CTA #34 Ebbsfleet Vs Stags

Fixture	Ebbsfleet United Vs Mansfield Town
Competition	Blue Square Bet Premier (Game #30)
Venue	Stonebridge Road
Date & Time	Saturday 28th January – 3PM
Attendance	1,085 (200 approx)
Match Referee	Justin Amey

‘Going the distance’

With a 360 mile round trip yesterday to a ground which holds hurtful memories of our fall out of the football league, it would have been very easy to have ignored my 5am wakeup call yesterday. All week, through my own doings, I have been reminded of our untimely relegation, writing various articles about our first ever game in the conference, against yesterday’s opponents Ebbsfleet at Stonebridge Road. Such memories still hold a degree of anger and as I threw my alarm clock out of the window in a fit of early morning rage, I wondered what possessed me to keep travelling all these miles. I was a millisecond away from going back to sleep and missing my second game in eight years, however as my phone’s alarm beeped I realised I was awake and that, should I ‘Go the distance’ my team would too.

That’s exactly what they did yesterday, rounding off an unbeaten January with a 3-0 victory, ensuring their second consecutive clean sheet on the road and moving within touching distance of the play-offs once more. Two goals to the good at the break it’s fair to say the Stags perhaps stepped off the gas a little in the second half allowing the hosts numerous chances to level – however the determination showed and Gary Roberts’ second goal of the game deep into added on time wrapped the game up in front of the majority of the travelling faithful, who would have no doubt had the same battle with the alarm clock.

The lengthy journey provided a look from afar at the Olympic stadium, immediately dreams flooded my head of commentating at the games’ football showdown. A white van man driving over a raised barrier on an A road just past the Olympic venue caused a few raised eyebrows with fellow motorists, but not the nearby police who we’re conducting a routine drug search for a forthcoming episode of traffic cops! Oh Mickey from only fools and horses was also spotted delivering food to a local expensive version of the co-op..... arrival at Stonebridge Road couldn’t come quick enough for me really – sod the memories!

Nothing about the grounds exterior had changed since our last visit in November 2009; the pub which was rammed with Stags fans the previous year however had changed, converting into a successful cafe. The car park, as I vaguely remember from 2009 was still a building site with puddles galore, the inside of the ground still consisted of an open to the elements terracing and a crumbling wooden main stand which housed the press box, dressing rooms and two exercise bikes. I could feel the paint work crumble off onto my jacket every time I climbed underneath the desk to plug in my equipment – the unsteadiness of the creaking wooden floor added to fear of being smashed with the ball as I was in close proximity to the pitch. The less said about the wooden beams and bent, narrow steps, the better!

Time ticked on and team sheets arrived, Paul Cox named an unchanged starting 11 from Wednesday’s draw at Luton, whilst new signing Paul Edwards (on a month’s loan from Fleetwood) came onto the bench to replace Jon Worthington.       

Alan Marriott
Ritchie Sutton – John Dempster – Martin Riley – Luke O’Neill
Ross Dyer – Gary Roberts – Adam Murray (C) – Adam Smith
Ben Hutchinson – Matt Green
SUBS: Shane Redmond – Paul Edwards (#2) – Louis Briscoe – Anthony Howell – Lindon Meikle

In search of all three points, the Stags got off to a great start registering the games first chance in under a minute, winning the ball back straight from kick off. Ross Dyer made the space on the right hand side before playing the ball short inside to Roberts. The creative midfielder completed the link up with a fast paced spinning ball to the feet of Ben Hutchinson, who trotted forward to the edge of the box before drilling wide with his left boot.

A minute later Mansfield perhaps had a case for a penalty. Ben Hutchinson started the move on the half way line winning the ball back from Michael West before chipping a pass wide to the right hand side for Matt Green. The Stags leading front man cut past full back Joe Howe before crossing into the middle in search of Smith or Dyer – the ball seemed to deflect off the arm of home captain Paul Lorraine however the referee waved play on as keeper Preston Edwards came to collect.

The Stags we’re again on the attack on nine minutes when Roberts’ acute chip over the top played Matt Green in behind the fleet defence, Preston Edwards was quick off his line to collect the ball and avert the danger. Two minutes later the hosts registered their first chance of the game following a defensive error, Liam Enver-Marum chased down the danger and managed to get a shot away under-pressure from the hastily retreating Dempster and Riley. The shot lacked any real power though and Alan Marriott was able to collect. Ebbsfleet continued to have a spell inside the Mansfield half and put a testing ball across the six yard line on 13 minutes. Right back Craig Stone provided the cross following a powerful advancing run, his ball into the middle was two quick for Enver-Marum or any other Ebbsfleet body – Ross Dyer cleared the danger.

On 21 minutes a battle of head tennis back and forth over the half way was ended when Adam Murray was fouled from behind, the Stags used the resulting free kick to prefect to open the afternoon’s scoring. Alan Marriott took the central placed free kick and delivered the ball straight to the head of Ross Dyer who cushioned the ball down for Matt Green. The Stags hit man watched the ball drop perfectly before stroking the ball into the bottom corner for his 18^th of the season – a well worked goal from Mansfield with Ross Dyer playing a key role in the air, the hosts no doubt will be questioning their focus and defending when they watch the game back.

Ebbsfleet 0-1 Stags

Mansfield sensed more goals and a minute from the re-start again had a case for a penalty thrown out of court. Matt Green was the man fouled by the referee adjudged Tom Phipp’s challenge just inside the area to be a legal one. Liam Enver-Marum came closest to levelling the game on 28 minutes as a rare mistake by Adam Murray allowed the hosts to advance. Nathaniel Pinney took control of the ball following the Stags skippers error and after taking the ball forward a few strides, pushed the ball inside the Enver-Marum whose powerful effort fizzed off the surface before being blocked by Marriott down to his right hand side.

