CTA #28 Stags Vs York

Fixture	Mansfield Town Vs York City
Competition	Blue Square Bet Premier (Game #25)
Venue	Field Mill, Mansfield
Date & Time	Monday 26th December 2011 – 3PM
Attendance	3,551 (931)
Match Referee	J Simpson (Lancs)

‘Festive Fairness’  

Turkey, sprouts, paper hats, presents, over priced tins of sweets, the Doctor Who special and arguments - just a selection Christmas highlights, but none as important as the Boxing Day gift – Football! It’s a common fact the only reason Mary gave birth in Bethlehem was so Joseph could watch Bethlehem United take on Jerusalem City on Boxing Day!

Back to the present day and it wasn’t the mouth-watering match of 2011 years ago that we anticipated whilst cramming down the strawberry crèmes from a tin of quality street, it was of course our beloved Mansfield taking on York City at Field Mill. With two consecutive defeats on the road adding to a list that read just one win in ten games, we really wanted the magic of Christmas to spread over Field Mill yesterday. Alas a 1-1 draw followed in a well contested and enjoyable fixture where the atmosphere was festively brilliant from both sets of supporters from start to finish however after the game the scrooge feeling of ‘Bah Humbug’ still seems evident with some.

Personally I feel yesterdays point was a good one which will stand us in good stead, especially if we can get 3 points from the reverse fixture on New Year’s Day. Again questions will be asked about certain phases of play and the selection policy but that’s football – you’ll get that even if we win 10-0! I still feel we are in a good position to make a push for the play offs, we also have the core quality to match, and with the right movement in the January window this will be proved. There’s nothing wrong with dreaming, as long as you do it without fear, nor is there nothing wrong with dreaming and achieving – which you do by taking action. (This will make sense one day – promise!)

“Let your dreams be bigger than your fears and your actions be louder than your words”

Paul Cox made two changes to the side defeated at Southport, out went suspended defender Ritchie Sutton along with Louis Briscoe who dropped to the bench. Moving into the line up were Martin Riley, making his first start since our FA Cup exit at Fleetwood on November 1^st, and Aman Verma as the Stags opted for 4-3-3 start with Meikle dropping to the left wing as we endured spells at 4-4-2.

Alan Marriott

Luke O’Neill – John Dempster – Martin Riley (Sutton) – Kieron Freeman

Aman Verma (Briscoe) – Adam Murray (C) – Anthony Howell

Ross Dyer – Matt Green – Lindon Meikle

SUBS: Shane Redmond – Louis Briscoe – Lee Stevenson – Rhys Day – Marcus Kelly

The stags looked to grab the opener with just four minutes gone settling into the fixture seemingly easier than play off hopefuls York who beat Mansfield on the Stags’ last boxing day fixture two years ago at Bootham Crescent. Kieron Freeman attacked the left wing well and saw his low cross deflected behind for a corner. Aman Verma took the set piece and worked it well with Ross Dyer around the edge of the box; however hesitance of taking a shot allowed the visitors to clear.

A minute later Mansfield we’re on the attack again as the ferocious Green looked to exploit the space on the left, his low cross was too heavy for either Dyer or Meikle and allowed York to clear once more. On six minutes the festive fixture got its first taste of aggression as Adam Murray and Lanre Oyebanjo collided at some speed. The Stags skipper was left hurt but after treatment carried on whilst the former Histon full back picked up a booking.

On 11 minutes it was Green who again showed lightening pace to gain Mansfield the advantage. Luke O’Neill sent a long clearance over the top which was controlled by York defender David McGurk, Green chased down McGurk forcing the Minstermen centre half to lay a sloppy back pass to Michael Ingham, Green sprung and after knocking the ball past a going to ground Ingham, slotted into the empty net – claiming his 15^th of the season with his left boot. In shooting, Green clashed with the recovering McGurk and was left in pain needing treatment, however the Stags leading front man soon returned to action.

Stags 1-0 York

Four minutes later the Stags could have doubled their lead as a poorly hit Aman Verma free kick nearly turned good. Verma’s bobbled delivery from the right hand side was flicked into the middle by Green; the ball fell for Ross Dyer who swivelled well before firing narrowly wide with his left foot.

End to end action then followed on 24 minutes as the game went up a gear. First it was the Stags who attacked down the left with Lindon Meikle weaving his way past Oyebanjo before crossing low for Matt Green. The front man who now lies joint 5^th in the goal scoring charts for Stags strikers over the past nine seasons was blocked off and couldn’t get a clean shot away, his effort deflected into Vermas path via Ross Dyer – the Kettering loanee who makes his move permanent in January managed to get the lift correct but not the power as Michael Ingham easily held the attempted chipped shot. Ingham released the ball immediately as York counter, Patrick McLaughlin provided the link with a fine pass in the direction of Matty Blair, however Blair’s shot lacked flair and Alan Marriott was able to hold on down to his left.

Ross Dyer then headed a Kieron Freeman long throw softly at Ingham, before two minutes later the contest and atmosphere began to heat up once more as former Stag Chris Smith went in hard and late on Freeman after the Nottingham Forest man had cleared a York attack. Smith got a booking but on any other day things could have been different.

David McGurk was then in the book for the visitors with five minutes to go before the break after fouling Ross Dyer, the resulting free kick came to nothing and despite a half hearted shout for a penalty on Matt Green two minutes later, the half fizzled out with the atmosphere still strong and Mansfield still ahead.

Half Time: Stags 1-0 York     

After the break the visitors enjoyed the brighter start after switching formation, however the Stags hung on and created openings of their own. On 52 Minutes fans looked on in disbelief as a golden chance past by following Aman Verma’s acute chip over the top. Matt Green again chased it down and after nipping past James Meredith, squared the ball low for Dyer who somehow placed the ball wide of the target.

