Paterson's side haven't hit the ground running so far unlike their local rivals Mansfield Town.
By
Aman Mahmood
BBC Sport, East Midlands
- Published27 minutes ago
Notts County head coach Martin Paterson has urged his team not to play to the occasion in their Nottinghamshire derby with Mansfield Town.
The Stags sit ninth in League One on a six-match unbeaten league run, while Notts sit 19th ahead of Saturday's clash.
It will be the first meeting between the derby rivals in three seasons and just a third since February 2019.
"We obviously know it's got a lot on it in terms of the supporters and the emotion of both sets of fans, but the most important thing is that we remain calm, do what we do well and don't play the occasion," Paterson told BBC Radio Nottingham.
"Sometimes people can get caught up too much in the feeling and emotion around it and forget that their job is to play football and create moments with the ball.
"The most important thing is that you do what's expected of you in a Notts County shirt on a day like this."
The Magpies have turned their form around in their past two outings as they followed a2-0 win over Sheffield Wednesdaywith a draw against high-flying Stockport, but have won just one of their past 10 matches against Mansfield.
He added: "Preparation has been good off the back of two solid performances and we're looking to continue that feeling going into Saturday.
"Let's enjoy it, we've got to do things right and play our way."
Roberts signed for Mansfield in June 2025.
Mansfield Town goalkeeper Liam Roberts expects the fans of both teams to act as the "12th man" for their sides.
Roberts, 31,signed a new contract at the clubthis summer until June 2028 after keeping 14 clean sheets in all competitions last season.
"The fans are going to be class from both sides and it's going to be a great day to be involved in," he told BBC Radio Nottingham.
"Both sets of fans are going to push to be the 12th man for their team."
Stags are currently ninth in the League One standings and within three points of the play-off places, having won back-to-back away matches in an unbeaten six-match run.
"There's been games where we need to try and score more," Roberts said. "We had the opportunities but didn't hit the target, so It's nice to have some consistent performances.
"There's a couple of games this year where I haven't really done a lot, but that's a credit to the lads who put their bodies on the line and it fills me with confidence."
Mansfield made six additions to their squad this season - David McGoldrick, Michael Smith, Jon Russell, Liam Thompson as well as loanees George Abbott and Owen Dodgson.
"Once you've got your shirt you have to perform and do the right things to stay in the team now," Roberts added.
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