THEY shall not pass will be the manager's mantra as Town step up their preparations for Saturday's big League I clash with Chesterfield at Saltergate.

Peter Jackson is desperate to build on the encouraging display which brought a 1-1 home draw against Northampton.

A three-point haul would be a major boost before successive home games against Tranmere (on Boxing Day) and Swansea (Saturday week).

And the boss firmly believes that if his side can score first, they will go on and win.

When Joe Burnell put Northampton ahead with 19 minutes gone, it was the 16th time in 22 league games that Town had conceded the first goal.

It's a bad habit Jackson knows his side must break if they are to rekindle a promotion challenge.

Chesterfield chief Roy McFarland admitted "There was no presence in their 18-yard box" as his side suffered a first defeat in five league games, 1-0 at Bradford, on Saturday.

The Derbyshire club also have a continued doubt over 10-goal top scorer Caleb Folan, a former Town season-ticket holder who missed the Valley Parade trip because of an ankle injury.

But Jackson won't be lulled into a false sense of security, especially given his first-hand knowledge of Folan's teammate Wayne Allison, whom the Galpharm manager signed during his first spell in charge of Town.

Colin Larkin, who played for Mansfield against Town in the 2004 play-off final at Cardiff, is another dangerman.

"After failing to actually win, giving another sloppy goal away was the most disappointing aspect of the Northampton game," said Jackson, who reported to a routine board meeting yesterday.

"We have to hit the ground running on Saturday and ensure we get the first goal. If we do that, I'm sure we'll be okay."