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

PODCAST

Mansfield Matters Weekly #1

As the saying goes – There’s an easy way, a hard way and a Mansfield Town way – well this week has certainly been different as life as Stags fan goes on.

Last Saturday saw us take on fellow BSBP side Fleetwood Town in the FA Cup 4^th Qualifying Round at Field Mill, the second placed cod army we’re always going to prove difficult to beat as there seams burst with talents such as Vardy, Vieira, Brodie, Mangan and co. Saturday’s game however didn’t produce what we expected and ended in a 1-1 draw, with stags levelling the game on 70 minutes thanks to a Ross Dyer goal. (Report & Podcast: http://cp14-coveringtheangles.blogspot.com/2011/10/cta-18-mansfield-vs-fleetwood.html)

The draw meant a replay and a shuffle in the fixture calendar, our proposed game with Cambridge United due for TV Coverage on Thursday night was put back to its original date and time (Tomorrow 3PM). On Monday morning manager Paul Cox insisted the pressure was on Fleetwood and spoke of potentially repeating his fond cup memories with Wycombe Wanderers, who the winning team would face in round one. (Full video interview with Paul here:    http://www.mansfieldtown.net/page/FromTheBoss/0,,10325~2500272,00.html)

With Tuesday’s game quickly upon us all, Mansfield we’re seemingly struck with a living nightmare, facing mass illness, traffic problems and more, eventually crumbling to a humiliating 5-0 defeat away from home under the management of Micky Moore. (Report Here:  http://cp14-coveringtheangles.blogspot.com/2011/11/cta-19-fleetwood-vs-mansfield.html Highlights here: http://soundcloud.com/cp14/fa-cup-4qrr-fleetwood-a-1stnov)

An unacceptable performance left us all furious and unable to get our head around the fact we wouldn’t be in the FA Cup first round for the first time since 1931, however despite the defeat the game did in fact throw in a few positives, the return of Rhys Day and John Thompson, the fine form (despite conceding 5) of Alan Marriott and finally, the debut of young striker Adam Somes.

Due to the mass illness which had spread through the camp, the proposed game with Crewe reserves had to be cancelled, allowing Mark Hemingray’s youth side a full squad to choose from as they travelled to Gateshead to continue their league campaign. Fortunately the young guns didn’t follow in the footsteps of the senior side and took home all the points from the Gateshead International Stadium Complex, running out 3-1 winners. The young stags took the lead after a cross by Jack Hawkins was punched clear by the home keeper, Clayton Browns initial shot from the keepers punch was blocked, but the midfielder made no mistake with the follow up firing into the bottom corner. The hosts then responded before the break with a long range effort which found its way in off the post. The young stags regained the lead curtsey of Adam Somes after Hawkins’ initial shot attempting to lob the keeper fell kindly for him 15 yards out. Joel Holland then wrapped things up, rounding the keeper following a cross from Liam Marsden. The academy boys are now five games unbeaten and sit third in the table.

Back to first team affairs, winger Lindon Meikle was again called up for the England C set up on Wednesday, he will link up with fellow non-league Under 23’s for a trip to Gibraltar a week on Tuesday.

On Thursday, Paul Cox now recovered from his illness, revealed that he was looking to boost his squad with the signing of former Grimsby winger Nick Hegarty – the deal was confirmed earlier today and Nick could be set for his debut tomorrow against Cambridge United. The former St. Mirren man, who featured for us in a pre-season friendly with Ilkeston, has signed a deal until Boxing Day. The signing of Hegarty will give us some much needed balance in the side, as we are currently short of naturally left footed players with Joe Kendrick and Matt Bell both struggling with injuries, against Ilkeston Hegarty looked extremely living setting two of the four goals the stags scored on that night, famous for the wrong reasons.

With Ben Futcher due back at his parent club Bury after November 12^th, Paul Cox has boosted his defence with the loan signing of defender Kieron Freeman, who joins from Nottingham Forest for a month. The 19 year old made his debut for Forest earlier this season in a carling cup tie with Wycombe Wanderers – this signing will fill the gap between Futcher’s departure and the return (to full fitness) of Rhys Day and summer signing John Thompson.

