On a cold December’s night, the perfect way to keep warm would be to be sat in front of the fire, feet up with a hot chocolate right? Alas no, it appears the best way to keep warm is heading across to Eastwood’s coronation park to watch a Stags 11 take to the field for another open to the public friendly.
This time led by player coach Andy Todd whilst Paul Cox and Micky Moore watched from the Stands, Mansfield attempted to warm up the brave fans watching on in the bitter coldness with a resounding 4-0 victory.
Shane Redmond
Luke O’Neill – Rhys Day (C) – Martin Riley – Joe Kendrick
Louis Briscoe – Jon Worthington – Anthony Howell – Marcus Kelly
Anto Flood (Trialist) – Ben Hutchinson (Trialist)
BENCH: Andy Todd – Matt Bell – Scott Rogers – Adam Somes – Jobe Shaw – Joel Holland
As with the last time these sides met in friendly action around three weeks ago, the game took a while to get going; Mansfield registered their first effort on 11 minutes and then put on the pressure with four shots in as many minutes before the games opener. First it was Anthony Howell that let fly, however he couldn’t repeat his feat of scoring in the last friendly, striking the post after beating the keeper following good link up play with Briscoe and Hutchinson.
Ben Hutchinson celebrates
Efforts from Joe Kendrick and the evenings skipper Rhys Day followed, however it was a trialist Stags body that opened the scoring on 14 minutes. Marcus Kelly created it with some neat play down the left hand side, the Kettering loan man sent a ball down the left hand side for Hutchinson who dropped well into space before linking up with Kelly again for a 1-2, Hutchinson then cut inside and curled a beautiful strike into the top corner.
Eastwood 0-1 Stags
Ten minutes later Hutchinson then grabbed a second in similar fashion, this time punishing a defensive error. A long ball over the top looked like a lost cause as the home keeper raced off his line to clear, however Kilmarnock front man Hutchinson sensed an opportunity and raced to the ball beating the keeper too it. At an acute angle, Hutchinson side stepped the keeper before looking up and curling the ball brilliantly over a back tracking defenders head for his second of the evening.
Eastwood 0-2 Stags
The hosts then looked to respond two minutes after the restart, a deep cross from the right hand side caused the Stags problems, an Eastwood head was to the ball first connecting with a powerful header, fortunately for Andy Todd’s side the header was wide as keeper Shane Redmond was wrong footed.
With Ben Hutchinson shining on trial, Anto Flood was perhaps getting a little over shadowed up front. However the former Galloway United striker linked up well with Briscoe just after the half hour mark, Flood did well inside the box firing at goal but couldn’t beat the home shot stopper as the ball deflected into his arms.
Flood did get on the score sheet five minutes later as the Stags bagged two goals in as many minutes. Strong play from Marcus Kelly on the left wing earned Mansfield a corner, Joe Kendrick delivered a left footed out swinger with Flood getting the final touch as the ball bobbled in for a third.
Eastwood 0-3 Stags
Straight from the re-start the Stags won the ball back and continued to pressure, Marcus Kelly again made it with a strong cross field ball; Briscoe arrived to the right of the area and unleashed a thunderous shot. The Stags wingers shot was going well wide of the target but took a huge deflection into the roof of the net for the evening’s fourth goal
Eastwood 0-4 Stags
With five to go before the break, Hutchinson was unfortunate not to make it 5-0 and complete his well deserved hat-trick. Luke O’Neill won the ball back from an Eastwood throw in before feeding the Louis Moult-esc forward Anto Flood. Flood held the play up well before sending Hutchinson on his way through the middle, Hutchinson’s final shot deflected away for a corner after the former premier-league striker skipped past two defenders.
Half Time: Eastwood 0-4 Stags
No changes were made by Andy Todd at the break however Marcus Kelly and Joe Kendrick swapped position with the latter moving forward to the left hand side of midfield. Good movement down the right hand side on 56 minutes created another chance for a 5th, Luke O’Neill played the ball forward to Briscoe who did well to beat his marker and whip a ball into the area, Eastwood headed away but only as far as Howell; however his left footed volley was struck way over the bar.
On the hour mark, leading youth team marksman Adam Somes entered the fray along with team mate Joel Holland, replacing Anto Flood and Joe Kendrick respectively. Somes was immediately amongst the action firing a shot from the edge of the box through a crowd of bodies; however deflections had taken the sting out of the ball and the goal keeper easily collected.
