CTA #23 Stags Vs Gateshead

Blue Square Bet Premier Game 21: Mansfield Town Vs Gateshead – Field Mill, Tuesday 29^th November 2011 7.45PM

‘Rub Of the Green’

There always comes a time when you end up reflecting on missed opportunities, looking back over the past few days or weeks wondering when it was you broke a mirror, walked under a ladder a black cat. Matt Green will be doing the same tonight as he reflects on last night’s 1-1 draw at home to Gateshead, in fact I bet the lads wondering when all three misfortunes at the same time, because latest he’s just not getting the rub of the Green – please excuse the pun.

Following Saturday’s 1-1 draw with bottom of the table Bath, Paul Cox said his side needed to be more Systematic more strong minded and get back to enjoying their football, when speaking to me at the weekly press meeting. The Stags boss shook the pack once more, making three changes as we searched for our first victory in five outings (league and cup)

There was a shock with Cox’s selection as he dropped full back Luke O’Neill who had featured in every game of the season, in came John Dempster for his full debut along with Lee Stevenson and Adam Murray following his suspension. Along with O’Neill out went Paul Bolland and Anthony Howell. A flexible formation was put on show by Cox, a 4-3-3 or, what looked to me like a 4-2-3-1 – both formations suiting our style of play, allowing Stevenson & Meikle a little more creative freedom.

Alan Marriott

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

Adam Murray (C) (Bolland) – Aman Verma

Ross Dyer – Lee Stevenson (Howell) – Lindon Meikle

Matt Green

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

Mansfield started the game a million times brighter than they have done in previous weeks and should have been ahead in the opening two minutes, a routine back pass to the keeper from Sam Rents seemed to hold up in the gusty evening wing, both Green and Gateshead keeper Jak Alnwick raced for it with Green getting there first, knocking the ball around the Newcastle loanee – With an open goal at his mercy all Green had to do was tap home, however unbelievably Green shot wide of the target.

Three minutes later Green was in again, this time showing good determination chasing down a sloppy back pass. Stags’ leading scorer veered away from goal to round the keeper but this time was denied as Alnwick claimed the ball at Green’s feet.

The Stags were playing some truly wonderful football with the 4-2-3-1 formation working a treat. As predicated pre-match, it allowed Meikle and Stevenson, who was making only his second start of the season, a lot of freedom, with Murray & Verma starting moves with well timed challenges and pitch perfect passes. Murray and Verma also showed there attacking credentials with the pair heavily involved with Mansfield’s opener on nine minutes.

In the centre of the park, Murray pulled off a splendid dummy, that good he fooled himself! Before the returning Stags skipper spotted Verma to the right of the box, picking him out with a neatly chipped pass. Verma then showed neat control and knocked the ball inside to Ross Dyer who finished superbly, firing low and hard past the keeper into the bottom corner for his fifth goal of the campaign.

Stags 1-0 Gateshead

Despite a 3/4 minute spell on the ball in the Mansfield half, Gateshead created very little bar long range tame efforts – it was Mansfield who where on top throughout the first half. The Stags should have a second on 26 minutes when Aman Verma’s well hit deep free kick bounced the wrong side of the post when all it needed was someone to gamble.

Matt Green, Ross Dyer, Lindon Meikle and Lee Stevenson linked up very well with the latter shining in the central pocket of space which Meikle, Dyer and Green created. Just after the half hour mark Stevenson did his job perfectly, slotting Green through on goal from the centre of the park however Mansfield’s leading talisman fired over under pressure from Kris Gate. A minute later Stevenson again slipped a ball through the middle, this time is was Ross Dyer who fired over from 10 yards, under pressure from Ben Clark.

In the bitterly cold weather any knocks picked up were bound to come a little keener, with seven minutes to go before the break, Aman Verma picked up a knock to his knee and was replaced by Paul Bolland. Two minutes later Matt Green tore free down the right, holding up the ball long enough for support to arrive, Green played the ball into the area and Lee Stevenson struck, unfortunately his effort swirled out for a Gateshead throw in.

Gateshead gave the Stags a late first half scare when Phil Turnbull’s driven show was deflected behind for a corner, Ben Clark headed straight into Marriott’s hands from ex-stag Kyle Nix’s delivery.

Half Time: Stags 1-0 Gateshead

Gateshead began the second half a little more livelier than the first but despite pressure from the heed, the Stags still created chances for a second playing some neat football along the way. On 53 minutes Matt Green looked eager to avenge his first half misses, making a jinking run before letting fly from the edge of the box, however Green still couldn’t find the target as he shot straight at Alnwick.

Just shy of the hour mark the Stags saw a second goal ruled out, fantastic flowing football saw Dyer played wide right, his driven cross found Meikle at the far post who bundled the ball into the back of the net but was penalised for handball, and offside.

On 65 minute minute’s disbelief swept Field Mill as Stags again failed to convert, Kieron Freeman’s right sided free kick was strong and found John Dempster at the far post, two yards from goal Dempster, making his full debut, blazed over.

The appreciation for Mansfield’s fine flowing football seemed to bubble over into frustration by a small minority, sensing the frustration growing Gateshead brought on Nathan Fisher, who in all fairness instantly changed the game, being a nuisance to Stags getting in tight spaces, stretching the game and covering every blade of grass. On 68 minutes Gateshead made Mansfield rue their missed chances, Sam Rents provided a perfect cross for the on fire ex-Stag Jon Shaw, who predictably sent his glancing header past Alan Marriott from 6 yards, grabbing his 20^th goal of the season and levelling the game.

Stags 1-1 Gateshead

Nathan Fisher fired over from the edge of the box a minute later as Gateshead looked to complete the turnaround; however Mansfield also seemed determined to get back ahead. Matt Green finally beat Alnwick after a mazy run, however the Stags striker was still left holding his head in his hands as the ball brushed past the post and out for a goal kick.

Paul Cox then withdrew the impressive Lee Stevenson for Louis Briscoe with 17 minutes left, Briscoe’s addition to the pitch saw Stags go 4-4-2 with Dyer slotting upfront alongside Green and Meikle moving to the left. Briscoe’s attacking flair had to wait however as the visitors powered forward, John Dempster made the right impression on the crowd throwing himself at not one but two powerful Jon Shaw efforts.

