have been outstanding and really get behind us.

"I think they recognise that we need to put a performance on for them."

Holdsworth revealed that he hold Boro in high regard and expects Graham Westley's men to be right amongst the promotion mix once again this season.

"Stevenage are a strong side and we are going to have to be on our mettle to get a win," he added. "They are well organised and also have some very good players.

"We are playing against a team that got to the play-offs last season, which shows you how capable they are.

"They have lost Steve Morison, but they have got a good replacement in Charlie Griffin who was one of the top scorers last season.