DAVID Holdsworth hopes the burgeoning partnership between Chris Smith and Steve Foster can guide Mansfield Town to a third consecutive clean sheet against Tamworth this afternoon.

The Stags have gone top of the Blue Square Bet Premier in the early stages of the season after a 1-0 win over Cambridge and 4-0 success at Altrincham in their last two outings.

That is in no small part down to the improved form of the central defensive duo after an inauspicious start.

The pair were criticised by Holdsworth after the 3-0 defeat at Fleetwood in which summer striking target Magno Vieira gave them the runaround.

But the Stags boss has been encouraged by the way they have responded.

"Since the Fleetwood game they have done very well. I felt that was the right time to give them a bit of a rollicking," said Holdsworth.

"It wasn't shouting and bawling at them, it was constructive, but they have taken it on board and come back strongly.

"Chris Smith has shown his maturity and experience in how he has responded. He's a very good central defender.

"Steve has also performed how I expect from him. I'm probably more critical of that position than anything because that's where I used to play.

"They have to keep those standards now because they will keep being tested, none more so than against Tamworth."

Smith will line-up against his former team-mates this afternoon knowing they have started the season brightly.

The Lambs have been led by former Mansfield striker Kyle Perry, who has shown his capabilities with four goals in his first six games.

Holdsworth said: "We will see if Chris can give us any inside information. I'm sure he will be looking forward to playing his old team, but we all have to do our job professionally.

"Kyle has done very well since moving to Tamworth. He's scored the goals for them and I'm sure he will be very pleased with his start to the season.

"He's a danger if you allow him to dictate to you.

"Every manager I speak to gives a lot of praise to Tamworth and they have just beaten Luton, which shows their abilities."