Four minutes later tough tackling midfielder Scott Rogers replaced Ben Hutchinson with Anthony Howell moving upfront alongside Somes. Neither side enjoyed any clear cut chances with the game going one end to the other in typical reserve team friendly style. On 75 minutes former Stags midfielder Stevie Istead earned his new employers a free kick which was hit way over Redmond’s bar, shortly after youth team skipper Jobe Shaw replaced Luke O’Neill at right back.
Two minutes later it was heart in mouth time for Mansfield as Shane Redmond made an unusual error. A long ball over the top looked to be bouncing out for a goal kick, Redmond raced off his line to turn his back in an attempt to Sheppard the ball away, however the ball somehow stayed in and Redmond was taken off the ball by the nippy Eastwood substitute, however the danger was soon cleared by Rhys Day who smashed the ball into the box away into orbit.
Four minutes from time it was a combination of youth team players that could have sealed the elusive 5th goal, a neat ball from Briscoe was headed on by deadly striker Somes to the left of the area. Quick wing man Joel Holland was first to the ball at the back stick letting fly powerfully; his shot was saved by the keeper’s boot not that it mattered as the offside flag was already up.
Blue Square Bet Premier Game #23 Grimsby Town Vs Mansfield Town – Tuesday 6th December 2011 7.45PM
‘Super-Maz’
It’s around this time of year that parent’s dash frantically round the shops searching for presents for the children, top of the list always seems to be a superhero action figure as the film ‘Jingle All The Way’ perfectly demonstrates! This year, parents around Mansfield can forget your Action Man, Buzz Light-year, Superman etc – after last night’s goalless draw at Blundell Park, there’s only one superhero action figure the Mansfield public demands, step forward – SUPER MAZ!
With the pink goalkeepers top in tow, it would be easy to call our shot stopper the ‘pink one from power-rangers’ however Mazza demonstrates skill, agility and heroic status way above your average power-ranger, thus deserving of his own unique title, sadly I’m far too tired to think up a proper superhero name or release a mini action figure in time for the Christmas rush, so that part I’ll leave to your imagination!
Anyway aside for you ‘KAPOWW’s’ ‘BANG’ ‘CRASH’ type moves, I shall move swiftly onto the real story – our trip to the seaside on a truly freezing December evening. Paul Cox was forced into one change as Aman Verma failed to shake off illness, Paul Bolland replaced him with Marcus Kelly moving onto the bench (his squad number for those interested is #33).
Alan Marriott
Ritchie Sutton – John Thompson – John Dempster – Kieron Freeman
Adam Murray (C) – Paul Bolland (Verma)
Ross Dyer – Lee Stevenson – Lindon Meikle
Matt Green
SUBS: Shane Redmond – Louis Briscoe – Luke O’Neill – Nialle Rodney – Marcus Kelly
Two minutes in it was the hosts who looked to attack first as Marriott was called into action. Anthony Elding was the creator in the centre of the park playing a strong ball through the middle which Ritchie Sutton miss controlled, speedy wing man Michael Coulson then cut inside and let fly from the edge of the box, however Marriott was equal to it and held on well.
At the other end the Stags tested the water on four minutes with Ross Dyer looking strong in the air and Lee Stevenson showing good movement. A long ball through the middle was met by Dyer in the air; he flicked the ball onto the right of the area where Lee Stevenson lay in wait. The former Eastwood man struck beautifully on the half volley however James McKeown was well placed to keep the ball out.
Despite the two early chances, strikes at goal seemed rare during the opening exchanges with the 2,553 fans inside Blundell Park having to wait until the 22nd Minute for the next clear cut chance, with the 140 visiting from Mansfield watching on with the hearts in their mouths as John Dempsters error sent the hosts trough. Dempster was looking to play his side out of trouble but played a suicidal ball square in search of Freeman, the pass was too heavy and Freeman was beaten to it by Luke McArthy who charged forward and let fly from the edge of the area. Marriott was on hand to palm it away by the danger was far from gone, amongst a crowd of bodies a Grimsby boot powered a shot towards the line which John Thompson cleared, the ball then looped up for Liam Hearn who saw his powerful shot well saved by Marriott on the line.