With 11 minutes to go, Ross Dyer should have grabbed his second of the night, Matt Green did all the hard work on the left hand side playing a neat ball inside for the former Forest Green target man, however Dyer had a rush of blood and fired aimlessly over the top when really, he could have taken a touch before finishing the job.

Neither side looked contempt with just a point however it was the visitors who looked more likely to score towards the end as they pressured the Stags. Alan Marriott was the hero once more, denying Jon Shaw and James Marwood from close range with top draw saves – a fine way to complete his 100^th league game for the club, it’s just a shame the chances at the other end couldn’t make it all three points rather than just one!

Full Time: Stags 1-1 Gateshead

So another draw making it three points from a possible 12 in our last four outings, however I’m not going to sit here tonight and pick holes in our performance, or try and deeply analyse every single move (despite having time on my hands!)! All I’m going to say is something that’s a fact – Mansfield Town played some fantastic, outstanding football worthy of winning any game, yes we didn’t take our chances and yes we got caught (again!) but we didn’t get the rub of the green, it’s a simple as that. No amount of coaching, ability, money, effort etc can chance that – sometimes things either happen or they don’t.

In a few weeks time we WILL look back at last night’s 1-1 draw and say it changed our season for the better. For the first time in a month, maybe two – we played with freedom, flair and confidence. We we’re tactically spot on and matched this with ability – both in attack and defence. We we’re fluid, we we’re excitable, we had desire, flair and belief – We were Mansfield Town once more.

All we do now is channel it and convert it into points on Saturday afternoon against Braintree. Simple.

P.S.... If you’ve any lucky horse shoes, four leave clovers, charms etc – please send them to Matt Green, Mansfield Town FC, Quarry Lane.... Only Greeny, the net will burst from your boot soon!

Thanks for reading!   

CTA #22 Bath Vs Stags

Blue Square Bet Premier Game #20 Bath City Vs Mansfield Town – Twirton Park, Saturday 26^th November 3PM

‘Roman Invasion’

After making four exciting signings in the week, you could forgive any Stags fan who had an air of confidence about them yesterday. With Stags travelling to rock bottom Bath City and having, as mentioned, added more quality to the ranks – it seemed a certainty that there would only be one winner at Twirton Park yesterday.

In the mixing bowl too was the fact the hosts had played 120 minutes of football midweek when they we’re knocked out of the FA cup by Dagenham & Redbridge. The cake mixture was sweet and as kick off approached the flavour was so sexy, the apatite craved more – looking back, our cake was arrogant and the sweet taste turned bitter at 5PM when once more, the beautiful game brought us crashing back down to earth with its harsh reality; A very lucky and totally unacceptable 1-1 draw.

During the week Paul Cox had brought in Aman Verma and Marcus Kelly on loan with a view to a permanent move from cash strapped Kettering, along with experienced defender John Dempster from Crawley (three months) and lively forward Nialle Rodney from Bradford (1 month) – With Adam Murray suspended it was likely that either Verma or Kelly would debut, however the real question was which two loan players would miss out, as league rulings state only five can be in the 16. Louis Moult, who looks set to return to Stoke on Monday, along with surprisingly Marcus Kelly we’re the two loanee’s to sit out, whilst skipper Adam Murray also missed out trough suspension with Paul Cox unsurprisingly handing captaincy duty to John Thompson as the Stags boss made two changes to the line up, and four to the bench.

Alan Marriott

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

Ross Dyer – Paul Bolland (Murray) – Aman Verma (Hegarty) #34 – Lindon Meikle

Matt Green – Anthony Howell

SUBS: Shane Redmond – Louis Briscoe – Lee Stevenson – John Dempster #31 – Nialle Rodney #32

After battling with Dagenham & Redbridge midweek Bath seemed to have found renewed confidence and got proceedings underway, the registered their first effort in under a minute pouncing on an error from skipper John Thompson – the former Notts County captain was just too keen to stamp his authority on the game and didn’t get enough on his clearing header allowing Lewis Hogg to nip in. Hogg made his way to the edge of the box but couldn’t get a clean shot away under immense pressure from Ritchie Sutton and hit a tame effort straight at Marriott.

Seven minutes later it was the hosts on the charge once again, Lewis Hogg was allowed too much time and space on the ball inside the centre of the park and picked an easy pass to Joe Bryan who arrived in the area after giving O’Neill the brush off. Bryan’s shot hit the side netting fortunately for Stags who in truth demonstrated some sluggish defending throughout the early exchanges.
The Stags did finally break and show signs of what could be on ten minutes after Alan Marriott calmly collected a deep Sean Canham free kick. The Stags keeper spotted Lindon Meikle free on the left wing and picked him out with an early ball – Meikles neat control allowed him to turn outpace his marker and feed leading scorer Matt Green. The Oxford loanee who is close to sealing his permanent move to Field Mill dropped his shoulder to shoot but was blocked off before picking a pass out to strike partner Anthony Howell who immediately let fly, but only into Bath keeper Jason Matthews’ hands.

On 17 minutes good Mansfield pressure saw debutant Aman Verma put in his apology for former club Darlington’s FA Trophy win, combining well with John Thompson. Verma held the ball up well on the edge of the box and demonstrated neat footwork, firing a shot towards goal but seeing it blocked and diverted away for a corner.

A minute later Bath took the lead very much against the run of play with Mansfield enjoying a neat passing spell, Aman Verma thought he’d sparked another move when the 24 year old found Bolland in the centre circle, however Bolland’s touch was heavy and Marley Watkins broke free. Watkins threaded a pass into Bryan who drew a fine save from Marriott; however Marriott could do nothing about the rebound as Watkins arrived unmarked to fire home from 12 yards to put the rock bottom hosts in front.

Bath 1-0 Stags
Five minutes later Mansfield we’re back on level terms thanks to a massive piece of good luck, Aman Verma impressed on the edge of the box turning away from his marker before feeding Lindon Meikle wide left. The England C winger took the ball right to the goal line and chipped the ball back into the box – Matthews was beaten and somehow the looping ball delicately touched the far post and dropped into the net. A fluke goal from an acute angle, Meikle’s third of the season.
Bath 1-1 Stags

On 27 minutes the hosts had a golden chance to regain the advantage, however both sides where left feeling guilty, Mansfield of poor defending and Bath of woeful finishing. Canham’s free kick was headed back across the face of goal as Ross Dyer was easily out jumped at the near post, with Mansfield in a daze the ball fell at the far post for Charlie Clough, Clough somehow missed an open goal from two yards out. As soon as the ball was over, Paul Cox raced out of his technical area with more steam coming out his ears than steam coming from the nearby roman bath houses – the Stags boss clearly furious with his sides defending.