Ebbsfleet had keeper Preston Edwards to thank four minutes later as Ben Hutchinson looked to score his first goal from open play, after opening his account from the spot against Hayes & Yeading United the previous Saturday. Adam Murray atoned for his earlier error making a mockery of Neil Barrett on the half way line, chipping the ball over his head before controlling and knocking the ball inside to Roberts. The eager-eyed midfielder played a frankly sublime through to Hutchinson who powered through the middle to latch onto the pass. Just inside the area Hutchinson set himself with a tight touch before smashing the ball towards goal, Edwards managed to push the ball up and away for a corner – which Mansfield failed to take advantage of.

Edwards was again called into action on 35 minutes when Hutchinson returned the favour to set Roberts. Roberts turned his marked well and hit a well driven shot with his left boot towards the top corner. Edwards watched it all the way and moved across to catch the ball. Two minutes later the home keeper could do nothing as Roberts doubled Mansfield’s lead with a splendid effort from 25 yards out. A poor headed clearance from Ebbsfleet’s Paul Lorraine allowed Matt Green to drop deep and initiate the move, spraying the ball wide to Ben Hutchinson. The former Middlesbrough striker played Roberts inside who did the rest, skipping easily past his marker before opening up his body to fire a dipping shot into the bottom corner.

Ebbsfleet 0-2 Stags

Ebbsfleet then offered little until the break and should have been made to pay once more with a minute to go before the half time whistle. Robert’s played a neat cross field ball to O’Neill who, after keeping the ball alive on the left, crossed in fro Matt Green. Ebbsfleet headed away but Roberts picked the ball up central and drove forward once more looking to bring Dyer into play on the right. Just as the former Port Vale man played the ball wide, his legs we’re taken away by Yado Mambo and Stags awarded a free kick. Luke O’Neill stepped up and curled wide, half a yard the other way and Paul Cox’s men would have taken a three goal lead into the break, alas as the whistle blew, it was just two.

HALF TIME: Ebbsfleet 0-2 Stags

The hosts looked the brighter of the two sides as the second period got underway with Alan Marriott called into action early on, holding onto Michael West’s driven free kick after he was fouled by Adam Murray. Paul Cox was forced to reshuffle the pack on 55 minutes when Matt Green picked up a shin injury during a challenge with his Ebbsfleet marker, Louis Briscoe entered the fray with his role alternating with Dyer up front and on the right.

Mansfield gave themselves a scare on 58 minutes as another Michael West free kick was well struck. Alan Marriott watched it all the way but taken aback by the pace of the effort, could only parry into a pocked of space inside his 6 yard box, fortunately no red shirt charged forward to challenge and Marriott quickly recovered.

On 65 minutes Mansfield had a golden double chance to add another goal when Louis Briscoe cut inside from the flank and create a pocket of space leaving his markers in a daze. The lively winger threaded a pass through to Hutchinson who in turn skipped inside before letting fly. The ball cannoned off a lunging defender straight into the path of Briscoe, who drive his effort straight into the arms of Preston Edwards from five yards out.

Two minutes later the hosts again troubled the Stags with Liam Enver-Marum teasing, driving a shot towards goal from 25 yards – Alan Marriott showed good agility producing a fine one handed save. Ben Hutchinson saw two chances blocked at the other end but again it was Enver-Marum who came closest to reducing the score line, seeing his 75^th minute driven shot deflect up and beyond Marriott for a goal kick. Lindon Meikle then replaced Adam Smith as the Stags looked to put the game to bed, Meikle was involved straight away making a strong run, squaring the ball low for Hutchinson, before keeping the deflected ball in play on the touch line and crossing for Ross Dyer. The burley hit man who scored in last weekend’s 3-2 victory over Hayes, rose high to connect but somehow headed wide with 81 on the clock.

Enver-Marum again threatened but to no avail before Anthony Howell came on to replace Ben Hutchinson with seven minutes remaining. Lindon Meikle moved up front on his own whilst Briscoe shifted left and Dyer right with the midfield becoming a five to silence Enver-Marum and substitute Lanre Azeez. With a minute of normal time left Mansfield should have finally wrapped the game up with Meikle creating once more, his ball to feed Louis Briscoe into the left of the area was good with Briscoe creating the final pass across the box to Ross Dyer. With the goal at his mercy the former Forest Green man failed to add to his 6 goals already collected this campaign, opting for power rather than placement, smashing the ball against the post.

Finally Mansfield did score again three minutes into the four added on. Briscoe was the creator this time from the right hand side lofting the ball to the back post. Gary Roberts arrived and unleashed a venomous volley at Edwards who saved well but could nothing about the rebound which landed back at Roberts’ feet, the midfielder slotted home to grab his second and Mansfield’s third.

Ebbsfleet 0-3 Stags

After the game Robert’s admitted he had asked to come off with five to play, not realising Cox had used all three substitutes. He didn’t have to wait long for a breather as soon after celebrating his goal, the full time whistle blew.

FULL TIME: Ebbsfleet 0-3 Stags

The victory, including a second consecutive clean sheet, puts us four points off a play-off space with a game in hand, stretching our unbeaten run to six games in the process. Reflecting on the game we should have been sharper in the second half and we’re perhaps a tad fortunate to come away with a clean sheet, however we did what we needed to do, digging deep and staying the distance.        

I believe February will now be a key month in terms of our ambitions; firstly we need to snap John Dempster and assure a key cog of our machine will not be taken from us. Secondly we need to really show our ruthless streak as we face Struggling Darlington, Alfreton and Newport, plus league leaders Fleetwood and mid-table Tamworth. I have every sympathy for Darlington and their supporters and hope we can do something to help and of course, a saviour steps in. That said, we need the points and despite their youthful threadbare squad, can’t afford to be nice on the pitch. Over the last three games they have shown they will fight and we’re unfortunate to be pegged back to a draw against York yesterday. There are 15 points up for grabs over the next month, 12 would be what’ is expected of us, 13 would be better drawing with Fleetwood – however I believe we have the ability to see off the league leaders and take the maximum points on offer. No team will be a walk over and all the games in some way will present a challenge – let’s keep our focus and gather pace, staying the distance to get where we want to be.