Tomorrow see’s us face Cambridge United at Field Mill, the U’s currently sit above the stags in 5^th place with 33 points on board and are unbeaten in six games. Join Craig on 106.9FM www.takeoverradio.net from 2PM for build up and regular updates – be sure to tweet us throughout www.twitter.com/mtfcmatters      

CTA #19 Fleetwood Vs Mansfield

FA Cup (Sponsored by Budweiser) 4^th Qualifying Round Replay – Fleetwood Town Vs Mansfield Town, 1/11/11 – Highbury Stadium, 7.45PM

‘Sick Note’

Nobody wanted a replay at 5PM Saturday when the full time whistle blew signalling a 1-1 draw, but the fact remained a replay would be needed and by Monday morning everyone seemed fine with it. In fact I’d say that moral and belief wise things were good, seeing off Fleetwood and getting a home tie with League One strugglers Wycombe Wanders wasn’t impossible. Everybody was ready and rearing to go as the heads collectively hit the pillows on Monday night, but now sat reflecting on the final score a day after the game, I’m beginning to wonder what the hell happened to burst our bubble between failing asleep Monday, and waking up Tuesday!

It would appear on reflection that someone wanting Mansfield to win, walked underneath a million ladders and smashed every mirror ever made – nobody, not even mystic Meg, could foresee Tuesday’s events – in fact whoever wrote Tuesday’s script was one evil git!

First of all reports of a traffic problem flooded through, it emerged through Martin Riley’s Twitter that the Stags team coach had become stuck on the motorway, after the M61 was closed due to a chemical spillage. The team had to scrap there pre-match meal and we’re stuck on the coach for around 5 hours without a break, at one point it looked likely they would fail to make it in time to kick off.

Fortunately we’d received news of the problems in good time and we’re able to plan another route, however we too were soon hindered as such a closure saw people look for another route themselves, the M6 around Preston became jammed and then closed by traffic cops – the only option for us to make it in time was the M62 followed by the M55, both had road works causing delays! For a while I had visions of Boston in pre-season as it took us half an hour to move half a mile – however we got a little lucky weaving our way through the obstacles and onto open road, it looked like we’d arrive in plenty of time to set up, relax and go live for 7.30PM! Unfortunately the script writer threw another twist in the tale as eight miles from the ground, our cars lights failed. After a quick stop we’re we pushed and kicked everything the lights still wouldn’t work, we decided to brave it and head on in the darkness with just our flash lights and brake lights guiding us – Those we’re the slowest and most scariest eight miles in my entire life, but as the saying goes THE SHOW MUST GO ON!

Arriving at the ground around 7.10PM it was a rush to find tickets and entrance, luckily myself and Scott we’re aiding by the arrival of Fleetwood journalist Natalia Bradford who led the way. Somehow we we’re set up and on air just 2 minutes later than planned, I was praying for my Mansfield Town to come out, smash Fleetwood and send me home smiling – it’s just a shame the writer had other ideas as news of an Illness bug spreading through the stags camp.

Mansfield we’re to be under the guidance of assistant Micky Moore as Paul Cox had been hit by a virus and was unfit to travel, leading scorer Matt Green was also hit with the bug and also didn’t travel meaning Moore was forced into one change bringing in Louis Moult. Completing the hat-trick of Sick Notes was keeper Shane Redmond, meaning the stags we’re without a reserve keeper on the bench. Moult’s inclusion and Redmond’s absence meant the bench had two empty seats – John Thompson filled one seat, but the other was left vacant, meaning for the Stags we’re unable to name a full bench. When you look back, the Stags bench consisted of a youth teamer (all be it one with bags of quality), a half fit striker, a young full back whose struggling with a knee problem, two defenders who are yet to make a first team appearance all season and the player coach!

In summary, Mansfield we’re hit with traffic problems, an absent manager, a lack of pre-match grub, an unfilled bench and more – even Stevie Wonder could see the final outcome against a side with quality bursting at the seams!