With a minute to go before the break the Stags felt the pendulum of luck swing ferociously from side to side, Sekani Simpson’s low cross from the right hand side bounced up and struck a Stags arm, however referee Amy Fearn waved away the appeals and Alan Marriott collected the loose ball. He spotted Ross Dyer free on the right hand side and picked him out with a fine throw, Dyer then produced a fine run cutting inside from the bye line leaving defenders chasing fresh air, he unselfishly played Howell into the box however the former Alfreton mans shot was well saved by home keeper Matthews. Luke O’Neill delivered another poor corner as the Stags again failed to make their presence felt.
On the stroke of half time, Mansfield pilled forward again, Matt Green and Ross Dyer combined in the air with the ball falling to Howell on the edge of the box. Howell struck tamely but again got a corner as the ball bobbled off Charlie Clough’s leg.

Half Time: Bath 1-1 Stags
Two minutes into the second half, a much improved delivery from Luke O’Neill nearly saw the Stags edge In front; O’Neill’s corner ran all the way to the far post for Lindon Meikle. The lively wingman whipped the ball back across goal right footed, with the ball just curling out as Ross Dyer arrived at the back post.

Minutes later Mansfield we’re caught napping but given a let off curtsey of Amy Fearn, A Bath free kick was taken quickly and chipped into the box, the Bath runner was unmarked on the edge of the box and unleashed an unstoppable volley which cannoned off the post and back into play – fortunately the sleeping Stags we’re woken up by Fearn’s whistle as the free kick was pulled back and the taker booked for taking the set piece before the whistle.
On 52 minutes Matt Green showed battling quality’s to keep Ritchie Sutton’s chipped ball in play on the right hand side, Green earned the Stags a corner which O’Neill took. The young full backs delivery found John Thompson at the back post after he powered his way through the crowd – the captain’s header was blocked and found Dyer on the edge of the box. Lindon Meikle then linked the ball back across to O’Neill who delivered a curling cross which Matt Green headed wide from close range.

A minute later it was Bath pressuring, Simpsons cross was flicked on and found Joe Bryan – Alan Marriott produced a fine save to deny the hungry Bath forward. Moments later Marriott could only watch on as Gethin Jones headed a Canham free kick wide of the target as the Stags again we’re sluggish to clear the hosts set pieces.

Paul Cox then introduced Louis Briscoe for Paul Bolland with 65 on the clock, the lively wing man has missed Mansfield’s last five games through injury and his ability has been sorely missed. Ross Dyer, who has taken Briscoe’s place on the right since his injury, moved back up front alongside Green, whilst Howell slotted into the vacant central-midfield role.

Four minutes after his introduction Briscoe showed the Stags exactly what they’d been missing, whipping in a dangerous ball following Luke O’Neill’s interception of a Bath through ball. Briscoe’s lively cross found Green inside the area, the leading scorer controlled and turned well, firing a shot against the leg of the covering defender.

On 74 minutes Matt Green should have put Mansfield ahead, Lindon Meikle produced a fine pass over the top of the home back line and Green pounced, cushioning the ball with his head before setting himself to go round the advancing keeper. With the goal at his mercy Green had simple goal but rolled the ball agonisingly wide of the target. Green was replaced less than a minute later by Nialle Rodney.

From then on it was a true Roman invasion as the hosts penned Stags in and produced the better football, creating space, exploiting the gaps and doing everything but score. On 83 Sekani Simpsons low cross found Lewis Hogg unmarked in the middle, Hogg powered his effort goal wards but was denied by Marriott who was on fine form.

A minute later the hosts thought they’d done it as they ran riot down the right hand side leaving Kieron Freeman exposed. Simpson found substitute Scott Murray who placed the ball across the face of goal, fellow sub Lee Phillips bundled home from half a yard but didn’t even celebrate as the linesman flag for offside was up way before he connected with the ball.

With less than five minutes to go away from home against bottom of the league, locked at 1-1 you’d usually see a striker or attacking midfielder thrown on, however with Freeman and Mansfield getting torn to pieces at the back the Stags final substitution was used to withdraw Freeman and introduce John Dempster. The 28 year old defender slotted in at centre half, with Sutton going to right back and O’Neill to left back.

Despite the move, Bath continued attacking and Paul Cox’s side had Marriott to thank as he held onto several long range efforts, they also had the post to thank as Aaron Amadi-Holloway crashed a shot against it in the dyeing seconds.

Full Time: Bath 1-1 Stags

I can’t put my finger on why Mansfield crumbled or why we again had an knack of not scoring, had it been for Meikles fluke, we’d have lost as nothing seemed like going in. Bath are fighting for their lives at the bottom and tore us to pieces on too many occasions, any neutral who’d seen the game and didn’t know which side sat where in the table would put Mansfield at the bottom on that showing. We missed Murray in the centre of the park; I personally feel a Murray-Verma partnership would be fantastic. Upfront Howell gave us a different dimension and whilst some will say he was ineffective, I disagree. He got in the tiny holes, won us flick on’s and gave Green more space to work – I think we lost a massive part of our attack when he was moved back into the middle of the park. I can sit and pick holes in our side and rant about player performances etc for hours on end but their seriously is no point – dwelling get’s us nowhere. What we’ve done is get out of bed on a cold morning, stood on a plug, been scratched by the cat and poured boiling hot water on our hands whilst making the tea – what we do know is look in the mirror, address our mistakes and make sure we avoid failing down stairs when we face Gateshead on Tuesday. As Keith Curle always said, there’s a right way, a wrong way and a Mansfield Town way – The Mansfield Town way is getting a point off the bottom side, but beating the topsides – so bring on Gateshead!