Before leaving you for another week, I must send my wishes to Rhys Day who was injured during yesterday’s 1-1 reserve team draw at Rainworth MW – another injury to his knee could again see him out of action for some time, here’s hoping the injury won’t be as bad as first feared – all the best Rhys!

Thanks for reading - COYS! 

Match Photos: James Williamson

CTA #33 Luton Vs Stags

Fixture	Luton Town Vs Mansfield Town
Competition	Blue Square Bet Premier (Game #29)
Venue	Kenilworth Road, Luton
Date & Time	Wednesday 25th January 2012 – 7.30PM (Live on Premier Sports)
Attendance	5261 (111)
Match Referee	Michael Bull (Essex)

‘Progress’

After watching two games in one day, I can’t decide whether I’m happy with a goalless draw or frustrated because means I have more to remember in terms of putting this blog together. Either way, both games yesterday provided entertainment in some way or the other. The youth team game, a 4-4 top of the table draw, brought goals-a-plenty and controversy, whilst the first team goalless draw at Luton brought, for me personally, another bundle of positives in terms of our climb towards the play-offs.

Luton as we know is a difficult to travel, and bar the legendary FA Trophy victory (on aggregate anyway), The Stags had not won since September 2002. The previous three fixtures including the FA Trophy had produced red cards and had all been tasty affairs – the Stags would have to put a shift in and last night, that’s exactly what they did. Defensively there may have been the odd wobble, but otherwise I thought we played generally well at the back, with Luke O’Neill, Ritchie Sutton and Alan Marriott the pick of the bunch. In midfield we we’re fluent enough when we managed to get time on the ball, Gary Roberts again shines with his excellent passing and his unique vision which gives Mansfield that extra pocket of time. Up front Green and Hutchinson did ok as a partnership in a game with very few clear cut chances. Ross Dyer on the right may have been sussed out by the Luton full back with some of the goal kicks etc, but again had a decent game and showed how threatening he can be with the ball at his feet – I actually like seeing him on the wing during phases of play, especially when he has players offering supporting runs.

Over all a point is a pleasing one and with a clean sheet to boot – we head into Saturday’s game at Ebbsfleet on a bit of a run, with a chance to seal an unbeaten January. If we can add a big bulky striker and a pacey left back and maybe send out some fringe players to ease funds before Saturday then great, if not – it doesn’t matter, I think we are in a stable enough position for this time of the season. Talk prior to the game on twitter and Facebook centred around the fitness of Joe Kendrick and whether or not his lack of match fitness and sharpness would be exploited against Luton. Paul Cox withdrew him from the line up bringing in Martin Riley, with Ben Hutchinson replacing Lindon Meikle the only other change from Saturday’s late victory. The Mansfield gaffer seems to have highlighted the problem too, adding Fleetwood left back Paul Edwards on loan as I write the blog! That always happens to me, whenever I write something, we always seem to sign someone!

Alan Marriott
Ritchie Sutton – John Dempster – Martin Riley (Kendrick) – Luke O’Neill
Ross Dyer – Adam Murray (C) – Gary Roberts – Adam Smith
Ben Hutchinson (Meikle) – Matt Green
SUBS: Shane Redmond – Jon Worthington – Louis Briscoe – Anthony Howell – Lindon Meikle

Live wire Amari Morgan-Smith was the sole survivor from Luton’s FA Trophy victory on Monday; it was he who sparked the first real chance on four minutes linking up with former Stag Aaron O’Connor. The former Stags favourite dropped central to pick up play before moving the ball through the middle to Morgan-Smith, whose powerful effort through the crowd was comfortably held by the Alan Marriott in the Stags goal.

The hosts continued to control the majority of the play with neat, flowing football across park – Mansfield defended well though and restricted the hatters to few chances with the ball being played from box to box hardly troubling Stags legends Alan Marriott and Kevin Pilkington respectively, who was in the Luton goal. On ten minutes Pilkington nearly gifted his twice former employers a beautiful opening goal as he raced off his line to try and mop up a splitting low pass down the left hand side from Luke O’Neill. Matt Green timed his run perfectly and got to the ball ahead of Pilkington, a neat back heel moved the ball to the feet of Adam Smith who shot instantly, looping the ball over a bemused Pilkington, whose blushes were saved by namesake and Luton captain George Pilkington, who raced back to clear a yard from the goal line with the ball ready to bounce in.

Ten minutes later the hosts we’re a whisker away from taking the lead following a spell of continued pressure. The Stags failed to deal with Jake Howells’ powerful corner after Howells had shown tremendous power and pace to win the set piece. The ball was floated into the middle and a half clearance from right back Sutton, the hosts penned Mansfield in with the ball falling to the unmarked Janos Kovacs. The big Hungarian centre half let fly with a venomous volley, which rattled against the cross bar for a goal kick. The Hungarian was again in the thick of the action moments later, heading over from another Howells corner.

So far there hadn’t been any real incidents for referee Michael Bull to deal with in what was, surprisingly for a Luton V Mansfield fixture, a friendly affair. With 38 on the clock, the hosts continued to surge forward in search of an opener, Adam Watkins proved tricky on handle and went to ground under a challenge from Luke O’Neill outside the area. Watkins’ appeal for a penalty brought nothing but a loud ‘Play On’ from the referee, with half time video replays proving him correct. Mansfield had a missed penalty shout of their own too according to half time analysis, Janos Kovacs was judged to have handled by the Premier Sports pundits, however in live play – the referee awarded a foul on the Hungarian with Matt Green the guilt party.

Kovacs continued to threaten from set-pieces and on the stroke of half time was involved again, heading over Marriott’s cross bar after the centre half had out jumped the Stags custodian. Marriott received treatment before taking the resulting free kick, which was hastily followed by the half time whistle.