Green was then immediately replaced by Louis Briscoe as the deadly hit man failed to shake off the knock he picked up earlier in the game. Briscoe made an immediate impact in the centre circle, stealing the ball from York before sending Lindon Meikle racing free – Meikle covered ground quickly and soon released Dyer to the left of the area, Dyer struck wonderfully but couldn’t beat Ingham who blocked well with his legs.

York looked brighter than they did in the first half and were nearly strangely level on 57 minutes as James Meredith’s cross looked like it was dipping in, Alan Marriott back peddled and pushed the ball away for a corner. The corner wasn’t as dangerous but York pressured around the box and earned a free kick 21 yards out – Half Time substitute Ashley Chambers took it and curled his effort well wide of the target.

The York ‘Anti’ upped again after the hour mark with Ashley Chambers again impressing. Luke O’Neill gave the ball away on the half way and allowed Chambers to run free, however a good recovering challenge saw the move bluntly ended. Two minutes later Mansfield let their 1 goal lead slip, Lanre Oyebanjo’s long range effort deflected off a boot inside the area finding Liam Henderson on the edge of the area, the York man curled a neat effort past Marriott to send the 931 travelling fans into cheers of delight.

Stags 1-1 York

The game then went completely flat for around ten minutes bar one Stags counter attack following a blocked York Free kick. Lindon Meikle again did all the running strongly cantering into York territory, Adam Murray made the supporting run and had Meikle’s pass been a little less heavy, Murray may have stood a chance of reaching it.

With 10 minutes to go Patrick McLaughlin created perhaps York’s finest move splitting the Stags defence after weaving through the middle, Matty Blair was the target and would have been 1 vs 1 had it not been for Luke O’Neill who sprinted from nowhere to slide in and block the shot – the loose ball fell for York substitute Jamie Reed who curled a beautiful shot towards the top corner, Alan Marriott sprung up well to tip the effort away for a corner which led to nothing.

Neither side could really create another goal scoring opportunity and with both sets of fans still singing loudly, the full time whistle sounded to give both sides a share of the spoils.

Full Time: Stags 1-1 York

Should the Stags have sealed all three points? Yes, am I bothered we only got a point? No, not really – that point was a good one as we, for me, matched our opponents throughout – had we not lost Green so early in the second half to injury, who knows what could have happened. If you’re looking for a ‘Stat’ that was the eighth game this season we’ve led and been held to a 1-1 draw.

Next up it’s the reverse fixture on New Year’s Day at Bootham crescent, if you can’t get be sure to join myself and Scott Rogers for full commentary on    http://mtfcmatters.weebly.com/mm-live.html from 2.50PM - also keep your eyes open for a ‘That was 2011’ review coming soon.

Thanks for reading, I hope you’ve had a great Christmas, enjoy the rest of the holidays.

Photos: Dan Westwell

CTA #27 Southport Vs Stags

Blue Square Bet Premier Game #24 Southport Vs Mansfield Town, Saturday 17^th December 2011 3PM

‘Play Your Cards Right’

Sir Brucie, telly legend adored by billions with a bucket load of catchphrases even Roy ‘say what you see’ Walker is jealous of. From ‘It’s nice to see you to see you nice’ to ‘good game good game’ we’ve all laughed and played along (no matter the amount of repeats on Challenge!) but we’ve never used one of his best loved catchphrases and game show’s to sum up the Stags ... Until now.

Reflecting on yesterdays defeat at Southport it’s the classic catchphrase ‘you get nothing for a pair’ we’re disputing, whilst saying ‘play your cards right’ to referee Seb Stocksbridge, whose decision to dismiss Ritchie Sutton on 63 minutes proved to be the turning point in seeing Stags go home with the infamous nothing rather than at least the points consolation prize.

Away from the game show analogies’ I don’t think anyone could complain about the penalty or the way in which the third goal was conceded, some will argue that we should have taken our chances early on as the pendulum of blame and reflection swings both ways. I like to think I write with my heart on my sleeve and tell it how it is, if we’ve been poor I say we’ve been poor, likewise if we’ve been excellent. My view on the loss yesterday is that we, for the first time this season, we’re honestly unlucky and undeserved losers – I accept that it’s defeat and have a desire to move on quickly, however I’m left miffed that once more the blame culture continues, the shouts of ‘Cox Out’ and hammerings of individual players goes on. Everyone has the right to express opinion and share their grievances about the teams’ inconstancy, I have no problem with that – it’s part and parcel of football, I’m just miffed that the shutters come crashing down on the blast of the whistle without a real look ahead. I say this not out of anger or to stir up trouble and controversy – I say this as a supporter desperately wanting my team to succeed, I say this as it seems that after just our second league away defeat all season, the mood suggests it’s all over for another year.

Is it? Is it really? As an optimist, dreamer and believer I say no – the dreams still alive and will come true in 2012. Hopefully you’ll read about that more as next year (and my 21^st Birthday a month today if anyone wants to send a card...) approaches ever faster, however for now all I can offer is words describing defeat, sorry.

Following last weekend’s unacceptable exit from the FA Trophy, Paul Cox made four changes as the Stags looked to concentrate all their efforts on league football. Aman Verma, Lee Stevenson, Marcus Kelly and John Thompson went out whilst Anthony Howell, Louis Briscoe, Luke O’Neill and Kieron Freeman came in.