Aside from the football, as you’ll be aware yesterdays game was my final broadcast with Takeover due to a staff shortage at the station. I’d just like to thank you for the kind messages of support and offers of help, to know that what I do makes a difference and provides a service on match day warms my heart – I’ll do my best to get it back. During my time with Takeover, I’ve hit troubled spells but shone through them with the help of friends and close colleagues – If this is the end, I will look back with fond memories. I am proud of the phone in show we had last season and thank you for your participation, I am privileged and grateful of my days out at Wembley and I’m delighted with the upturn of listeners and love for the shows since pre-season. It has been difficult and there have been doubters (some of them I’ve kept quiet) but through gritted teeth, together we’ve got through it all and had a bloody good laugh along the way. I thank you for sharing the journey with you and promise that; somehow, we’ll be back, bigger and better than ever before. This is not the end, it’s just the beginning – we are down, but by no means out. Keep a track of what’s going off on www.mtfcmatters.weebly.com and if you can help in anyway please email cragpriest14@gmail.com     

Thanks again and thank you for reading as always.

Photos: James Williamson
Podcast

CTA #21 AFC Telford Vs Stags

Blue Square Bet Premier Game #19 AFC Telford United Vs Mansfield Town – Saturday 19^th November 2011 – New Bucks Head, 3PM.

‘Feeling Blue’

Today (Sunday) has been one of those days’ where we’re just getting out of bed makes you the strongest willed person in the world. Reflecting on yesterday’s game at AFC Telford I can’t pinpoint a particular moment to make me smile and feel good, I’m sat here shaking my head in disbelief at how negative my writing feels. I’m stuck on a pendulum swinging between fact and optimism, the way I see it? Yesterday we we’re back, but not better.

Yes we knocked the ball round well at times; we created space and had opportunities to change the outcome of the game. However you can pass the ball around the entire game but it only takes one sniff for you to concede – games are won on chances being taken, not possession, remember that’s only nine tenths of the law.

I think it’s a frustration thing for me today, I’m spending too much time reflecting on past games – it just feels like in every new game we play, we have to justify the mistakes we’ve made in previous weeks. The break we’ve had should have stopped that and in fairness in for me did, however the final score yesterday of 0-0 means we go into next week’s game at bottom club Bath City having to win to show that a point at Telford (making it 4 points out of 6 away from home) was actually a decent point to pick up. I’m babbling here, what I’m trying to say really is that it seems like we’re two steps behind our challengers all the time and with each game and each mistake we’re being pushed back even more, allowing more room for doubt and frustration to grow and grow.

I’m seeing this every week at the moment, nobody’s to blame either so doesn’t think this is a rant at anybody, it’s just the path we are currently on – I guess that’s why I’m feeling blue. Don’t worry though – I often find inspiration when feeling blue, I’m sure I will again...

Onto yesterday’s game I was delighted when I woke up knowing it was Stags Saturday once again, last week was so boring without a game, I was at the Alfreton Vs Carlisle game and I don’t mind admitting I hated every second away from my boys oh and being away from the press box! Being able to talk about my team and celebrate their achievements is a much more overwhelming feeling, Jumping for joy as Chris Senior missed a penalty didn’t quite match the feeling I get from celebrating something in relation to my Stags – maybe the fact I was in the middle of dye hard Alfreton fans at the time didn’t help.... anyway – moving on. A short car journey to the new bucks head ground was passed by changing the lyrics to Christmas songs to fit a Stags setting – I’ll reveal more on that at a later date! Despite a few problems with admittance to the car park and ground, we we’re soon in the ground grabbing hold of a power point and setting up in the tightest space yet!

Team news soon filtered through, Paul Cox made one change from the side that we’re beaten by Cambridge – John Thompson finally made his Mansfield debut at the heart of defence replacing Ben Futcher who is of course now back at Bury. John played extremely well alongside Rhys Day on Monday at Eastwood and I’m delighted to see him back after Ilkeston Gate.

Alan Marriott

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

Ross Dyer – Adam Murray (C) – Anthony Howell – Nick Hegarty

Lindon Meikle – Matt Green

SUBS: Shane Redmond – Paul Connor – Paul Bolland – Rhys Day – Louis Moult.

The Stags got the game underway and made a bright start, winning a free kick in dangerous territory in the opening 30 seconds. Luke O’Neill’s ball down the right towards Ross Dyer looped up in the air with Anthony Howell climbing highest to win the challenge, however Howells was caught as he jumped and a free kick awarded – Luke O’Neill delivered the ball deep, however Ritchie Sutton was judged to have fouled his man and the hosts we’re given a free kick themselves.

With the game three minutes old it was the hosts who threatened as they enjoyed the best of the opening exchanges, fortunately for the stags Richard Davies shot wide after Jay Smiths cleaver through ball had caught the Mansfield back line nodding. Six minutes later AFC Telford we’re in again, Ryan Valentine nipped the ball past Luke O’Neill finding Chris Sharp in space on the edge of the box, Sharp let fly but couldn’t keep his shot underneath the bar and the Stags we’re let off with a goal kick.

Alan Marriott then started a bright stags move catching a chipped cross from Sean Newton, he spotted Nick Hegarty in space wide left and quickly released the former Grimsby wing man. After taking one marker out of the game with a neat instep, Hegarty had space and fed a neat pass towards Matt Green, he turned under pressure but failed to take the ball with him allowing the hosts to easily clear.

It was clear that Lindon Meikle upfront was not working and he made his way back to the right as Dyer moved up front, the instruction came after The Stags registered their first proper shot on target on 20 minutes, Matt Green took a quick throw in on the left, feeding Kieron Freeman who saw his cross curl towards goal but not evade Ryan Young who watched it all the way into his hands.    

Four minutes later Mansfield finally stretched AFC Telford with Meikle immediately effective out wide, weaving his way past his marker the winger, back from international duty, whipped in a decent cross finding Hegarty inside the box, however his header was tame and easy for Young to collect.

Mansfield thought they’d fallen behind with 28 gone as AFC Telford proved lightening can strike twice. In similar fashion to the 1-1 draw at Field Mill, Anthony Howell was disposed by Chris Sharp, Sharp let fly from 25 yards seeing his shot smash the bar – Ritchie Sutton was on hand to head behind for a corner which fortunately swung out of play for a goal kick.

The half hour mark was the turning point as Mansfield upped their game with numerous attacks, Nick Hegarty started a decent Mansfield move spreading the ball wide to Luke O’Neill from the centre of the park, O’Neill rescued his own heavy touch by whipping a neat ball into the area, it found its way to the far post where leading scorer Matt Green pounced, somehow firing wide from close range.

