DAVID Holdsworth insists those who label his Mansfield Town team as nothing but long-ball merchants are being unfair.

The Stags host Tamworth today looking to boost their Blue Square Premier play-off hopes by making it five games unbeaten.

After winning 4-2 at the New Lamb in February, Mansfield are looking to complete a league double over Gary Mills' men.

And Holdsworth says if they do it will be as much down to good football as direct tactics.

"People think because of the long throws we use, we go long all the time, but we didn't go long for the four goals we scored against Salisbury – they were all from open play," he said.

"We encourage our full backs to get on the ball and for our midfielders to link up with the strikers, as they did for our first goal last week.

"Of course, if the long throw is good enough for Tony Pulis at Stoke and Chelsea in the Premier League then it is good enough for us.

"But it is just one aspect of play that can help us. We still encourage the wingers to take on their men and get crosses in.

"There are other sides in this league that all play it longer because they have got willing runners to chase it.

"I think only people that don't know the game and don't watch it would say we are a long ball team."

Holdsworth is also calling on the Football Conference to clarify the position of Kettering Town.

It was originally thought the Poppies would not be able to enter the play-offs, even if they made the top five, because they do not own their ground or have a minimum ten-year lease.

But they are now making noises that they can secure such a deal before the end of the season.

Holdsworth said: "In the next six weeks there is going to be a huge amount of nerves and it would be better if people knew where they stood.

"And that is down to the league."