Alan Marriott

Luke O’Neill (Thompson) – Ritchie Sutton – John Dempster – Kieron Freeman (Kelly)

Louis Briscoe (Stevenson) – Anthony Howell (Verma) – Adam Murray (C) – Lindon Meikle

Matt Green – Ross Dyer

SUBS: Shane Redmond – John Thompson – Lee Stevenson –Marcus Kelly – Aman Verma

Back in January the Stags changed kits to a third dark blue strip after two defeats which kicked off the year, the strip which we now use as our away kit was a lucky omen as we ran out 3-1 winners at Eastbourne. Yesterday we tried the same feat again as we introduced a light sky blue top, it nearly proved to be a lucky omen too as we started with intent and were unlucky not be ahead just a minute in.

Kieron Freeman’s long throw was headed away by Southport but only as far as Murray who played a delightful ball back into the area. Ross Dyer was the target but it fell for Matt Green who under pressure flicked the ball away for Howell, his deflected found the attack minded centre half John Dempster on the edge of the area, the Crawley loanee unleashed a powerful effort which deflected just behind for a corner.

On seven minutes it was route one which nearly found the Stags a way through, Marriott’s ball down field was flicked onto Matt Green by Ross Dyer, Mansfield’s leading front man progressed into space before linking up with Meikle on the left, Meikle showed quick pace to nip inside before being upended for a free kick around 22 yards from goal. Luke O’Neill struck the deal ball brilliantly, beating the wall and the keeper but not finding the net as the effort brushed against the bar and out for a goal kick.

In the opening ten minutes or so play-off side Southport offered barley nothing in attack and registered their first bit of danger on the 10 minute mark. Andy Owens powerfully long throw in caused Mansfield trouble however Alan Marriott looked assured as he punched the ball to safety as they looked to go and create more chances, doing so on 12 minutes when Briscoe headed over from O’Neill’s well hit corner.

Looking refreshed and lively in the light sky blue, Mansfield continued to attack and use Freeman’s long throws to their advantage with 16 gone. The Forest youngster whose loan spell ends soon launched another great ball into the box which somehow found skipper Murray; his left footed effort was wide.

Arguably the Stags’ best chance and move of the first half came on 33 minutes. Adam Murray and Louis Briscoe played a neat 1-2 inside the centre circle before Murray stretched the game finding O’Neill with a well weighted pass, the young right back delivered a neat low cross into the middle finding Green who cheekily back heeled a shot towards goal. Despite Green’s trickery he couldn’t fool Tony McMillian in the Southport goal as he held onto the ball.

The hosts then enjoyed a good spell of pressure registering two of their three first half shots within three minutes. Shaun Whalley blazed over from the edge of the area before hitting an effort tamely wide. The first half action ended with Stags again pressuring the hosts, Matt Green’s left footed blast stung the legs of the home defence as the teams retreated to the dressing rooms at half time with the score locked at 0-0.

Half Time: Southport 0-0 Stags

Mansfield began the second half in mirrored fashion to the first starting extremely brightly with Matt Green the chief tormentor. The lively striker weaved his way to the edge of the area cutting from right foot to left foot before unleashing a goal worthy shot, Tony McMillan was the saviour though as he palmed away the effort which was destined for the bottom corner. Luke O’Neill delivered the resulting corner and added another assist to his name as John Dempster rose above the crowd to convert with a bullet header, his 47^th minute goal his second in four games.

Southport 0-1 Stags   

Mansfield’s festive joy lasted just two minutes, as Southport pegged the Stags back with a very soft and fortunate goal. After giving away a free kick 23 yards from goal, the Stags looked to be off the hook as Andy Owens’ strike hit the wall, however the deflection directed the ball into the area as opposed to away from danger, Southport’s Chris Lever was first to it and scuffed a scooped effort beyond Marriott to level the game.  

Southport 1-1 Stags

The hosts saw a 52^nd minute effort rightly ruled out for offside before the Stags again put on the pressure in search of a second. First Matt Green saw an effort from inside the box scrambled clear after great interchanging play with Meikle, however it was strike partner Dyer who had the best chance on 62 minutes. The burley hit man showed neat pace and control to latch onto Kieron Freeman’s central clearance, Dyer found himself 1 v 1 with McMillian who denied Dyer with a powerful save.

Two minutes later Mansfield had no complaints as they conceded a free kick in dangerous territory following a shirt pull on Shaun Whalley, there would have been no complaints either had the referee booked John Dempster who appeared to the majority to be the culprit. What followed was the referee showing a yellow to Ritchie Sutton, who already on a booking from the first half was dismissed reducing the Stags to ten. Mansfield pleaded innocence with Dempster after the game saying it was he who committed the foul, everyone including the majority of the Southport players looked miffed.

With Stags down to ten Lindon Meikle was sacrificed for John Thompson, Ross Dyer dropped to the right wing whilst Louis Briscoe switched to the left in a 4-4-1 formation.

Ten minutes later despite have a man less, Anthony Howell showed good composure to squeeze a ball to the left of the box to Matt Green. Green had no support but did the work alone, bringing the ball back from the goal line to the edge of the box before firing just wide.

Simon Grand thought he’d come back to haunt his former employers at the other end a minute after Green’s solo run, Grand converted past Marriott but saw his striker chalked off for offside. The Stags then continued to press and look the better side with Luke O’Neill easily winning the battle of pace with Southport full back Chris Lever after linking up with Green. O’Neill put in a low cross which was just too strong for the on rushing Briscoe who was a flake of tinsel away from connecting.

Marcus Kelly replaced the injured Kieron Freeman at left back with three minutes to go, with a minute on the clock it looked like the Stags would take a point until a dramatic twist unfolded to seal a heartbreaking end. A cross from the left channel put Mansfield under the cosh and as Alan Marriott looked to palm the ball away rather than catch the ball, Marcus Kelly tugged back Shaun Whalley, Seb Stocksbridge pointed to the spot. Chris Lever stepped up and found the top corner, had it been driven lower Marriott would have stopped it as he guessed correctly.