Two minutes later Hegarty started yet another move in which patience shone. Matt Green cut back inside following Hegarty’s left wing pass, eager for a shot Green just couldn’t find the space so instead fed Murray as the Stags kept the ball, the Stags skipper pushed the ball wide left for Freeman, the Welsh Under 21 internationals cross set up nicely for Dyer at the far post however Dyer headed over.

On 34 minutes the Stags saw a goal fairly chalked off. Great character from Ross Dyer saw the burly front man chase down a long ball, keeping the ball in play he fed Meikle down the right channel, Meikle’s ball across the face of goal was deflected behind for a corner. Luke O’Neill’s right footed out swinger was flapped at by the keeper and found Matt Green who tapped into the empty net, however the whistle had already gone for a foul on the keeper and the game remained level.

With six minute to go before the break Stags were on the wrong end of some awful refereeing, Lindon Meikle was taken down near the bye-line after threading Ross Dyer into the box, Dyer was clean through and about to shoot as the referee pulled the ball back for a Stags free kick.

Luke O’Neill completed the first half action powering a neat drive into Ryan Young’s hands after Adam Murray had taken a free kick quickly – no sooner had Young released the ball downfield, the half time whistle blew.

Half Time: AFC Telford 0-0 Stags

At the break Paul Cox withdrew Nick Hegarty for striker Paul Connor and despite the option of a 4-3-3 stuck with 4-4-2 with Dyer going back to the right and Lindon Meikle slotting onto the left.

Ritchie Sutton was on hand in the opening minute of the second half as Stags switched off from Will Salmon’s throw, Salmon put the ball into the box after a return from former Stag Ashley Cain, the ball found its way to the on rushing Craig Farrell whose shot was turned behind for a corner by Sutton.

A minute later it was the Stags turn to worry the opposition, Matt Green picked up the ball in the centre before feeding Ross Dyer, Dyer did well to shrug off his marker and move in the middle and a huge pocket of space, eventually returning Green who’d made the advancing run. Green was 1 vs. 1 with Young but brave goalkeeping from the Bucks shot stopper saw Green’s effort thwarted.

Mansfield generally kept the ball well in the second half but chances seemed rare, on the hour mark another good spell on the ball saw the Stags nearly find a breakthrough. Kieron Freeman controlled the ball well before playing Sutton into the centre circle; he then chipped a neat ball forwards for Matt Green who’s shot on the turn found its way wide left to Meikle. After squeezing his way through two markers, Meikle chipped in a cross which Green headed over from 6 yards.

Alan Marriott was then Mansfield’s hero pulling off a superb save with his thigh, Jay Smith’s cross following a strong Thompson headed clearance saw Richard Davies get goal side of the back line, Davies let fly and Marriott deflected the ball away for a corner. Smith’s corner was headed goal wards and Ritchie Sutton blasted the ball away as it lingered dangerously near the line.

Mansfield we’re dealt a blow on 78 minutes, Adam Murray’s foul on Ryan Valentine on the edge of the area saw the influential skipper pick up his 5^th booking of the season, meaning he’ll be suspended for our trip to Bath City next Saturday. Fortunately that’s as far as the punishment went as the resulting free kick was poorly struck against the wall and cleared.

In the dyeing minutes Mansfield again played keep ball with Murray and Meikle both seeing strikes deflect away, Stags just couldn’t find the gap and we’re nearly caught with a second to go, AFC Telford broke free but John Thompson, who will be favourite for the skippers armband next week, read the pass well and smashed the ball into orbit just as the final whistle blew ensuring Mansfield’s first clean sheet in 13 games.

Full Time: AFC Telford United 0-0 Stags

As I mentioned earlier the pendulum swings between positives and negatives, a huge positive was Thompson’s debut and a clean sheet, a negative? Not scoring. Looking back that’s pretty much it, we lacked creativity and failed to take our chances therefore we didn’t score. Sometimes we rushed our play and put balls into no-man’s land when really all we needed was to play the basic ‘Give and go’. Our answer to on the pitch fortunes lies in Paul Cox’s hands – What John Thompson did yesterday was take control of a shoddy back four, making his presence felt and getting the result in the process. We now need a battling midfielder to come in and pull the strings, maybe we’ve got that in Bolland, Worthington or Stevenson – only Paul Cox knows the answer. We need the same on the wing and upfront, Is Louis Moult the answer? I couldn’t care less who does it, but I desperately want to see someone come in, be able to control a ball in the air or at feet, pop off a pass, get into space and make the back of the net burst. Simple football, Simple outcome – Victory!

Away from that I mentioned earlier about us looking back and dwelling on our past and our mistakes, what I’ve done is taken away our results and performances and looked at what we’re aiming for on the pitch – promotion. What is promotion really? A dream, why is it a dream? Because that’s what EVERYONE wants before a ball is kicked, nobody in their right mind says ‘I wouldn’t mind relegation this season’ the thing is only TWO teams can achieve it – what we must do is chase the dream and look at some mind boggling logic.

“When all is said and done, dreams are like a shooting star – a spectacular moment of light in the darkness giving a fleeting glimpse of eternal glory. In a flash, the dreams are often gone and forgotten so to achieve we must never let them go out of sight”

In our analogy, the darkness is our past – we’ve spent so much time reflecting on it and looking back, we have become trapped by our own darkness. What we have now is a side capable of offering us the light of those shooting stars, so I say keep an eye on them, focus on the here and now, because as soon as we do – our darkness will be gone forever and eternal glory will shine.

The shooting star will be present at Bath City next week, so follow it – do not let it go. If you can’t get, join myself and Scott Rogers on 106.9FM and www.mtfcmatters.weebly.com for full match commentary from 2PM – we’ll follow it for you!

Thanks for reading, If you’re baffled at my comments – I promise you there is a hidden message. COME ON YOU STAGS

MATCH PICS: James Williamson
PODCAST:

Friendly: Eastwood 1-2 Mansfield 14/11/11

‘Voldermort!’

It’s not uncommon for managers to arrange behind closed doors friendly’s during the week to allow fringe players some much needed minutes, especially when the club doesn’t have a reserve side. However it’s not too often these hastily arranged friendly’s will be made open to the public, in fact last night was the first ever ‘mid-season open to the public’ friendly I’ve ever been too in over 10 years as a stags fan.