Micky Moore was boosted by Ritchie Sutton, Martin Riley and Ben Futcher all playing as the trio had bugs, and opted to go with a 4-3-3, however less than 30 seconds in saw Fleetwood going 4-2-4, the stags opted for a 4-5-1, making the one change as mentioned above, from Saturday.

Alan Marriott

Ritchie Sutton – Ben Futcher – Martin Riley – Luke O’Neill

Louis Moult (Green) – Adam Murray (C) – Paul Bolland – Anthony Howell – Lindon Meikle

Ross Dyer

BENCH: John Thompson – Paul Connor – Matt Bell – Andy Todd – Rhys Day (named as sub keeper!) – Adam Somes

As illness hit Mansfield got the game underway, they looked for an early cure attacking with intent and earning a corner curtsey of good link up play between Dyer & Moult, however Luke O’Neill’s delivery was too strong and a goal kick was given, with just a minute on the clock.

Fleetwood knocked the ball around well and exploited space as, even from the off, Stags looked lacklustre and lethargic and with just five on the clock, the hosts nearly found the break through. Jamie Vardy made it wide left skipping easily past Ritchie Sutton, Richard Brodie found a gap inside the box and after being fed by his strike partner, smashed the ball against the bar before having another attempt as the ball rebounded back to him, this time the pink shirted Alan Marriott sprung himself well to rescue Mansfield.

Marriott’s terrific save saw Fleetwood eager to put the ball past him, despite a Moult effort which landed a fair distance wide for the Stags, it was all one way traffic as Fleetwood again passed strongly and tightly to work the space and create the openings. Marriott was very much the hero for the Stags keeping the scores locked at 0-0, With 22 on the clock Fleetwood burst free but failed to beat the Stags keeper, Jamie Vardy saw his powerful effort wonderfully saved, Marriott sprung up quickly to also deny Seddon who smashed the loose ball towards the target.

As with the script of the night, Marriott’s luck was bound to end and he was finally beaten on 28 minutes, Jamie Milligan swung in a deep free kick from just over the half way line and Mansfield we’re all at sea, a shot amongst a crowd of bodies was cleared off the line by Bolland, but as the ball looped up Richard Brodie popped up to tap home from close range and put the hosts ahead.

Fleetwood 1-0 Stags

Mansfield needed a response and should have got one straight from the restart, England C bound Lindon Meikle weaved his way down the left channel, leaving Shaun Beeley chasing the night air and watching on as Meikle whipped a strong cross in – burley midfielder Anthony Howell unbelievably skied his shot over the bar from the six yard line. With four minutes to go until the break, it was Fleetwood’s keeper Scott Davies who matched his opposite numbers heroics, Luke O’Neill swung in a decent free kick from 25 yards, Ben Futcher was first too it at the back stick, nodding goal wards only to be denied by an athletic stop from Davies.

A one goal deficit would have been welcome at the break considering the amount of pressure Fleetwood applied, however a minute into first half stoppage time Fleetwood added a second. Another Vardy run this time down the right was stopped by Riley, however his hesitance to clear saw Vardy retake possession, leaving Riley wondering what had happened as he played a neat ball across the middle to the unmarked Sean Clancy, who slotted home past Marriott to double the hosts lead.

Fleetwood 2-0 Stags

Mansfield had barely touched the ball before the half time whistle blew leaving Micky Moore with a massive task on his hands.

Half Time: Fleetwood 2-0 Stags

Something said in the dressing room seemed to have worked as the sides returned for second half action, there seemed to be a little more zest from the stags, showing some intent by switching to 4-4-2 with Moult & Meikle on the wings, whilst Howell joined Dyer up top, however despite the tactical change the stags created little and Fleetwood soon found there momentum again, knocking it through Stags’ defence like a knife through melting butter, Mansfield can only thank Brodie and Vardy for some truly woeful finishing – even by the hour mark the hosts should have been in double figures.

