JOINT caretaker boss Mark Stallard has warned his Mansfield Town players they must keep their feet firmly on the ground as they go in search of a hat-trick of wins against league leaders Burton tonight.

The resurgent Stags have won both league games since Stallard, along with Adie Moses, were placed in temporary charge following the sacking of Billy McEwan.

The former Notts County striker is thrilled with the response he has had from the Mansfield squad, particularly in Boxing Day's 3-1 win at Kettering.

But he knows that counts for little against Nigel Clough's side, who have stormed clear at the top of the Blue Square Premier table. It is going to be a hard match, but we believe we can win it," said Stallard.

"But there should be a confidence among our lads and we will try to build on that in the Burton game.

"What we did at Kettering was fantastic, but that was only one game and other than the fact it shows we can compete against good teams, it means nothing now.

"We are starting from scratch for this one. There was not a lot in the game at Burton, just the one goal. We have home advantage but they will be confident because they are top of the league."

Mansfield are hoping for a bumper Field Mill crowd for the visit of their nearest rivals, helped by a healthy following of away fans. But Stallard is backing the home supporters to out-shout the visitors after getting behind the team so effectively at Kettering.

He said: "The fans have been good all season and they have only started voicing their displeasure when things have not been going right.

"They have not been given anything to cheer but they showed against Weymouth and Kettering they get right behind us when they have something to shout about."