Mansfield face Port Vale in play-off final - Clough slams pitch invasions

The Stags finished seventh and are through after a play-off semi-final victory against Northampton Town.

Mansfield managed to beat Northampton 2-1 in the first leg before sealing a 1-0 win at the PTS Academy Stadium.

Nigel Clough's side contains Premier League loanees from the likes of Manchester United and Newcastle, with Nathan Bishop playing every league game this year. Matty Longstaff has also scored six goals since joining in January.

Meanwhile, Port Vale finished fifth in the regular season and sealed their place in the final after beating Swindon Town over two legs.

Darrell Clarke's side, though, is very different and contains many journeymen EFL players.

So, this should be a fascinating contest but let us all hope we avoid any pitch invasions this time…

Mansfield v Port Vale: talkSPORT coverage

The League Two play-off final will take place on Saturday, May 28.

Kick-off at Wembley is set for 4pm.

talkSPORT 2 will have full, exclusive coverage from 3pm with Dan Windle and commentary will be provided by Sam Matterface and former Burnley striker Chris Iwelumo.

To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream. You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart sparker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

Mansfield v Port Vale: Team news

The Stags will definitely be without former Newcastle and Wigan player James Perch as he recovers from a fractured skull.

Ex-Rangers winger Jamie Murphy was an unused substitute during the second leg against Northampton, so it remains to be seen if he is involved. Longstaff was also left on the bench by Clough.

However, top goalscorers Rhys Oates and Jordan Bowery started, so as it stands, Clough has pretty much a full squad to choose from.

Meanwhile, Vale don't have injury concerns to worry about, and they could name the same side that sealed victory over Swindon.

Mansfield v Port Vale: What has been said?

Former Port Vale striker Tom Pope said: "One more game for the Vale, and hopefully, they can do it against Mansfield at Wembley on Saturday.

"It's not going to be easy against a tough Mansfield side with a very experienced manager in Nigel Clough, but I am sure Vale will take confidence from the way they played in that semi-final second leg at home to Swindon."

Mansfield manager Clough on pitch invasions: "After what happened [at Nottingham Forest] it's getting a bit concerning for everybody.

"You get enough stewards, enough security people around that people can't encroach on the pitch.

"The pitch is for the 22 players and the referee and assistants when they need to come on. No-one else should be on it."