Colchester United will travel to a resurgent Mansfield side knowing that they could go third with a win.
The U's moved themselves into the play-off places for the first time this season after a 2-1 home win against Leyton Orient last weekend, with all the results going the way of Steve Ball's side.
And they could push themselves even higher this weekend, albeit just for Friday night.
But it will be a tough test against a Mansfield side who have been in good shape since appointing Nigel Clough as their manager three weeks ago. Prior to his arrival, they hadn't won a game of any description all season, but three games into his tenure, they have won all three.
Despite the position that Mansfield sit in the table, Steve Ball is still wary of the threats that Friday night's opponents will present to his team.
"They're a really strong side. They have invested heavily, and Nigel has gone in and picked that up and got them winning straight away." -Steve Ball
"They're a good side with a good sqaud, with a competitive budget. I'm sure they'll be up there this season, I know they are down there at the moment but as we all know in this league, a string of wins can get you up there straight away."
Speaking about his own side, Ball has said he wants his players to take the opportunities when they come with Friday night being the perfect example.
"We have a chance to go third. Last week I said we had a chance to get in the play-offs if we beat Orient, we did that and results went our way. If it can happen again to go third, let's take that chance."
"I'd much rather be in it than chasing it, I think there is a different psyche in that. I think it brings a little bit more pressure to be chasing rather than being in. If we want to go up this year, and have that ambition to go up, let's get in there as soon as we can."
To watch the full interview with Steve Ball on iFollow Colchester United, click HERE.
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