HALF TIME: Luton 0-0 Stags

After the break it was pretty much a case of the same although the Stags did begin to create a little more and enjoyed a sustained spell in the Luton half which included two well worked short corners, won by former Luton man Adam Murray. The first corner was worked short by Roberts to Murray, whose first time chip into the box was nodded behind at the near post. Murray was more tightly marked for the second corner but Roberts still worked a short corner, finding Luke O’Neill who showed good composure and quick feet to bring Adam Smith into the equation. Smith weaved his way central and let fly from the edge of the area, grazing the outside of the post as the ball spun out for a goal kick, despite taking a clear touch off an orange Luton shirt.

With 12 minutes to go, Paul Cox withdrew Adam Smith in favour of Lindon Meikle. The skilful wing man was involved immediately linking up with Ben Hutchinson, who shot tamely straight at Pilkington. Moments later Pilkington collected another poor through ball from his former club and sent a ball hurtling down field. Substitute Stuart Fleetwood outpaced the otherwise impressive Ritchie Sutton to reach the ball inside the Mansfield area, the former Charlton man fortunately drove his powerful effort wide of Marriott’s far post.

Louis Briscoe then entered the fray as the game entered the final eight minutes, replacing Ben Hutchinson but surprisingly, taking a central role behind Green leaving Dyer on the right. The tactical move nearly came to providence two minutes after Briscoe’s introduction. Last season’s top scorer showed close control and quick feet to open up space in the final third before spraying the ball wide right for Ross Dyer. The former Hednesford hit man whipped in a great ball which Kevin Pilkington came to collect, Matt Green on the other hand had other ideas and leapt high, heading the ball beyond a moving Kevin Pilkington and towards an empty net. With the 111 travelling fans behind the goal ready to celebrate their former keepers error, name sake George again got back from nowhere to clear off the line. Stags fans protested furiously as did a few of the Stags players, the referee looked to his linesman who waved play-on keeping the game locked at 0-0. Video replays since have proved inconclusive.         

Gary Roberts fired a speculative effort over as the game entered its final two minutes, whilst Stuart Fleetwood fired softly at Marriott at the other end. The Stags also survived a last minute burst from the impressive Jake Howells as he skipped past Meikle and O’Neill before over running the ball for a goal kick. With that the full time whistle blew earning Mansfield a share of the points and their 8^th clean sheet of the season.

FULL TIME: Luton 0-0 Stags

Unbeaten in five games now, The Stags head for Ebbsfleet’s Stonebridge Road on Saturday chasing all three points and an unbeaten opening month of the calendar year. With the addition of Paul Edwards and a rumoured addition of a striker, Mansfield may well up their another gear as they continue their canter towards the play-offs. If you can’t get be sure to join myself and either Scott Rogers or Wayne Briggs from 2.50PM on  http://mtfcmatters.weebly.com/mm-live.html for FULL MATCH COMMENTARY.

Thanks for reading.

CTA #32: Stags Vs Hayes & Yeading

Fixture	Mansfield Town Vs Hayes & Yeading United
Competition	Blue Square Bet Premier (Game #28)
Venue	Field Mill, Mansfield
Date & Time	Saturday 21st January 2012 – 3PM
Attendance	1872 (26)
Match Referee	Seb Stocksbridge (Gateshead)

 ‘The answer my friend, is blowing in the wind’

I’ve said this many times before, no doubt I’ll repeatedly say it again down the years – I absolutely hate weekends when we don’t have a game. Due to our exit from the FA Trophy in December, last Saturday was another one of those weekends where I was climbing the walls in sheer boredom – it’s a good job I was kept away from pens and crayons, otherwise I think I may have scribbled on the wall like a hyperactive five year old ‘No football makes Craig go crazy’ – you know, like Homer did in ‘The Simpsons’ when he had no TV or beer.

It’s because of these blank Saturday’s I’ve learned to value football Saturday’s even more. The roar of the crowd despite the ferocious rain, the clicking of the turnstiles despite the forever tough finical climate, the smell of Bovril despite it’s horrible taste – all part of the story, all part of the drama with three points just the cherry on top of the cake.

Yesterday’s home fixture against Hayes & Yeading United was no different; it was far from a classic or a showing of good football from either team. The wet and windy conditions made it difficult for both, but as Paul Cox says – at this stage of the seasons its results, not performances that count – as the full time whistle blew, his point was proved as we ran out 3-2 winners.   In the seemingly eternal gap between games, Adam Smith had returned from his loan spell at Aldershot, Paul Cox put the winger straight into his starting 11, replacing Louis Briscoe in the only change from the side which saw off Forest Green Rovers by a single goal at Field Mill.

Alan Marriott
Luke O’Neill – John Dempster – Ritchie Sutton – Joe Kendrick
Lindon Meikle – Gary Roberts – Adam Murray (C) – Adam Smith (Briscoe)
Matt Green – Ross Dyer
SUBS: Shane Redmond – Martin Riley – Louis Briscoe – Anthony Howell – Ben Hutchinson

With the conditions difficult, it took both sides a while to work out the best way to play the conditions, Adam Murray’s precise pass on three minutes perhaps told the Stags they needed to concentrate on weighting there passes correctly as with the wind, the skippers through ball proved too quick for Matt Green to latch onto. A minute later the visitors figured they’d have to work on tight control as Daniel Wishart’s strong run down the channel saw Lindon Meikle able to nip in and take control of the ball.

Second from bottom Hayes registered the first shot of the game with nine minutes on the clock, leading scorer Louis Soares latched onto Dwane Lee’s pass, gaining a few yards with a weavey run before firing straight at Marriott who comfortably watched the ball all the way into his hands. Two minutes later Adam Smith made his first real contribution in a Stags shirt since returning from Aldershot, keeping the ball alive on the left touchline before moving neatly inside and setting Green free through the middle. The Stags leading hit man gained space before shooting from the edge of the box, Hayes keeper Carl Pentney collected the ball at the second attempt as the force of Green’s shot forced him to fumble.

