Next Up: Mansfield Town vs Exeter City

City’s bright start to 2026 came down to earth with a bump with a humiliating 4-0 home reverse to relegation-threatened Rotherham. Gary Caldwell will have to pick up his troops for the long trip to face one of the division’s in-form sides. Given City’s financial woes Caldwell will be delighted that the transfer window closed with none of his players having departed, although it did also mean that aside from the signing of Tutierov no other business was possible. With Johnly Yfeko now back from injury the treatment table is starting to look less busy, meaning Caldwell will have to make a few decisions in terms of his squad.

Unlike City, Mansfield were able to add to their squad on deadline day with two new signings in Tyler Roberts and George Abbott, making it six new faces in all, giving Nigel Clough a boost as he looks to extend the Stags’ unbeaten run, which currently stands at eight in league and cup – including a thrilling 4-3 win at Championship side Sheffield United in the FA Cup. Mansfield have, however, drawn their last three matches so Clough will look to get back to winning ways quickly in order to push towards the playoffs. Mansfield have long had a habit of blowing hot and cold under Clough – their current run coming in the footsteps of five defeats and a draw in their previous six matches, so City will hope the current run of draws heralds one of their poor runs. The key player in their current run has been Rhys Oates, who has scored six in the league (eight overall) to be joint top scorer with Will Evans.

City will be hoping to avenge the 1-2 home reverse back in August – Mansfield led at half time through Blake-Tracy, this was cancelled out through a Magennis penalty before Evans scored a late winner. City’s 24/25 season closed on a low at Field Mill with a 3-0 defeat thanks to goals from McLaughlin, Dwyer and Waine. City hold a slim league head to head lead with 28 wins to 25, 19 matches finishing level.

The match officials for this game will be:-

Referee: Simon Mather
Assistant Referees: Matthew Sowerby and William Cavanagh
Fourth Official : Peter Wright

We’ve not had Simon Mather take charge of an Exeter game since 2022. He took charge of a 3-2 win away at Port Vale in the Fa Cup in November 2022. He also took charge of the 4-3 win away at Bristol Rovers in December 2022. So far this season he’s taken charge of 23 games, showing 74 yellow cards and not sent any players off.

Interview with Gary Caldwell

Interview with Captain Pierce Sweeney

Training at St James Park

Interview with Mansfield gaffer Nigel Clough

Interview with Mansfield’s Stephen McLaughlin

Last time Exeter won away at Mansfield, 26 September 2020 during Covid restrictions