Southport 2-1 Stags

Four minutes of stoppage time could have been enough time to allow Stags forward in search of a leveller, however the hosts sealed the victory two minutes into added on time as Mansfield demonstrated their first piece of poor defending all game. Again it was a cross from the left that caused it, Whalley provided the link at the back stick playing in substitute Jonathan Brown who coolly finished from close range past a static Marriott.  

Southport 3-1 Stags

No time followed for any other action as the clock ran down sealing the double for Southport over Stags, this Mansfield’s second away league defeat of the season ending a club record of 10 away league games unbeaten, with the latter 5 draws also being a club record.

Next up a double header with York, first the home game boxing day before the away trip on New Year’s Day. Five points off the play-offs in tenth, in two games time we could have another six points in the bag have won both games and could also be sat in the play-offs heading into 2012 – Football can change that quickly, I believe it will.

Thanks for reading, have a merry Christmas.  

CTA #26 Droylsden Vs Stags

FA Trophy Round 1: Droylsden Vs Mansfield Town – The Butchers Arms Ground, Saturday 10^th December 2011 3PM

‘Black Ice’

With the festive upon us, the weather conditions have arrived to play their part in this year’s real life Christmas pantomime. Last year we had snow, evictions, postponements and opponents with scrooge-like defences, that’s scrooge at the end of ‘A Christmas Carol’ by the way, generously giving away goal after goal after goal! So far this year is a contrasting one, as we skipped merrily towards the Butchers Arms Ground yesterday on a five game unbeaten run, we slipped on a huge patch on black ice and as we got up, realised there was no funny ending – we’d fallen through to put ourselves back in the icy waters we’d just seemed to escape from.

Our amazing run in the Trophy last season of course led us to Wembley, we’ve reflected so many times now I’ve lost count, but in terms of yesterday and this season’s competition, I think it’s because of THAT Wembley strike that we’re sat here again spitting feathers. The heartbreaking defeat in the final minute left us not only sobbing, but determined to reach the final and grace the hallowed Wembley turf once more, this time completing the dream by being crowned champions. Whilst we’ve rebuilt with a new manager and virtually a new squad, the hurt and pain will always stay with the name Mansfield Town Football Club, we’ve seen Paul Cox’s side extinguish the ghostly demon at Darlington and whilst we thank them for that, we’ve seen the confidence and ability required to actually win the trophy linger within our ranks. I wonder now weather that expectation and burning desire to better ourselves from last season has bitten us on the backside, as when we drew Droylsden in round one, there were very few who predicted a loss, those that did are now sunning themselves in Spain after winning the lottery, as in true Mansfield fashion – arrogance, under estimation and over confidence proved to be our greatest downfall as Droylsden ran out 2-1 winners, knocking us out at the first hurdle – ending our Wembley dreams once more.

Another icy morning yesterday saw our first game of the season in doubt; however Droylsden’s website continued to provide updates that all was well with the pitch and so our journey over the wood head paths continued – passing snow covered hill sides and icy lakes on route to the Manchester based club. Arriving at the ground proved somewhat a daze as we seemed to circle the Manchester streets in search of signs of the ground – what we found was an old pub sign reading ‘The Butchers Arms’ dripping with rain, surrounded by the dull afternoon mist which kept the main stand which lurks behind the former pub car park hidden.

Once inside the ground, the freezing cold temperature made setting up time consuming, especially with the amount of wires which needed tucking neatly behind seats! The planned recording of a Christmas podcast had to be shelved as we trotted off into the main club building in search of a team sheet, and more importantly a cuppa!

Paul Cox made two changes from Tuesday evenings trip to Grimsby, back from illness Aman Verma regained his place at the expense of Paul Bolland, whilst Marcus Kelly slotted in at left back for Kieron Freeman following an impressive display against Eastwood on Wednesday evening. Matt Green and John Thompson both shook off illness to keep their place in the starting line up.

Alan Marriott

Ritchie Sutton – John Dempster – John Thompson – Marcus Kelly (Freeman)

Adam Murray (C) – Aman Verma (Bolland)

Ross Dyer – Lee Stevenson – Lindon Meikle

Matt Green

SUBS: Shane Redmond – Louis Briscoe – Paul Bolland – Luke O’Neill – Nialle Rodney

Before even a ball was kicked, you knew it would be a tough afternoon on a very rough surface. The water squished up as you put the faintest footstep on the turf, the mud piled up almost everywhere, making it so bobbeley and uneven – the pitch markings barely visible. Watching the warm up you could see a simple pass would be the hardest technique to execute, less a game of football more a life sized game of pinball. In short, the setting for a proper cup tie story.

The hosts, decked out in there all red strip to go hand in hand with their nickname, got the game underway and it was they who drew first blood as they looked for a response from a 6-3 drubbing the previous weekend. With 12 minutes gone it was the hosts who put Mansfield under pressure after stealing the ball back from Matt Green in their own half, a neat ball from Shaun Holden found Paul Marshall in the centre circle, Marshall threaded the ball to Blue Square Bet North’s November player of the month Danny Rowe who let fly from around 25 yards. Despite the ball pinging off the service, Marriott did enough to keep Rowe’s effort at bay.

