Holleran prepared for long, hard slog

The 3-0 defeat leaves Totton 12 points adrift of Brakes having played a game more.

But having fancied the Stags to feature in the promotion shake-up, Holleran says their second loss in ten illustrates the unforgiving nature of the league.

“Totton were my tip for the league, so the more times they get turned over the better,” said Holleran ahead of tomorrow’s home clash with the Hampshire side.

“They were unlucky not to beat Forest Green [in the FA Trophy] last Saturday, but a Tuesday night at Chippenham is a test for anyone.

“If you don’t turn up with your sleeves rolled up you’ll get turned over.

“Hopefully, it’s something we’ve got in us.

“We’ve showed can play, but if we need to mix it, we can mix it.

“You’ve got to be able to play on all kinds of pitches and it’s a hard slog, very much like the Championship.

“It’s a tough league.”

The postponement of last Saturday’s trip to Weymouth allowed Lee Chilton and Craig Owen an extra week to get over recent injuries and both come into contention for starts tomorrow.