Mansfield seemed to handle the conditions well and played some sharp football to keep possession. Gary Roberts along with skipper Murray was very much the linchpin, the formers turn on 24 minutes saw the former Port Vale midfielder send the ball back to Ritchie Sutton, who played a superb directional pass over the top. Ross Dyer won the ball in the air, cushioning down for Lindon Meikle who stung the keeper’s hands with a fine effort from the edge of the area.

Despite handling the wind well in the Hayes half, the Stags didn’t seem to do as well in their own half, something which made them pay on the half hour mark as the struggling visitors gained the advantage. Joe Kendrick’s throw in was seemingly meant to be launched long, however as the ball span back in the wind, Hayes skipper Jamie Hand nipped in and whipped in a cleaver ball catching the Stags defence static. Julian Owusu timed his run perfectly and connected with the cross with his left boot, to open the scoring from seven yards.

Stags 0-1 Hayes & Yeading

Three minutes later the Stags should have levelled when Gary Roberts’ bullet like low pass found Green on the edge of the area, despite being tightly marked Green twisted his way past his two markers before opening his body and shooting just wide with his left boot. A few wasted corners and crosses later, Mansfield did find the opening they needed to level the game. It was quick thinking between Roberts and O’Neill which created the goal, The latter took a free kick short to Roberts who again sent a crisp pass to Green who’d dropped a little deeper to collect the ball. Quick footwork followed from the Stags number 10, who then popped the ball off to striker partner Dyer, who took one touch to set himself, before driving a low shot beyond the goalkeeper into the bottom keeper to level the game.

Stags 1-1 Hayes & Yeading

The game could have then gone either way with four minutes to go before the break, Yassin Moutaouakil’s well struck corner was headed goal wards by Tom Cadmore, it had Marriott beaten but fortunately Gary Roberts chested the ball off the line before sparking a break into Hayes territory, linking up with Lindon Meikle. The former Eastwood winger made a bursting run before sending Adam Murray on his way, the skipper held the ball up well waiting for support, and after a neat turn ready to send a pass through, was upended right in the D. Gary Roberts fancied his chances and struck with real venom over the wall, only to be denied by Pentney who could only push the ball up and away for a corner. O’Neill’s ball in then whizzed past everybody and despite some of the Hayes players getting heated with each other after giving away another free kick, the half offered no more and was soon over.

HALF TIME: Stags 1-1 Hayes & Yeading

After the break, it was the visitors who had a half chance to regain the lead following two corners. Louis Soares and Daniel Wishart worked the second one short, with the latter returning the ball to the Hayes leading scorer into the box, Alan Marriott saved well down to his left. Five minutes later it was Mansfield who should have been ahead following a well worked move. Matt Green picked up play in the centre of the park and sent Adam Smith on his way down the left wing; Smith cut back inside and whipped a truly wonderful cross in towards the back post. Ross Dyer connected with a diving header, but was left holding his head in his hands rather than celebrating as he somehow missed the gaping target.

The wind was bound to create a heart in mouth moment at some stage, it came three minutes later as Tom Cadmore spotted an opportunity with a free kick inside his own half. The centre back got plenty of lift and distance on the ball, fortunately Marriott was switched on and collected the ball, ensuring that the second consecutive game against Hayes & Yeading provided no moments for a football gaffs DVD – if anyone wonders what I’m on about, ask Tyrone Thompson.

Chances for Adam Smith and Gary Roberts then followed for the Stags who looked increasingly threatening on the attack, however they were left deflated once again as Hayes notched themselves back ahead on 56 minutes. A surging run down the right hand side from half time substitute Tom Collins set it, as the nippy winger outpaced Joe Kendrick before sending the ball inside to Soares. The Stags gave the Hayes hit man far too much time and space on the ball, Soares made sure he punished the hosts with a well hit effort from the edge of the box, which flew into the bottom corner.

Stags 1-2 Hayes & Yeading

Paul Cox then made what proved to be an inspired substitution on 64 minutes as Ben Hutchinson replaced Ross Dyer upfront alongside Green. Hutchinson set a great chance with virtually his first touch of the ball, sending Lindon Meikle on his way into the area with a powerful pass. Meikle responded with a well struck effort which was diverted behind for a corner which Hayes scrambled clear.

Four minutes after Hutchinson’s introduction the Stags were level with play that will teach youngsters everywhere the value of chasing down the ball and using every blade of grass rather than being lethargic and letting the ball run out of play. Matt Green sparked the initial move with a cleaver back heal to send the on rushing Joe Kendrick into the box, the Irish full back failed to finish the job and saw his shot saved by the keepers legs. The ball looped in the air and appeared to be going out for a throw, which saw Hayes momentarily switch off and prepare for the expected throw. Adam Smith had other ideas and kept the ball in play with a neat touch, before whipping a strong ball into the box, Hutchinson drew defenders out of position allowing Green to get into space and, as a result, smash Smith’s cross into the roof of the net for his 17^th of the season.

Stags 2-2 Hayes & Yeading

The game seemingly went up and gear with both sides now pushing for all the points, the visitors were a lick of paint away from again restoring their lead on 70 minutes. Jamie Hand’s free kick was met by Cadmore who seemed to head against the post before again connecting, this time straight at Marriott who seemed to throw himself on top of the ball to prevent the danger. Nine minutes later, Louis Briscoe replaced Lindon Meikle as Paul Cox looked to refresh the energy on the wings against the tiring full backs.

Moments later the pacey front two combined again, this time setting up an opportunity for Smith. Hutchinson held up play in the middle and directed a strong pass into space on the right hand side for Green to run into, Green delivered a first time low cross to Smith who was disposed right at the last knockings by Cadmore, just as the Stags returning wing man was about to pull the trigger.

