MANSFIELD Town boss Paul Cox says being forced to change his side for the first time in four games is far from ideal.
Captain John Dempster was sent off in extra-time for violent conduct against Slough Town in their FA Cup replay, which ended with Stags going through 4-1 on penalties on Tuesday night.
Dempster had started to form a solid defensive partnership with Exodus Geohaghon of late but will now serve a three-match ban.
This will force Cox into a reshuffle, but the Stags manager believes the new-found togetherness in the camp will shine through.
John Thompson is the likely benefactor for Sunday's home match with Luton, the trip to Macclesfield 48 hours later and then the FA Trophy clash with Matlock Town.
Cox said: "I thought the centre back pairing was really coming together and I have kept the same side for the third game running because it was developing and the first half the other night, we played some good stuff again.
"We will be forced into a change, which is not ideal, but it is a chance for somebody to step forward and stake a claim for a regular place.
"You look at the mind-set of the lads and there seems to be a togetherness now. You could see that from the penalty shoot-out.
"Each and every one were celebrating together and we need to celebrate success and winning football matches.
"I said to the lads don't be despondent at going through on penalties, it is about getting through and we did that.
"I am happy to be in the second round to go to Lincoln and look forward to two local cup games, with Matlock also coming up."
