Mansfield will have to do without star striker Michael Boulding when they go to Brighton in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.The 15-goal top scorer was injured after just 15 minutes of the 1-0 defeat at MK Dons and is looking at a month out with a hamstring injury.

To add to the Stags' woes, his replacement John McAliskey only lasted 17 minutes before he too had to be replaced with a recurrence of his hamstring injury and he is a major doubt for the tie.

This should open up an opportunity for young striker Ian Holmes, a summer signing from non-league Matlock, to lead the line.

Manager Billy Dearden has been dealt a further blow after Martin McIntosh - who is back from a one-match ban - suffered a calf injury in training on Thursday morning and is now facing a late fitness test.

Defender Alex-John Baptiste is also a doubt with a back injury, but midfielder Lee Bell is back in contention after his recent knee operation.

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