Further play between Smith and Briscoe, Hutchinson and Green, Roberts and Murray all threatened but ultimately failed to find the Stags the winning goal. Louis Soares had a half chance for the visitors at the other end, but right at the death, in the final minute of normal time, opportunity finally knocked for the Stags.

Matt Green and Louis Briscoe tormented on the edge of the box and the latter was taken down right inside the D earning Mansfield a free kick in a key position. Despite Gary Roberts’ testing effort from the same position at the other end in the first half, Louis Briscoe stepped up in search of his first goal since his brace over Newport in September. Last season’s leading marksman struck a venomous strike against the wall with the ball failing for Roberts to the right of the area, a burst of pace from the cleaver midfielder saw him upended by Wishart inside the box, Seb Stocksbridge pointed straight to the spot for Stags third penalty of the season. After the pre-season fixture at Boston Paul Cox confirmed that Louis Briscoe would be the clubs penalty taker, however since being off the pitch for the previous two spot kicks, Matt Green was handed the responsibility – with a 100% success rate I did wonder whether there’d be a Medley/Duffy style argument. Alas no, neither took the kick as Hutchinson seemed confident in search of his first goal since joining on a free from Kilmarnock – Matt Green seemed happy to hand the ball over to gift the opportunity to his team mate, which for me is good sportsmanship. Hutchinson stepped up confidently and stroked the ball into the bottom corner, sending the keeper the wrong way – earning the Stags their second consecutive victory.

Stags 3-2 Hayes & Yeading

The momentum was now with Mansfield and Field Mill was rocking with the QLE drum again constant in the Stags fans singing. It stopped momentarily as Gary Roberts received a second standing ovation when he was replaced by Howell after taking a knock when challenged for the penalty. Hayes attacked but failed to break the barrier as the hosts defending in numbers, Louis Briscoe’s powerful low pass then opened up the visitors in the final minute of stoppage time providing a golden chance to put real daylight between the sides. Matt Green showed lightening pace and, after staying onside, raced through to latch onto the ball. Green rounded the keeper and with the goal at his mercy, somehow fired over. Fortunately the same missing feat was mirrored at the other end as Hayes substitute Toby Ajala fired over from 22 yards.

The final whistle then blew, sealing a victory in which many positives stemmed. Yes the performance wasn’t great and the two Hayes goals will highlight that with some questionable defending, especially for the second. However a win is exactly that, we head into a vital game at Luton on Wednesday with another win under our belts.

FULL TIME: Stags 3-2 Hayes & Yeading.

Adam Smith played well on his Stags return, I hope he can build from it and flourish into the player we all know he can be, the determination for the second equaliser is something I personally feel we’ve been missing. The ability to whip strong crosses into the box from both sides will prove to be a great weapon in our armoury, Ross Dyer will have nightmares about his miss and perhaps suggests we need another big presence in their alongside Green. Someone built like a brick outhouse who will put himself about and hold play up for longer sustained periods. That said, Ross Dyer won the majority of his headers and showed again that, when set with the ball to feet, can be a clinical finisher – a good 80% maybe more of his goals this season have been well executed finished with the ball played in too feet. Gary Roberts plays a pivotal role alongside Murray, he can spot passes nobody else can and also boasts a venomous strike, it’s only a matter of time before he belts on into the top corner – watch out Pilko! Despite a lack of pace stemming from the lack of match fitness, Joe Kendrick is progressing well – he made some good advancing runs, most notably for the second goal. The only question is, do we realistically have time to allow him to catch up in terms of match fitness or should we be looking at other options from within? It’s harsh and something I personally would be on edge about, I guess the game against Luton will give us the answers. That said, I sit here now happy at where we are and the direction we are going – cut out the defensive mistakes and become a little more disciplined in areas and we WILL be up there at the right time.

Away from our victory, it wouldn’t be right to end without giving a little mention to Darlington. Despite the nightmares I still have from Wembley and the constant image of crying in the press box, I am genuinely pleased to see them live to fight another day and really hope they are still alive for the Field Mill fixture in a few weeks time. I’m not a follower of the political side of football, I never have been and doubt I ever will be unless my job calls for it. That said, I am a follower of the emotion involved in this beautiful, yet bitterly cruel game. Wednesday must have been a horrific day, one minute your club is moments away from closure forever, the next a beam of hope comes along to save the day – at least for the short term.

To have a club to watch week in week out is a privilege that some of us take for granted way to often, the results sometimes are irrelevant as match days alone are enough. I look briefly at my own life and question what would have happened had there been no Mansfield Town. I’d have continued to been further bullied at school because of my lack of self confidence, which grew strong just by meeting people at Field Mill and the away days. In being continually bullied I’d have either lashed out at the wrong the person and been punished, or in truth, have done myself serious harm. Without going to watch Mansfield Town, I would not have pursed the career I truly adore. Fact is, Mansfield Town were there for me and I’ve ended up a better person because of it. Imagine if Darlington did fold on Wednesday, the future generations unable to benefit from football, the friendships and love that never would be. For Darlington to be still fighting, for at least two more games is great, forget the skeleton squad forget the fact the results may not come – the fact they are still there, with every club backing them to survive, is a reward greater than any last minute win at Wembley! Each and every Darlington supporter has a story to tell about their club, I always enjoy my trips to the arena, the friendly banter and the many encounters both sides have played out – I hope the story grows beyond the next two games.

As Mansfield supporters we may grumble about squad selection, ground issues, table positioning etc, but at the end of the day we are still alive as unless anything drastic happens, will never die. Boy have we been close on many occasions, but thanks to investment from the amigos and sir john, we are still here. We should be thankful for that and in the face of adversity, help those in need – which is why I say, long live Darlington FC.