Without a Stags’ game on Saturday I went along to Alfreton to whiteness there exit from the FA Cup at the hands of Carlisle United – however it wasn’t the same and I was totally lost! It’s because of this I’m grateful Eastwood opened their doors last night, as not only could I watch my team in action, I could also don the headset and return to my rightful home – the press box! (see podcast below, also thanks must go to both clubs for allowing us to broadcast the game at such short notice!)

I began the day as I always start Monday’s these days, interviewing Paul Cox at the weekly press meeting. He told me he was hopeful John Thompson would be making an appearance as he looked to boost his chances of a Stags debut on Saturday at AFC Telford United. As the day passed and the game arrived, Paul Cox confirmed to me that Thompson was in the starting 11, alongside Rhys Day at centre half.

The strong Stags squad also included trialist Lewis Neal, The experienced 30 year old midfielder has recently returned to the country following a spell with Orlando City, however he has plenty of league experience under his belt, playing 70 games for Stoke City after graduating through their academy before playing for Preston North End, Carlisle United and Shrewsbury Town.

Paul Cox also named another trialist amongst the substitutes  however the Stags chief wanted the trialists name kept secret, during the show we referred to him Voldermort after the popular Harry Potter character, also known as ‘He who shall not be named’ – The same will apply during my match report.

The stags wore there away strip as Eastwood donned a bright orange strip, myself and Scott Rogers were reminded of pre-season as the Stags ran out with no numbers on the back of the shirt – not that it mattered!

Shane Redmond

Jordan Jones (Youth Team) – Rhys Day – John Thompson – Matt Bell

Andy Todd – Adam Murray (C) – Paul Bolland – Lewis Neal

Lee Stevenson

Louis Moult

SUBS: Alan Marriott, Jason Gregory (Youth Team), Clayton Brown (Youth Team), Danny Barke (Youth Team), Joe Flint (Youth Team), Anthony Howell, Nick Hegarty, Matt Green, Ross Dyer, Ritchie Sutton, Luke O’Neill, Voldermort.

It was the Stags who got the game underway at Coronation Park, however they we’re soon on the back foot as Eastwood took over possession following Adam Murray’s miss placed pass, Eastwood’s Sam Wood saw his final shot land wide after a centred cross from Lavelle White.

Three minutes later the Stags found themselves in Eastwood territory and tested home keeper Jake Want, Jordan Jones was the provider putting in a neat cross on the return from Andy Todd, Paul Bolland lurked on the edge of the area letting fly left footed however the Eastwood keeper collected well. Mansfield were then caught on the break, the keepers long ball downfield should have been dealt with by Matt Bell, however his back pass to Shane Redmond was too slow and Eastwood nipped in, John Thompson did well to come across and push Eastwood’s wing man wide, before heading away the resulting cross.

Mansfield then had a great chance to open the scoring with 11 minutes on the clock, Jordan Jones’ headed clearance was brought down well by Lee Stevenson in the centre circle, a neat turn saw Stevenson charge forward in a 3 Vs 2 scenario, Stevenson had trialist Neal to his left with Todd making the right ahead of him to the right, Stevenson opted for the latter who saw his shot blocked by the keeper and Eastwood finally scurry clear.

Three minutes later the game found its opening goal, A poor Eastwood corner was matched by some pour Stags defending as they failed to pick out the Eastwood runners at the near post, Sam Wood’s sloppy corner bobbled up and was converted into the roof of the net from close range to put the hosts ahead.

Eastwood 1-0 Stags

Mansfield we’re eager to respond but had to be patient as Eastwood enjoyed spells of pressure, with 20 on the clock patient movement from the Stags saw the ball eventually fall for Bolland a good 30 yards from goal, his left footed effort was turned behind for a corner by keeper Jake Want, however Matt Bells delivery was poor and Stags failed to draw level.

The Stags had further chances for a leveller before the break, with 33 minutes gone Jordan Jones was taken down by Eastwood’s Lavelle White giving Mansfield a free kick in a dangerous position – Matt Bell finally delivered a testing ball after a series of poor deliveries from set pieces, Andy Todd rose highest to bells in swinging ball, Heading into the keepers arms. Two minutes later the impressive Jones moved the ball inside well from Todd’s pass, the 16 year old full back fed Lee Stevenson who fired goal wards but saw his effort blocked by Jake Want, the resulting corner was again ineffective.

Stevenson and trialist Lewis Neal both had another couple of half changes before the whistle blew, however neither really troubled Jake Want and had it not been for a defensive error, both sides would have been level at the break, however as the half time whistle blew – it was the hosts who were ahead.

Half Time: Eastwood 1-0 Stags

Paul Cox made two changes at the break, skipper Adam Murray was withdrawn along with Lewis Neal, Anthony Howell replaced the stags captain whilst Neal was replaced by fellow trialist ‘Voldermort’. Mansfield also switched to a 4-4-2 with Stevenson dropping into the midfield, ‘Voldermort’ onto the left wing and Howell partnering Moult up front.

Eastwood had a golden chance for a second goal with just over a minute of the second half gone, Jones’ miss placed pass was picked up in the centre by Eastwood, however Shane Redmond did superbly well to deny the lightening quick Jarrad Westcarr before John Thompson nipped in to avert the danger.

With the second half 10 minutes old, the fact the game was a friendly shone as Anthony Howell was brought down after Rhys Day’s long ball over the top, Eastwood skipper Gavin Caines was the last man as he brought Howell down, on reflection Caines can count himself rather lucky as the referee awarded the free kick right on the line. Lee Stevenson opted for a blast but the ball ballooned off the wall, Howell’s resulting cross back into the box was cleared.

Just after the hour mark Mansfield looked sharp on the break after ‘Voldermort’ had headed away a Tom Manship free kick, Anthony Howell held the ball up well before returning ‘Voldermort’ who let fly right footed inside the area, Jake Want pulled off a decent save but Mansfield we’re first too it, Jordan Jones showed good footwork to pull the ball back into the box from Stevenson who fired over the bar and out of the ground from close range.

Four minutes later the Stags finally drew level, despite an Eastwood attack which saw Redmond pull off another superb stop; The Stags showed composure and took their chance – a long ball through the middle bounced perfectly for Anthony Howell who spotted the keeper off of his line and lifted the ball over him left footed to level the game.

