THIS Saturday’s League Two home match against promotion-chasing Rochdale will be Mansfield Town’s 5,000th competitive game.

The club tweeted news of the landmark, saying: “Club historian Paul Taylor has informed us that this Saturday’s match will be the 5,000th competitive game (league and cup) for the club in all competitions since our formation in 1897 as Mansfield Wesleyans).”

The first league games were played in 1902.

Rochdale have been boosted by the news that star striker Scott Hogan has returned from an ankle injury.

The Stags, who have won their last three matches to move into the top half of the table on 53 points, have said that youngsters Liam Marsden and Jack Thomas could make their debuts before the end of the season now that the club is all but safe from relegation.

Manager Paul Cox said the players had impressed this season for the reserves and youth team.

Marsden has led the youth team towards the top of the FCYA (Midland Division) and Thomas has played at full back.

Cox told the club’s official website: “I’ve got to be respectful to all the players and the fans and make sure that we’re putting out what I feel is the best team, whilst we’re not mathematically certain [to avoid relegation] and win as many games as possible.

“But they will, before the season finishes, make their debuts.

“I think Thomas has just come on ‘leaps and bounds’. He’s played in the majority of reserve games and is getting better all the time.

“He’s got a little bit of everything. He can put his foot in, pass the ball, get from box-to-box and can score a goal. With him only being 17, he’s got a good future ahead of him if he carries on learning and listening.

“For me, Marsden has been a model of consistency throughout the season. Both of them are going to thoroughly deserve their chance when they get it and I hope they grab it with both hands.”

Last Saturday the Under-16s won the Nottinghamshire Challenge Shield.

Lee Beevers, who went off with a dislocated shoulder at the start of Saturday’s 1-0 win at Morecambe, may be fit to return for the visit of Rochdale.

James Jennings could return after finishing his two-match suspension, while Anthony Howell will complete his two-match ban.

Ben Hutchinson is making a quicker-than-expected return to fitness after a hamstring injury and could feature over Easter.