Two minutes later the game saw it’s real pivotal moment as Mansfield found there rhythm and really pressured the hosts. Ritchie Suttons throw in was the origin of the move with Aman Verma and Adam Murray providing the connecting pieces for Lee Stevenson. The former Blue Square North star found space to the right of the area and capitalised on Shaun Holden’s slip, delivering a nice ball into the middle. Matt Green arrived perfectly and let fly a seemingly unstoppable half volley, somehow Droylsden shot stopper Paul Phillips pushed the bullet like shot away before watching Lindon Meikle blaze way over the bar. The save gave the hosts confidence and belief whilst Mansfield perhaps lingered on the missed opportunity for too long allowing Droylsden into the fixture.

Mansfield were again left to rue missed chances on 19 minutes as another Droylsden mistake saw Lee Stevenson free. Ross Dyer won the initial flick feeding Lindon Meikle wide left, Meikle cut back inside creating space for Stevenson who ran onto Meikles neat pass, Stevenson then shot left footed but saw his well hit effort zip of the rainy muddy surface and away from a goal kick.

Mansfield then gave away a needless free kick on the half way from the resulting goal kick, Andy Langford’s ball in caused all kinds of trouble, with the deep well hit ball finding the cleaver run of Dale Johnson at the back post. Johnson connected well with the ball and headed beyond Marriott to give the hosts a 19^th minute lead.

Droylsden 1-0 Stags

The goal, like the previous save, lifted Droylsden as they went in search of a second. Right back Chris Brown got forward well and fired over the top from Rowe’s square pass before Dan Gardener curled a neat free kick round the wall but into Marriott’s greatful hands after a foul right on the edge of the area with 24 on the clock.

Four minutes later it seemed Mansfield had again found the desired path as they broke the hosts down, Sutton’s deep ball into the box found John Dempster near the goal line, a neat back heel from the Crawley loan man to keep the ball in play found Stevenson. His powerful effort was again well saved by the keeper, had it gone it Stevenson would have been denied his first Mansfield goal anyway as the offside flag had already been raised.

At the other end Droylsden penned the Stags in with neat passing football working the ball well into the gaps. The ball found its way to attacking full back Shaun Holden who, just inside the box, let fly. Marriott had already dived by Ritchie Sutton couldn’t be sure so stuck out his leg, the ball cannoned off Sutton’s leg and nestled into the side netting for a corner – on any other day, Sutton may well have scored an own goal.

The hosts continued to push before the break and late on, saw two chances to extend their lead go begging. First, the lively Danny Rowe sent an effort towards goal from distance which Marriott held onto. A minute later into added on time Alan Marriott produced a double save, first parrying away Steve Hall’s toe poked effort before spreading himself well to deny the impressive Dan Gardeners on the rebound.

With the whistle imminent Mansfield then had a golden chance to draw level. Lindon Meikle won the ball back on the half way line and charged free through the middle, Matt Green lurked to the left of the area but expected Meikle to have a go himself so failed to make a run, Meikle wasn’t on the same wave length though and popped a pass in Green’s direction, however with the Stags leading goal scorer static the ball trickled away for a goal kick and the half time whistle blew. Had Green made the run there’s no doubt he’d have slotted it into the bottom corner – indecision again a factor to Paul Cox’s rapid hair loss as he stood in his technical area tearing it out piece by piece.

Half Time: Droylsden 1-0 Stags

After being read the riot act during the break, Paul Cox’s side were tasked with turning the game on its head in the second half. On 51 minutes the Stags looked to break, Aman Verma collected the loose ball but the Stags had no options inside the Droylsden half for a quick release so were forced to build from the edge of their own penalty area. After combining with Verma, skipper Murray found Green on the half way line. Green did well to turn and progress forward, releasing the ball to his right for the onrushing Verma who saw his low cross deflected away for a throw in.

A minute later at the other end it was Droylsden who again threaten, poor defending from John Dempster allowed Danny Rowe space. Rowe skipped past the challenge of Kelly before seeing his curling show beaten away by Marriott, John Thompson then mistimed his clearance allowing Droylsden in again for a follow up shot; however it was harmless as it sailed out of the ground thundering against a locals window.

Matt Green was the upended on the edge of the box with 56 on the clock. Aman Verma was tasked with taking the free kick, he hit a beautiful shot from 25 yards out beating the wall and flashing half a centre meter wide.

From the resulting goal kick the Stags were again undone and pegged back further. Failing to deal with the keepers boot down park, Mansfield were lack lustre and allowed Dale Johnson to pick up the ball. The burley front man squeezed his way past two Mansfield bodies who made little attempt to stop him, before striking powerfully into the bottom corner beyond a bewildered Marriott for his second of the afternoon.  

Droylsden 2-0 Stags

A double switch on the hour mark saw John Thompson and Lee Stevenson replaced by Luke O’Neill and Louis Briscoe respectively. O’Neill moved to right back with Sutton going across to centre half, Briscoe took over the right wing role with Dyer partnering Green upfront in a 4-4-2 formation.

The stags began to find some movement with the 4-4-2 formation seeing them at the most dangerous they’d been all game. Luke O’Neill and Marcus Kelly moved the ball between them well after the formers free kick was headed away by Andy Langford; Kelly cut inside from the right and curled a left footed over from 22 yards with 63 minutes gone.

A minute later the Stags were again on the charge. Dempster showed neat control inside the centre circle before chipping a ball over the top for Green, the lively front man chased it down and soon found himself inside the box. A little drop of the shoulder saw Green leave a defender behind and fool the keeper who went to ground – all Green had to do was lift the ball over the keeper to find the net but failed as he tried to curl in a low effort. Somehow the keeper got a hand to it to palm it away, another splendid save to deny Matt Green.