Eastwood 1-1 Stags

Alan Marriott then took to the field as Shane Redmond was withdrawn; Nick Hegarty also came on to provide some more flair on the left with Matt Bell departing. The Stags then thought the comeback was complete as the clock struck 72, another good piece of movement saw Lee Stevenson create space for himself, letting fly from the edge of the box – the shot looked all the way in but a last second swerve saw the ball cannon back out of the post, with Eastwood reacting first and putting the ball behind for a corner.

The Stags began to press more up park and pen the hosts into their own half, John Thompson and Rhys Day set up camp on the half way line with Thompson leading the line brilliantly and Day completing the double act winning every header strongly and dominantly. Thompson also showed great vision too, and with 79 on the clock picked out Jones with a decent cross field ball, Jones looked strong in the air but could only head behind for a goal kick.

A minute later however the Stags were finally ahead, Good movement saw Andy Todd played into the area. The Stags player coaches touch was too heavy but Eastwood keeper Jake Want gave the Stags a helping hand deflecting the ball into the path of Howell who in turn put the ball back into the middle, where former Eastwood midfielder Stevenson fired home to put his new club ahead with 10 minutes to go.

Eastwood 1-2 Stags

Two more late efforts followed from Stevenson, there was also good movement between ‘Voldermort’ and Howell with the latter being flagged offside, the full time whilstle eventually blew with every Mansfield player bar keeper Marriott camped in the Eastwood half.

Full Time: Eastwood 1-2 Stags

Paul Cox’s Stags side put in a good shift and there is no doubt they would have had a clean sheet had it not been for that 14^th minute error. Trialists Neal and ‘Voldermort’ had average games, whilst the centre half pairing of Thompson and Day shone – If these two can up there fitness a little more, Mansfield will have the best defence in the league in my opinion. Young right back Jordan Jones did himself proud with a solid performance which seemingly pleased Paul Cox in his post match interview. Lee Stevenson had a decent game being involved with 90% of Mansfield’s chances and will certainly have put himself in the frame for a start on Saturday.

If you can’t get on Saturday be sure to join myself and Scott on 106.9FM and www.mtfcmatters.weebly.com from 2PM, we’ll be live with build up followed by full match commentary.

Thanks for reading.

CTA #20 Mansfield Vs Cambridge

Blue Square Bet Premier Game #18 – Mansfield Town Vs Cambridge United – 5^th November 2011 3PM

‘BANG and the points are gone’

After a midweek spanking at Fleetwood, many would have found it difficult to get out of bed and head to Field Mill yesterday, especially when your battered and bruised side is facing an in form team who are unbeaten in 6, netting 19 goals in the process.

The weather too was miserable and did nothing to inspire, in fact after it almost seemed like Tuesday’s script writer had returned for to begin penning Mansfield’s sequel story, the setting dull, damp, lifeless and miserable. However people do say it’s not about how you fall, it’s how you respond – meaning the Grim Reaper of story tellers might not have everything his own way.

Paul Cox had seemingly brighten the mood on Friday adding two players to the ranks, left winger Nick Hegarty joined until boxing day whilst 19 year old defender Kieron Freeman joined on a month’s loan from Nottingham Forest. Both additions already provided some much needed balance as a lack of fit, naturally left footed players has seen our game plan slightly obvious – both we’re handed debuts as the Stags boss made three changes from THAT game midweek, fit again Matt Green completed the trio of changes as Martin Riley, Paul Bolland and Louis Moult made way.

Alan Marriott

Luke O’Neill – Ben Futcher – Ritchie Sutton – Kieron Freeman #30 (Riley)

Lindon Meikle – Adam Murray (C) – Anthony Howell – Nick Hegarty #29 (Bolland)

Matt Green (Moult) – Ross Dyer

SUBS: Shane Redmond – John Thompson – Paul Connor – Paul Bolland – Louis Moult

The visitors got the game underway at Field Mill but the opening five minutes produced barley nothing, the debutant left hand side enjoyed some healthy movement and looked to communicate well, however on the wet pitch the Stags couldn’t seem to find the right pace. At the other end, Cambridge saw a free kick from Ashley Carew sail wide from around 30 yards out, Adam Murray picked up his 4^th booking of the season in the process.

Six minutes later it was the visitors who again put on the pressure, good movement between Michael Gash and Kevin Roberts saw the latter chip a ball into the box, Carew was first to it and fired goal wards from an acute angle, Alan Marriott was alert and palmed away, however Cambridge we’re eager and latched onto the second ball, former Stag Tom Shaw’s shot deflected away for a corner. Carew’s right footed in swinger looped up in the air around three yards from goal and as Marriott came to collect, Ritchie Sutton spotted the pouncing Luke Berry and hoofed away the danger – The resulting corner was easily dealt with by Ben Futcher, who will return to parent club Bury sometime next week.

With 20 on the clock, the Stags began to settle into the game a little more and create a few chances. Kieron Freeman’s throw in sparked a mini game of head tennis between Green, Howell, Dyer and Hegarty, the latter ended the aerial game and looked to feed Green into the area, the former Grimsby mans pass was a little to pacey and the ball trickled away for a goal kick.

Three minutes later Matt Green was gifted a way through curtsey of a defensive deflection, the momentum of the ball saw Green forced wide but the Stags top scorer had support through O’Neill, it was his first time cross which found the on rushing Nick Hegarty, however the tricky winger’s final header was agonisingly over the top of the bar.      

Mansfield looked to keep the ball and would have created a lot more openings had it not been for the rain soaked surface; on the half hour mark Hegarty was again guilty of missing the target from close range following a nice patient passing move. Adam Murray was the linkup between O’Neill and Freeman as the stags swept the ball from side to side, Hegarty switched play back towards O’Neill however his cross was cleared – Adam Murray again looked sharp to head the ball to ground and start the movement once more, this time it was Lindon Meikle who providing the cross left footed after cutting inside, the ball landed perfectly for the unmarked Hegarty who curled his final shot over the top of the bar.

