Massive day for Mansfield as FA Cup clash with Liverpool puts town on the map
FANS, shops, pubs and police are gearing up for one of the biggest days in Mansfield Town's history as they prepare to take on Liverpool in the FA Cup tomorrow.
The country's media are also set to arrive as Liverpool – and 1,600 visiting supporters – visit the town for the third Round match.
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Ian Watton landlord of the Byron Pub
Ian Watton is manager of the Byron pub in Market Street and said he is expecting bumper crowds.
He added: "We're gearing up for the match and expecting a massive day.
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"I've increased the beer capacity."
The Oak pub in Market Place will be screening the match.
Manager Dawn Owen-Foster said: "It will be busy beforehand. It's got to be good for the town in general."
Mark McGachan manages the White Hart pub in Market Place and said the game should bring good business to the town.
He added: "I guess there will be plenty of people looking for a place to drink."
The Conference side beat Lincoln 2-1 on December 12 to book themselves the glamour tie against Liverpool and fans are getting excited ahead of the arrival of the Premier League giants.
Roger Millward, of Westfield Lane, is an avid Stags fan and is going to the game.
The 23-year-old said: "I really hope that we can cause an upset and become every neutral's favourite underdog in the competition.
"Everywhere I've gone in the last month people have been talking about the match. Hopefully people will be talking about it for weeks after as well, for the right reasons."
Steven Ripley, of Forest Road, will be watching the game on television.
The 55-year-old said: "People are really excited. It's good for the town and puts the place on the map."
He added: "We're excited to have all the top players coming here, bringing more people into Mansfield."
Despite large numbers of fans expected at the game and in the town, police aren't anticipating any trouble.
Match commander Superintendent Mark Holland is masterminding the police presence at the game.
He said: "We're not expecting any disorder and there's no intelligence to suggest there will be any organised disorder.
"It'll be a busy day and an exciting day for Mansfield and the police operation is very much to allow people to have a good day.
"If fans are genuine, and behave and drink responsibly, then we will have no issues and everyone can enjoy what promises to be a cracking game of football."
Despite a low-key operation, there is a serious message from police.
Supt Holland said: "The key message is that we have seen pitch incursions in the past and that is something that we will not tolerate."
Big match preview: See pages 34/35
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