Mansfield Town v Harrogate Town: Nailing the basics key to ending winless run, says Simon Weaver

The Sulphurites boss is set to take his place back in the dug-out at Field Mill after missing his team's last two games while in self-isolation due to a positive Covid-19 test.

And, having seen Town plummet from fourth down to 14th in the League Two standings as a result of them collecting just two points from the last 18 on offer, Weaver isn't looking to over-complicate things as he looks to mastermind a first victory in seven.

"For large parts of the game on Saturday [at Leyton Orient] we played some really nice football, but we've just got to nail the basics now at both ends of the pitch and get back on track," he said.

"Let's fight and scrap and snarl if we have to to get a scruffy win.

"And, before we complicate it and try and be overly idealistic with our game-plan, let's make sure that we win the battle, earn the territory and make it hard for them, because with our energetic characters, we can make life difficult for anybody.

"It isn't all doom and gloom. When you look at the quality and pedigree in squads like Mansfield's you think, 'actually, on balance we are doing alright.'

"We're mid-table, we're competing well, we've got some good results in the bag, we don't need to complicate anything we just need to work hard and be a bit more ruthless in the final third - that more than anything."

Mansfield come into the game 21st in the table, but are unbeaten in six matches in all competitions and have won four on the bounce since Nigel Clough replaced Graham Coughlan as manager earlier this month.

"He's a touch of class is Nigel Clough. He's always done well since he started out at Burton Albion," Weaver added.

"Mansfield are a completely different set up from ours and to be honest probably had a different set of ambitions from us at the start of the season.

"We expect them to be organised. It's going to be a battle, without a doubt."

Centre-half Will Smith remains Town's only serious injury concern with a hamstring issue which is expected to keep him out until January, but Weaver has confirmed that he plans to make some changes to the starting XI which lost out 3-0 to Orient at the weekend.

And, with his goal-shy side having scored just twice in their last five league matches, it is in the attacking third where he is looking to freshen things up.

"I don't think there needs to be wholesale changes because if you keep changing lots of areas and playing lots of different systems then you never know which variable really works," he said.

"I think there's one or two changes, but we're just looking for people in attacking areas to grab the game. This is the attacking third of the pitch we have to concentrate on, so yes, there's an opportunity for a couple to come in and play their part now, but they've got to grab it.

"In terms of the creative side, we need to show more spark.We're not missing much, but we have to supply the bullets, make sure that we find the target, make their keeper work and better still, score goals."

Town's clash with Mansfield kicks-off at 7pm.