Thanks as ever for reading, make sure you join myself, Scott Rogers and hopefully special guest Wayne Briggs on Wednesday evening from 7.20PM as we’ve got full match commentary on http://mtfcmatters.weebly.com/mm-live.html of Luton Vs Stags. It’s going to be a hectic day as I try to squeeze in the youth team game away at Ilkeston (2PM)! It’s all about the thrill of the chase, so BRING IT ON and COME ON YOU STAGS!

Photos: Dan Westwell      

CTA #30 Stags Vs Forest Green

Fixture	Mansfield Town Vs Forest Green Rovers
Competition	Blue Square Bet Premier (Game #27)
Venue	Field Mill, Mansfield
Date & Time	Saturday 7th January 2012 – 3PM
Attendance	2008 (32)
Match Referee	Tony Harrington (Hartlepool)

‘The Day the Work Got Done’

The boys celebrating one of the four goals in our last victory

When you look back at Mansfield Town’s fixture list, you have to look back to Saturday 3^rd December 2011 for the last victory prior to kick off yesterday afternoon. Calculating it, that’s a mammoth 450 minutes of football (league and cup), played without victory – if you want to go further back for a victory prior to the Braintree win, it’s October 22^nd when Andy Todd’s late strike earned the Stags a 3-2 win over Alfreton – meaning in 1080 minutes of football we’ve won just twice. Now I’m not here slating the boys or saying it’s not good enough and I want the managers head impaled on a spike – my point is that after so many minutes of football, at least 75% of which our performances have warranted victory but not actually achieved it, beating Forest Green Rovers yesterday afternoon was a welcome relief and a feeling, which, if harnessed and used correctly, can propel us onto another run similar to the one at the start of our league campaign.

Having won just by the one goal in a game dominated by the wind rather than the football, some of you may think I’m mental for suggesting such a thing – I’m not. My point is that when you wait for something for such a long period, you value the reward when your goal is finally achieved. Players and managers will have been just as hurt when another mark went in our draws column or defeats column, now we have the victory we must not remember the feeling the victory brings, but remember the anguish of not winning each and every time we step over the white line to take on our opponents. Football is a game of mental strength as well as ability, if we channel the loosing/ drawing feeling during the tough spells of games, I’m confident it will be the springboard for us to go and change a game for the better, whether it be tightening our passing to keep the ball from our opponents, or letting Green run free and bag yet another goal.

Football is what you make of it, yes it’s a destiny but one you have to work for rather than wait for. As each minute ticks by it can either be another point slipping slowly out of reach, or a tightened grip. If we no longer loosen our grip, we become strong, in becoming strong we become winners, in becoming winners we achieve what we desire. Simple facts, simple truths – read at first like gobble-gook ramble, but read a second time with understanding of the message within.

Joe Kendrick, one of three changes

Paul Cox was forced to make changes to his side as we faced Forest Green at Field Mill yesterday as during the week three players returned to their parent clubs, Aman Verma and Marcus Kelly to Kettering and defender Kieron Freeman back to Nottingham Forest. Despite the trio’s return, it was only the space left by Freeman that the loan expires would effect, however the Stags boss chose to make further changes bringing in John Dempster and Louis Briscoe as well as handing a return to Joe Kendrick, whose last start was back in the aforementioned victory over Alfreton.

Alan Marriott

Luke O’Neill – John Dempster (Riley) – Ritchie Sutton – Joe Kendrick (Freeman)

Louis Briscoe (Howell) – Gary Roberts – Adam Murray (C) – Lindon Meikle

Matt Green – Ross Dyer

SUBS: Shane Redmond – Martin Riley – Lee Stevenson – Anthony Howell – Ben Hutchinson (#28)

Forest Green got the game underway as the sides swapped ends, with the Stags attacking the QLE in the first half rather than the second, the Rovers’ couldn’t keeper the ball for long as skipper Adam Murray nipped in to take possession, he was quickly bundled down from behind earning the Stags a free kick which Luke O’Neill took, delivering too heavy allowing James Bittner to collect in the Forest Green goal. Murray did receive treatment prior to the kick being taken, but was soon up on his feet and back in the action.

Gary Roberts, in action at York, impressed on his home debut

Good football then followed from the Stags as they looked for the early advantage three minutes in, Gary Roberts impressed with a strong pass to Green who in turn sent Meikle on his way wide left, the visitors forced play backwards but ran the ball away for a Stags throw. Joe Kendrick found Meikle short from the throw, with the pacey wing man delivering a cross which was just a little strong for Matt Green as the ball whizzed out for a goal kick.    

Two minutes later the Stags we’re again on the march forward, with Roberts feeding Green on the edge of the box. The Stags leading scorer deflected the ball away for a corner which Mansfield perhaps wasted, the ball was played quickly to Briscoe whose cross failed to trouble the rovers back line, with Jamie Turley heading forcefully away. The visitors then enjoyed a spell in the Mansfield half with Kieron Forbes playing chief tormentor, weaving a path through the middle before feeding Liam Henderson into the area. Henderson was playing his third consecutive game against Stags after starting both the festive fixtures for York, from whom he joined Forest Green on loan prior to the game. The front man scored in the same net he was attacking for his new team on Boxing Day, a well timed challenge from Joe Kendrick ensured there was no repeat performance.

James Norwood then saw his low cross deflected behind by Kendrick with the Stags nearly countering from the resulting corner, Forest Green skipper Jared Hodgkiss stopped Lindon Meikle in his tracks on the half way line after Matt Green had got back to clear the dangerous set piece.

Despite a neat piece of play between Roberts, Dyer and Green which saw the final pass too heavy for Briscoe, it was the visitors who continued to attacking drawing the first real save of the game on 22 minutes. Charlie Griffin held up play well before sending James Norwood on his way, the Forest Green wing man found himself in the box and drive a shot towards goal which Marriott sprung to tip over the bar, Kieron Forbes headed harmlessly wide from the resulting corner much to Mansfield’s relief.

