In their first seven League Two games, the Bluebirds have only lost once.
And the Stags manager believes Barrow will be a difficult nut to crack for his team.
“It’s no surprise they’ve had a good start to the season,” Clough stated.
“They’re one of those teams you don’t want to trail.
“They will be difficult to create against, and it will be a close game.” This season’s competition is extremely competitive due to the large number of clubs competing.
“There won’t be many easy wins; most games will be one-goal affairs.”
![Nigel Clough knows Mansfield Town will have to be patient against Barrow. Photo Chris & Jeanette Holloway / The Bigger Picture.media](https://www.chad.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjA2ZDc3NDFiLTc2NmQtNGY5NC1iNzljLTJjZmZlODU3ZDRjMTpiNWUwYzE4NS02MmYwLTQyNzktODFkMC1iMWQxOGEyNmViYzg=.jpg?crop=3:2,smart&width=640&quality=65)
“If we must be patient, we must be patient.” We must remember last week’s lesson of not falling behind.
“We want to remain unbeaten, but in a positive way.”
“We need to win our home games so we can take some of the pressure off away from home.”
“Let’s get back on the front foot and play like we did a couple of weeks ago.”
Last season, Mansfield were defeated 3-2 by Barrow after blowing a two-goal lead.
Clough remembers the defeat vividly because it was so costly to his team’s failing season.
“It’s not in the back of our minds; it’s still very fresh,” he explained. “That defeat cost us a chance at the play-offs more than anything else – even if we had drawn, we would have been in the play-offs.”
“That’s how important it is to not lose, especially when you’re 2-0 up.”