Mansfield then made their final change bringing on Paul Bolland for Aman Verma. The Stags again continued to press and look to break down the Bloods defence. Lindon Meikle did well to advance following Bolland’s intervention, Luke O’Neill provided the cross into the middle picking out Green – his headed deflected away into the path of Kelly whose effort was cleared frantically off the line after the keeper was beaten with ten minutes to go.

Two minutes later Droylsden again cleared one from the line following a series of Adam Murray corners. Murray’s right footed out swinger lingered in the air but was hacked away close to the goal as it dropped down towards on rushing Stags attack.

Mansfield finally did get a life line on 84 minutes as they kept surging forward in search of the goal. Adam Murray’s dangerous cross found Matt Green at the far post, he headed goal wards and managed to wrong foot the keeper as the ball trickled into give the Stags a much needed life line.  

Droylsden 2-1 Stags

From the re-start Mansfield were dominant again, Luke O’Neill, now playing on the right of midfield as stags switched to 3-4-3 with Briscoe up top too, whipped in a delicious cross which found Briscoe. The man who sent Mansfield to Wembley with the late semi-final goal against Luton failed to repeat his late scoring powers though as he headed over.

It looked like game over as the board went up for added on time, yet the reveal of four minutes urged the Stags on again as they desperately searched for a leveller and a midweek replay. Good control from Ross Dyer following Green’s flick on saw the big front man lay off Lindon Meikle, his curling shot was on target and may have sneaked in however a deflection off a red shirt saw the keeper hold on.

In the dyeing seconds Mansfield again pushed the ball well into the Droylsden half however with the clock against them, the Stags seemed hesitant and failed to get a shot away. Marcus Kelly delivered a deep cross but Droylsden threw themselves at it and managed to clear, the full time whistle then sounded to give Droylsden the victory they so deserved and send Mansfield crashing out.

Full Time: Droylsden 2-1 Stags

Mansfield put on the pressure and in fairness did create, however it was way too little way too late. Credit to Droylsden who played the home advantage extremely well, using the pitch against Mansfield playing some genuine football, they deserved there place in round two. The save early on from Greens blistering half volley was definitely the turning point, it took much more important than the goals allowing the lively forward three to tease and expose Mansfield far too easily.

The frustration from me comes from the fact we’re out in round one, in previous years, including last year, we’ve not given the Trophy much thought or made it of high importance, but after last year this is the first time we’ve gone into it with a desire to progress, the fact we haven’t is what frustrates. Now though you have to look beyond it, yes we had unfinished business but nothing in life or football can ever be truley perfect – all we have to do now is provide a reason as to why going out in round one will be a positive.

We can do this through promotion, and as I’ve said from day one of Cox’s tenure, we WILL do it. There’s no doubting our ability, ambition, creativity, skill or passion – our dressing room is bursting to the seams with it. Calling for the manager’s head is not right; we are three points off of the play-offs in a better position on AND off the field than we ever have been before. We can see it through and I firmly believe Paul Cox will endeavour to deliver us success. Questions are always going to be asked, opinions are always going to be had – that’s football, what matters is results in the league now – the message will be sent and apologies made at Southport next weekend – we can make this a happy and successful season, let’s get up off the black ice and find our feet.

Would I have liked trophy success, yes – without a doubt, but having learnt from past seasons I refuse to look back, doing so allows you to talk and say the right things to turn your head. I believe it’s actions, not words that matter – bring on the rest of the season, bring on the football league, bring on the carling cup and JPT. FA Trophy? Who needs that really....

Thanks for reading 

Friendly: Eastwood Vs Stags 7/12/11

Player Coach Andy Todd

On a cold December’s night, the perfect way to keep warm would be to be sat in front of the fire, feet up with a hot chocolate right? Alas no, it appears the best way to keep warm is heading across to Eastwood’s coronation park to watch a Stags 11 take to the field for another open to the public friendly.

This time led by player coach Andy Todd whilst Paul Cox and Micky Moore watched from the Stands, Mansfield attempted to warm up the brave fans watching on in the bitter coldness with a resounding 4-0 victory.

Shane Redmond

Luke O’Neill – Rhys Day (C) – Martin Riley – Joe Kendrick

Louis Briscoe – Jon Worthington – Anthony Howell – Marcus Kelly

Anto Flood (Trialist) – Ben Hutchinson (Trialist)

BENCH: Andy Todd – Matt Bell – Scott Rogers – Adam Somes – Jobe Shaw – Joel Holland

As with the last time these sides met in friendly action around three weeks ago, the game took a while to get going; Mansfield registered their first effort on 11 minutes and then put on the pressure with four shots in as many minutes before the games opener. First it was Anthony Howell that let fly, however he couldn’t repeat his feat of scoring in the last friendly, striking the post after beating the keeper following good link up play with Briscoe and Hutchinson.

Ben Hutchinson celebrates

Efforts from Joe Kendrick and the evenings skipper Rhys Day followed, however it was a trialist Stags body that opened the scoring on 14 minutes. Marcus Kelly created it with some neat play down the left hand side, the Kettering loan man sent a ball down the left hand side for Hutchinson who dropped well into space before linking up with Kelly again for a 1-2, Hutchinson then cut inside and curled a beautiful strike into the top corner.

Eastwood 0-1 Stags

Ten minutes later Hutchinson then grabbed a second in similar fashion, this time punishing a defensive error. A long ball over the top looked like a lost cause as the home keeper raced off his line to clear, however Kilmarnock front man Hutchinson sensed an opportunity and raced to the ball beating the keeper too it. At an acute angle, Hutchinson side stepped the keeper before looking up and curling the ball brilliantly over a back tracking defenders head for his second of the evening.