Gary Roberts was really impressing the crowd on his home debut since his arrival from Port Vale, on 27 minutes he sparked another fine move with an acute ball over the top into the left channel. Ross Dyer worked his socks off for Mansfield and played the ball off a Rovers’ defender for a corner. Luke O’Neill’s delivery was easily cleared, however the Stags had a taste for going forward and two minutes later, nearly took the lead with a cheeky Roberts free kick from just over the half way line. The former Vale midfielder spotted Bittner off his line and got the required pace and accuracy on the ball, Bittner recovered and did well to canter back and catch the dipping ball.

Again the pendulum swung back in the Rovers favour as they penned Mansfield in their own penalty area with Kieron Forbes again covering the ground to stretch the game, a hesitance in shooting though saw Mansfield scramble clear. Just past the half hour mark the visitors could have been ahead, Hodgkiss’ low cross found Yan Klukowski whose powerful effort deflected behind for a corner, a neat ball was swung in and Klukowski again lurked on the edge of the box, drilling a thunderous effort just wide of Marriott’s post.

With ten to go before the break, Louis Briscoe made a good run to switch play to the left hand side for Lindon Meikle, the former Eastwood winger weaved past defenders before finding the advancing Gary Roberts on the edge of the box, a neat turn from Roberts set a left footed shot for himself, which landed just wide of the post. Five minutes later Mansfield moved the ball well from wing to wing, with Luke O’Neill providing the connecting pass to Louis Briscoe from Joe Kendrick. Briscoe showed a flash of what fans know he can do, nipping into the area between two bodies, before unfortunately curling well over with his left boot.

A long ball over the top from the visitors then saw Griffin hold up play well, he then fed Norwood who hit a decent effort towards the bottom corner, Alan Marriott got down in time to keep it out and see the game firmly locked at the half time interval.

HALF TIME: Stags 0-0 Forest Green Rovers

The second half wind was bitterly cold and mightily strong meaning the neat spells of football we’re few and far between, the ugly game Paul Cox had spoken about was on show. On 50 minutes the wind played a major factor in James Norwood staying onside nearly getting in behind, Luke O’Neill recovered for the Stags though and nipped the ball of the Rovers’ wing mans toes. Two Minutes later Forbes was again pulling the strings for the visitors as he sent Liam Henderson free, the front man forced a fine save from Alan Marriott who sprung well down to his left, the resulting corner saw Marriott clatter with defender Eddie Oshodi, who was shown a yellow card for his late challenge which left Marriott winded, however the Stags custodian was ok to carry on.

Mansfield then opted with a change in personnel to deal with the tough conditions, Anthony Howell replaced Louis Briscoe who in my opinion did very little to influence the game, often drifting inside when it was clear we needed his pace in the wide areas when Luke O’Neill brought play forward. On 57 The Stags broke well with Lindon Meikle effective, now on the left hand side of a forward three. Meikle cut off the bye line to curl a neat cross into the middle, the cross moved in the wind and James Bittner was forced to tip over, preventing the ball from crashing into the top corner.

Just past the hour mark Roberts sparked another Stags move in which the hosts should have taken advantage. Matt Green covered the ground with real pace, springing from the right flank to the centre before playing in Roberts who made a central run. The creative midfielder weighted a low pass perfectly into the feet of Meikle who burst into the box onto his left foot and blazed over, Meikle looked to burst the net at pace rather than stroke the ball into the inviting goal – a fine move all the same.

Meikle then made it third time lucky as he gave Mansfield the lead on 64 minutes, with Gary Roberts heavily involved once more. The central midfielder kept control well and created space for Luke O’Neill, the former Leicester full back broke into the space and received Roberts’ pass, drilling a low cross into the middle where Lindon Meikle pounced, bundling home from half a yard for his 5^th of the season.

Stags 1-0 Forest Green Rovers

Meikle’s goal was then celebrated by a new song from the QLE choir and drum band – to the tune of ‘heartbeat’ Meikle’s name bellowed loud for all to hear – an absolute classic! On 70 minutes though the home crowd were nearly silence by the rovers as Jake Thompson’s right wing free kick fell to Eddie Oshodi on the six yard line, somehow he blasted wide with the goal at his mercy.

Eight minutes later the Rovers’ troubles deepened as substitute Matt Paterson committed a dangerous challenge on John Dempster right in front of the Stags bench, Paterson rightly was shown a straight red card with no hesitation from referee Tony Harrington. Dempster too followed Paterson down the tunnel, heading to the treatment room being replaced by Martin Riley.

Despite having a man less, Dave Hockaday’s side continued to battle and play well, however Gary Roberts had a decent chance to put the game to bed with five minutes to go. After doing the work himself to break into the box, he blazed a shot high into the stand with Matt Green standing unmarked, onside on the penalty spot. Roberts continued to play well and in truth deserved a goal to cap his home debut, and after watching Alan Marriott block well with his legs from a scrambled Oshodi shot, Roberts received a standing ovation when replaced by Ben Hutchinson, with the former Celtic striker making his debut following the completion of paperwork.

Hutchinson had little to do in the majority of the five minutes additional time as the visitors looked for a late leveller. Substitute Michael Uwezu was guilty of missing a sitter for Rovers as he poked a dangerous low cross wide from close range. In the final minute Mansfield found the net once more With Ben Hutchinson squaring the ball to Matt Green, who got enough power on the ball to see Bittner fumble and the ball trickle beneath his legs – the Forest Green shot stopper was spared the embarrassment however as the offside flag had already been raised.

No sooner had Bittner restarted play, the referee blew the whistle sealing Mansfield’s first victory of the new calendar year and also, a valuable clean sheet.

FULL TIME: Stags 1-0 Forest Green Rovers

Not the best victory in the world no, but a key performance by several players including Gary Roberts helped spare the Stags onto victory, it’s a great feeling and now let’s hope that we use the break from action to our advantage, put together another run towards the play offs and look back at the end of the season, saying Saturday 7^th January was the day the work got done.

Thanks for reading.