MANSFIELD manager Keith Curle believes the play-off final against Town will be a "magnificent occasion".

Curle reckons the 3-3 draw between the clubs at Field Mill and Mansfield's fine 3-1 victory at the McAlpine only 30 days before the showpiece will have no bearing on events in Cardiff.

"It will be a really magnificent occasion on Monday because of two great sets of fans and two teams who like to play the game as it should be played," said eager Curle.

"Our fans have responded because they've seen a team playing with passion, desire and commitment.

"Huddersfield know that Peter Jackson won't let their team give in either, and that's why I wouldn't be surprised to see it go all the way."

Danny Schofield and Jon Stead (twice) pounced to score at Field Mill in November, before Mansfield's last-gasp leveller.

Events at the McAlpine are much fresher in the mind, however, with John McAliskey scoring for Town before Rhys Day, Junior Mendes and Liam Lawrence put them to the sword.

"It counts for nothing now," said Curle.

"Northampton came to Field Mill and beat us on the final day of the season, but it didn't take them through in the play-offs.

"We just have to stay focused on one new match.

"There's a buzz around the place because we know the finishing line is there at the Millennium Stadium and we have to cross it.

"I am confident, because I believe in what I do, what the players do and what we do here as a football club."

Curle and Jackson appear two of the brightest young managers around at the moment.

They are two of the smartest, too, always wearing suit, collar and tie on matchday.

"I really admire Huddersfield as a team and a club and I've every respect for them and their manager," said Curle, whose team finished six points behind Town in fifth.

"I saw their semi-final against Lincoln, which proved that they never give up trying, and I think the final is going to be a great spectacle and a tremendous advert for the Third Division."