Eastwood 0-2 Stags

The hosts then looked to respond two minutes after the restart, a deep cross from the right hand side caused the Stags problems, an Eastwood head was to the ball first connecting with a powerful header, fortunately for Andy Todd’s side the header was wide as keeper Shane Redmond was wrong footed.

With Ben Hutchinson shining on trial, Anto Flood was perhaps getting a little over shadowed up front. However the former Galloway United striker linked up well with Briscoe just after the half hour mark, Flood did well inside the box firing at goal but couldn’t beat the home shot stopper as the ball deflected into his arms.

Flood did get on the score sheet five minutes later as the Stags bagged two goals in as many minutes. Strong play from Marcus Kelly on the left wing earned Mansfield a corner, Joe Kendrick delivered a left footed out swinger with Flood getting the final touch as the ball bobbled in for a third.

Eastwood 0-3 Stags

Straight from the re-start the Stags won the ball back and continued to pressure, Marcus Kelly again made it with a strong cross field ball; Briscoe arrived to the right of the area and unleashed a thunderous shot. The Stags wingers shot was going well wide of the target but took a huge deflection into the roof of the net for the evening’s fourth goal

Eastwood 0-4 Stags         

With five to go before the break, Hutchinson was unfortunate not to make it 5-0 and complete his well deserved hat-trick. Luke O’Neill won the ball back from an Eastwood throw in before feeding the Louis Moult-esc forward Anto Flood. Flood held the play up well before sending Hutchinson on his way through the middle, Hutchinson’s final shot deflected away for a corner after the former premier-league striker skipped past two defenders.

Half Time: Eastwood 0-4 Stags

No changes were made by Andy Todd at the break however Marcus Kelly and Joe Kendrick swapped position with the latter moving forward to the left hand side of midfield. Good movement down the right hand side on 56 minutes created another chance for a 5^th, Luke O’Neill played the ball forward to Briscoe who did well to beat his marker and whip a ball into the area, Eastwood headed away but only as far as Howell; however his left footed volley was struck way over the bar.

On the hour mark, leading youth team marksman Adam Somes entered the fray along with team mate Joel Holland, replacing Anto Flood and Joe Kendrick respectively. Somes was immediately amongst the action firing a shot from the edge of the box through a crowd of bodies; however deflections had taken the sting out of the ball and the goal keeper easily collected.

Four minutes later tough tackling midfielder Scott Rogers replaced Ben Hutchinson with Anthony Howell moving upfront alongside Somes. Neither side enjoyed any clear cut chances with the game going one end to the other in typical reserve team friendly style. On 75 minutes former Stags midfielder Stevie Istead earned his new employers a free kick which was hit way over Redmond’s bar, shortly after youth team skipper Jobe Shaw replaced Luke O’Neill at right back.

Two minutes later it was heart in mouth time for Mansfield as Shane Redmond made an unusual error. A long ball over the top looked to be bouncing out for a goal kick, Redmond raced off his line to turn his back in an attempt to Sheppard the ball away, however the ball somehow stayed in and Redmond was taken off the ball by the nippy Eastwood substitute, however the danger was soon cleared by Rhys Day who smashed the ball into the box away into orbit.

Four minutes from time it was a combination of youth team players that could have sealed the elusive 5^th goal, a neat ball from Briscoe was headed on by deadly striker Somes to the left of the area. Quick wing man Joel Holland was first to the ball at the back stick letting fly powerfully; his shot was saved by the keeper’s boot not that it mattered as the offside flag was already up.

Full Time: Eastwood 0-4 Stags  

CTA #25 Grimsby Vs Stags

Blue Square Bet Premier Game #23 Grimsby Town Vs Mansfield Town – Tuesday 6^th December 2011 7.45PM

‘Super-Maz’

It’s around this time of year that parent’s dash frantically round the shops searching for presents for the children, top of the list always seems to be a superhero action figure as the film ‘Jingle All The Way’ perfectly demonstrates! This year, parents around Mansfield can forget your Action Man, Buzz Light-year, Superman etc – after last night’s goalless draw at Blundell Park, there’s only one superhero action figure the Mansfield public demands, step forward – SUPER MAZ!

With the pink goalkeepers top in tow, it would be easy to call our shot stopper the ‘pink one from power-rangers’ however Mazza demonstrates skill, agility and heroic status way above your average power-ranger, thus deserving of his own unique title, sadly I’m far too tired to think up a proper superhero name or release a mini action figure in time for the Christmas rush, so that part I’ll leave to your imagination!

Anyway aside for you ‘KAPOWW’s’ ‘BANG’ ‘CRASH’ type moves, I shall move swiftly onto the real story – our trip to the seaside on a truly freezing December evening. Paul Cox was forced into one change as Aman Verma failed to shake off illness, Paul Bolland replaced him with Marcus Kelly moving onto the bench (his squad number for those interested is #33).

Alan Marriott

Ritchie Sutton – John Thompson – John Dempster – Kieron Freeman

Adam Murray (C) – Paul Bolland (Verma)

Ross Dyer – Lee Stevenson – Lindon Meikle

Matt Green

SUBS: Shane Redmond – Louis Briscoe – Luke O’Neill – Nialle Rodney – Marcus Kelly

Two minutes in it was the hosts who looked to attack first as Marriott was called into action. Anthony Elding was the creator in the centre of the park playing a strong ball through the middle which Ritchie Sutton miss controlled, speedy wing man Michael Coulson then cut inside and let fly from the edge of the box, however Marriott was equal to it and held on well.  

At the other end the Stags tested the water on four minutes with Ross Dyer looking strong in the air and Lee Stevenson showing good movement. A long ball through the middle was met by Dyer in the air; he flicked the ball onto the right of the area where Lee Stevenson lay in wait. The former Eastwood man struck beautifully on the half volley however James McKeown was well placed to keep the ball out.