Both sides made changes with 67 minutes gone, Magno Vieira replaced Brodie for the hosts whilst player coach Andy Todd took Meikle’s place for the Stags much to the former Eastwood mans anger. Todd was briefly the more effective too, creating space wide left to allow Murray through the middle, the Stags skipper struck tamely at Davies and again the Stags momentum was lost.

Jamie Vardy should have killed the game off with a third on 72 minutes, taking on virtually every stags player, drawing Marriott from his line before chipping a shot wide, three minutes later, the hosts did add a third, a poor stags clearance saw them pay the ultimate price as Gareth Seddon picked up the loose ball and slotted easily past Marriott.

Fleetwood 3-0 Stags

Youth team hot shot Adam Somes then came onto make his Stags debut replacing Anthony Howell, the young forward who was top scorer in the young guns league before today (Wednesday) put himself about well and showed big Steve McNulty (scattered clapping!) he would not be pushed over. McNulty’s side we’re keen for a fourth however and we’re rewarded ten minutes from time, Martin Riley handballed inside the box and, after some Duffy/Medley like fighting, Jamie Milligan stepped up and converted past Marriott, who fir the first time all evening made no attempt to keep the ball out of the net.

Fleetwood 4-0 Stags

Rhys Day then replaced Riley with seven minutes left to play; this is day’s first outing in the first team since our 3-3 draw with Newport County in February following a series of injuries. Day’s addition was too little too late and the hosts we’re far from done with the stags as looked to wrap the night up with a 5^th goal. Mango Vieira had the ball in the back of the net in injury time but saw his effort chalked off for offside, however Fleetwood got there reward 30 seconds later as former Wrexham front man Andy Mangan latched onto a deep ball from Goodall, making no mistake in putting the ball into the back of the net.

Fleetwood 5-0 Stags

There was no point in restarting play but it had to be done, as soon as Murray had restarted the game for the stags, the whistle was blown dumping the stags out of the cup and meaning that this would be the first time since 1931 we haven’t been in Round One. A new low.

Full Time: Fleetwood 5-0 Stags

I’ve joked around with the title and explained the situation with traffic jams and illness; however there are no excuses to be made, ill or not you should show some fight, determination and passion for the cause, truth is most of that disappeared after the first goal! I’m not pointing fingers at anybody nor am I shouting for mass changes or the management to be sacked – we must be braver than brave now, hold our hands up, admit our failings and remember that what doesn’t destroy us, can only make us stronger.

There are four positives to take from last night (yes, four!) and it’s those I will end on tonight. The first is Alan Marriott, he’s been criticised of late and despite conceding five, probably had one of his best games in a Mansfield shirt, had it not been for him Fleetwood WOULD have hit double figures.

The second positive is the return of Rhys Day, he may have only got seven minutes under his belt but with Ben Futcher going back to Bury in the next two weeks, Rhys will be the one to fill that gap, he needs to get used to the players around him and the tempo of the BSBP – no reserve team game will give you that.

The third positive is the fact Micky Moore decided to give young Adam Somes a run out ahead of Paul Connor late in the game, Somes put himself about well and has really worked hard to get his chance. It’s pleasing to see the management giving the youngsters valuable experience on the pitch alongside more senior players rather than keep them glued to the bench. Adam will keep progressing and will no doubt feature for the first team again, until then he’ll patiently keep playing for the youth team and keep scoring – well done Adam.

Finally, the inclusion of John Thompson on the bench was extremely pleasing. There was no way on earth the former Notts County defender was going to play last night having only played 160 minutes of football for the ‘reserves’ – however following that night in Ilkeston, for John to be back amongst the first team, in the dressing room, jogging up and down the touch line warming up – is great for his mental state as he recovers from an incident which could have ended his career.

Thanks for reading as ever, it’s easy to be disheartened after such a hefty defeat – I was not the best of people to be around this morning let me tell you! I haven’t made a podcast following the gap as I usually do, mainly because of time – there will be one online in the next few days but I doubt anyone will want to listen to it; we need to put the game to bed.

Bring on Saturday when Cambridge come to town, same place same time for regular updates – I must dash, I’ve a plan to help our players get better in time for Saturday (not the lesser twin revolving door) – Calpol!