Seven minutes before the break Mansfield thought they had opened the scoring, this time it was a long ball which started the move with Kieron Freeman spotting Ross Dyer onside in the final third. Dyer showed neat control but was pressured by the Cambridge keeper Danny Naisbitt who raced off his line, Green made a perfectly timed run and slid in connecting with Dyer’s pass however the keeper somehow got back and get out Green’s goal bound effort. The clock ran down and both teams headed into the dressing rooms level – tea lady Doris looked bemused after three weeks of removing the bone china from the home dressing room following unacceptable first half displays.

Half Time: Stags 0-0 Cambridge

Cambridge were quickest off the mark as the second half got underway, a neat ball down the line from Shaw towards Rory McAuly caught everyone out bar Luke O’Neill, who slid in well to avert the danger.

The ball kept zipping about on the wet surface and both sides were guilt of a few late challenges, Lindon Meikle was booked for his challenge on the half way line, however 10 minutes into the second half, Meikle was key to setting up Mansfield’s opening goal. Standing strong in the middle of the park, the England C man won back possession and sent Green on his way through the middle, again United keeper Naisbitt sped off his line but Green’s tight control saw him nip round the committed visiting keeper and then slot home into the empty net for his 11^th goal of the campaign.

Stags 1-1 Cambridge

The Stags joy was short lived however as just two minutes later, the U’s drew level, a rare piece of hesitant defending from the usually reliable Luke O’Neill saw Cambridge’s Harrison Dunk steal the ball back and slot underneath Alan Marriott to level the game and silence the home support.

Stags 1-1 Cambridge

Mansfield looked for a response almost immediately, combination play between Murray and O’Neill saw the ball deflect kindly into the path of Meikle, his cross was headed away but Anthony Howell sprung first to the second ball, a neat pass then found Green inside the area but under pressure the Stags top scorer was forced back to skipper Murray who again triggered a switch of play. Meikle crossed again this time Nick Hegarty was the recipient and looked to combine with forest youngster Freeman, he was fouled and the Stags awarded a free kick. Luke O’Neill’s delivery was too strong and sailed out for a goal kick.

On the hour mark, Ross Dyer looked lively in the final third once more, holding off his man to feed Meikle into the box, however the former Eastwood mans shot was fired over the bar and three minutes later, Mansfield we’re made to pay as the visitors took the lead.

Strong movement from Cambridge saw the Stags pulled apart and Harrison Dunk given a pocket of space, after receiving a pass the U’s winger was 1 Vs 1 with Marriott who could only watch on as the ball nestled in the bottom corner – the five minute turnaround was completed and the Stags experiment with gun powder had blown up in their faces.

Stags 1-2 Cambridge

Louis Moult then entered the fray for Hegarty with Dyer dropping to a left wing role; it didn’t take long for Moult to be involved either. With 72 on the clock, Luke O’Neill fed Adam Murray into space wide right, the skippers cross was headed down by Moult towards Howell on the edge of the box, who let fly left footed but was denied by Naisbitt who watched the shot all the way.

The Stags continued to move the ball up park and whip in numerous crosses, none of which could find the way to the back of the net with Dyer, Moult and Meikle all seeing efforts miss. The Stags movement up park saw them leave a mass amount of space at the back, first a Dunk cross was too heavy for substitute Ryan Charles, before Luke Berry saw a goal ruled out for offside.

With four minutes to go the stags failed to make the most of two O’Neill corners before man of the mach Freeman set Green up from a throw in, the Stags marksman failed to double his tally for the afternoon though and four minutes of additional time passed without the stags conjuring up another chance to grab a point, as the final whistle blew the boo’s again rang out as Cambridge deposited another three points and the stags slipped down the table to 10^th.

Full Time: Stags 1-2 Cambridge

Another defeat is far from satisfying on home soil and despite winning our previous league game two weeks ago, it feels like a long time since we’ve been truly satisfied. Boo’s are understanding, we pay our money and are entitled to our opinions in turn. However that said personal attacks I cannot condone, why do we always have to look for a bad guy or a scapegoat? Four defeats all season (five if you count the FA Cup) and we’re calling for the manager’s head – why? He may or may not have made some bad decisions which don’t go down well, and I’m sure he will hold his hands up eventually and make changes, he is the manager of our football team and the man, who I believe will lead us back to the football league, we need to support him and the players. No matter WHO we appointed at the start of the season, they WOULD have had the SAME wage/ transfer budget to work with, therefore attracting the SAME STANDARD of player. I personally do not think we are out of the race, at this stage of the season 10^th on balance is about right we have a game in hand and are only five points off of a playoff spot.

We will get better on the pitch but only with us (the supporters) fully behind the lads, success is built on strong foundations and the foundations at any football club lives in the terraces, no not those concrete pillions that obstruct some people’s views – the fans, the heart and soul of the club. We are strong when we are together, moving as one, if one player has a rough time on the pitch; he needs a boost and a helping hand rather than a rugby type scrum of abuse and foul mouthed hatred.

My words are not aimed at anyone, I’m merely expressing opinion – every fan will always hold the club close to their heart, but for a second we need to look in a mirror and ask ourselves one question – Do we want success? If the answer is yes, buy a stress ball put it in your pocket and squeeze the hell out of it during the bad times – then channel the rage into positive energy and sing, help the boys believe by backing them, in turn they will climb and we will sail back into the promise land.

On a positive note, the addition of Hegarty & especially Freeman has really boosted our left hand side, the duo combined well and created various openings throughout, the pair will progress as the games keep coming. Yesterday’s game also saw the final outing for Ben Futcher as his loan spell has now expired. Ben has been one of the most influential signings and provided a massive boost following the knock on effect from Ilkeston. He tightened a fragile defence and helped us onto that marvellous run to lift us up the table – would I like to see him back in January, defiantly – frankly I’ve been dreaming of a Futcher / Thompson pairing since his arrival! There is a lot of time to go before January when we are able to sign Ben again and with John Thompson and Rhys Day close to full returns, a LOT can happen, so for now, Farewell Futch, and thank you.

We’ve now got a break before out next game, lets wash ourselves down and let Paul Cox and Micky Moore do the work on the training ground – Join myself and Scott Rogers for Full match commentary on AFC Telford United Vs Stags on Saturday 19^th November from 2PM, listen on 106.9FM or online (Link on the right).  

My final word today is this – behind every great leader, is a team ALL pulling together FIGHTING FOR THE CAUSE. Thanks for reading.                

Match Photos: Dan Westwell

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