Despite the two early chances, strikes at goal seemed rare during the opening exchanges with the 2,553 fans inside Blundell Park having to wait until the 22^nd Minute for the next clear cut chance, with the 140 visiting from Mansfield watching on with the hearts in their mouths as John Dempsters error sent the hosts trough. Dempster was looking to play his side out of trouble but played a suicidal ball square in search of Freeman, the pass was too heavy and Freeman was beaten to it by Luke McArthy who charged forward and let fly from the edge of the area. Marriott was on hand to palm it away by the danger was far from gone, amongst a crowd of bodies a Grimsby boot powered a shot towards the line which John Thompson cleared, the ball then looped up for Liam Hearn who saw his powerful shot well saved by Marriott on the line.

Lindon Meikle looked lively again on the left wing for the Stags, his 25 minute curling effort was straight at the keeper though and moments later, it was again the hosts who pounced on a Mansfield error. This time is was skipper Murray who saw his strong pass towards Ritchie Sutton intercepted by Michael Coulson, the nipped wide man burst free and soon found himself 1 vs 1 with Marriott, the Stags keeper saved the day, blocking Coulson’s driven effort with his legs – the pressure was taken off the Stags as the defence raced back in support, John Dempster was fouled and Mansfield awarded a free kick.

Mansfield enjoyed spells of their own, Lee Stevenson was again creative but lacked a real sting in the tale on 31 minutes when he sent a free kick crashing against the wall 23 yards from goal after Meikle was fouled. Two minutes later Stevenson atoned for his poor free kick setting Mansfield’s best chance of the game, battling well to disposes former Luton defender Will Antwi, the prolific goal scoring midfielder sent leading scorer Matt Green on his way. Green showed tremendous speed to get 1 vs 1 with McKeown unleashing a ferocious effort which was somehow blocked by the Mariners’ keepers inside right leg. Had Green let fly maybe a second or two early there’s no doubt the net would have burst.

Further efforts were from Thompson and Meikle were easy saved by McKeown but again the game remained outside both boxes, and as the half time whistle blew, the teams headed back into the dressing rooms level.

Grimsby 0-0 Stags

The second half began in similar fashion to the first with the hosts again having an early opportunity. John Thompson’s defensive header was surprisingly wayward and allowed Grimsby front man Liam Hearn to break free. The ball bounced once and as Marriott charged out, Hearn neatly lobbed the Stags shot stopper but fortunately for Mansfield, shot wide.

Ten minutes into the second half and it was the Stags’ turn to attack, Lee Stevenson again looked lively playing a key part in a solo move. The lively midfielder did well to win the ball and charge free into space, however with Dyer to his right and Green waiting through the middle, Stevenson opted for the shot and fired well over the cross bar.

On the hour mark Marriott was again called into action as the Stags got penned in by a Grimsby set piece. Former Stag Craig Disley’s original corner was poor and easily dealt with by John Thompson, however Disley again whipped the ball back in and saw his left footed cross headed into the path of Coulson who lurked on the edge of the area. After cutting past Meikle, Coulson curled a shot towards goal – Alan Marriott produced a fine back peddling stop to tip the looping ball over the bar.

Ten minutes later Cox shook the pack, introducing Louis Briscoe for Lee Stevenson with Dyer moving up alongside Green as 4-2-3-1 became 4-4-2. Three minutes after the substitution Mansfield looked to dominate down the right as Ritchie Sutton received Briscoe’s pass, the utility defender who set Stags’ third goal on Saturday, looked to repeat the feat with a powerful cross again in search of Meikle, however this time the ball agonisingly bye-passed everyone, bobbling harmlessly away for a goal kick.

With 7 minutes to go, the hosts introduced former Stags forward Rob Duffy, the former Mansfield number 9 was immediately thwarted by ex team mate Marriott. Coulson’s low ball back in from the right touch line found Duffy free, the welsh man let fly but Marriott had already sprung himself down low, diverting the ball over with his boot. Moments later Marriott was again the saviour as a cross found defender Will Antwi in the middle, Antwi softly headed into Marriott’s hands.

The final chance of the game fell to the Stags in stoppage time following a fine passing movement. Adam Murray started it inside his own half nipping the ball off to Ross Dyer who then burst free into space over the half way line. The former Hednesford forward took the ball to the edge of the area but releasing Briscoe who took on his man before firing towards goal, James McKeown got down well to his left to keep out Briscoe’s late drive.

Mansfield then kept the ball well pressuring to the death, however the clock soon ran out meaning the sides had to share the points.

Full Time: Grimsby 0-0 Stags

A point away from home should certainly be looked upon as one point gained rather than two dropped, the Stags put in a decent display and beside a few misplaced passes which allowed Grimsby in, there’s actually nothing to complain about – The Stags did their job, worked hard as a unit and made sure they took something out of the game. Without doubt they missed the influence of Aman Verma alongside Murray; however Bolland did a good enough job against a team who look a reflection of us. Alan Marriott was outstanding in goal and not only does he get his own metaphorical action figure doll on sale in all good stores, but he also gets a rare CTA Man of the Match award, without Marriott’s display last night you would probably be reading about defeat right now.

Still it’s all smiles on the faces and we head into Saturday’s FA Trophy Tie with Droylsden with a decent looking away record on our backs, just one league defeat on the road all season.

Thank you for reading, I hope you will be listening to my coverage of tonight’s friendly at Eastwood – I Shall be live on www.mtfcmatters.weebly.com from 7.20PM with full commentary followed by a report tomorrow evening or Friday.