Lindon Meikle looked lively again on the left wing for the Stags, his 25 minute curling effort was straight at the keeper though and moments later, it was again the hosts who pounced on a Mansfield error. This time is was skipper Murray who saw his strong pass towards Ritchie Sutton intercepted by Michael Coulson, the nipped wide man burst free and soon found himself 1 vs 1 with Marriott, the Stags keeper saved the day, blocking Coulson’s driven effort with his legs – the pressure was taken off the Stags as the defence raced back in support, John Dempster was fouled and Mansfield awarded a free kick.
Mansfield enjoyed spells of their own, Lee Stevenson was again creative but lacked a real sting in the tale on 31 minutes when he sent a free kick crashing against the wall 23 yards from goal after Meikle was fouled. Two minutes later Stevenson atoned for his poor free kick setting Mansfield’s best chance of the game, battling well to disposes former Luton defender Will Antwi, the prolific goal scoring midfielder sent leading scorer Matt Green on his way. Green showed tremendous speed to get 1 vs 1 with McKeown unleashing a ferocious effort which was somehow blocked by the Mariners’ keepers inside right leg. Had Green let fly maybe a second or two early there’s no doubt the net would have burst.
Further efforts were from Thompson and Meikle were easy saved by McKeown but again the game remained outside both boxes, and as the half time whistle blew, the teams headed back into the dressing rooms level.
Grimsby 0-0 Stags
The second half began in similar fashion to the first with the hosts again having an early opportunity. John Thompson’s defensive header was surprisingly wayward and allowed Grimsby front man Liam Hearn to break free. The ball bounced once and as Marriott charged out, Hearn neatly lobbed the Stags shot stopper but fortunately for Mansfield, shot wide.
Ten minutes into the second half and it was the Stags’ turn to attack, Lee Stevenson again looked lively playing a key part in a solo move. The lively midfielder did well to win the ball and charge free into space, however with Dyer to his right and Green waiting through the middle, Stevenson opted for the shot and fired well over the cross bar.
On the hour mark Marriott was again called into action as the Stags got penned in by a Grimsby set piece. Former Stag Craig Disley’s original corner was poor and easily dealt with by John Thompson, however Disley again whipped the ball back in and saw his left footed cross headed into the path of Coulson who lurked on the edge of the area. After cutting past Meikle, Coulson curled a shot towards goal – Alan Marriott produced a fine back peddling stop to tip the looping ball over the bar.
Ten minutes later Cox shook the pack, introducing Louis Briscoe for Lee Stevenson with Dyer moving up alongside Green as 4-2-3-1 became 4-4-2. Three minutes after the substitution Mansfield looked to dominate down the right as Ritchie Sutton received Briscoe’s pass, the utility defender who set Stags’ third goal on Saturday, looked to repeat the feat with a powerful cross again in search of Meikle, however this time the ball agonisingly bye-passed everyone, bobbling harmlessly away for a goal kick.
With 7 minutes to go, the hosts introduced former Stags forward Rob Duffy, the former Mansfield number 9 was immediately thwarted by ex team mate Marriott. Coulson’s low ball back in from the right touch line found Duffy free, the welsh man let fly but Marriott had already sprung himself down low, diverting the ball over with his boot. Moments later Marriott was again the saviour as a cross found defender Will Antwi in the middle, Antwi softly headed into Marriott’s hands.
The final chance of the game fell to the Stags in stoppage time following a fine passing movement. Adam Murray started it inside his own half nipping the ball off to Ross Dyer who then burst free into space over the half way line. The former Hednesford forward took the ball to the edge of the area but releasing Briscoe who took on his man before firing towards goal, James McKeown got down well to his left to keep out Briscoe’s late drive.
Mansfield then kept the ball well pressuring to the death, however the clock soon ran out meaning the sides had to share the points.
Full Time: Grimsby 0-0 Stags
A point away from home should certainly be looked upon as one point gained rather than two dropped, the Stags put in a decent display and beside a few misplaced passes which allowed Grimsby in, there’s actually nothing to complain about – The Stags did their job, worked hard as a unit and made sure they took something out of the game. Without doubt they missed the influence of Aman Verma alongside Murray; however Bolland did a good enough job against a team who look a reflection of us. Alan Marriott was outstanding in goal and not only does he get his own metaphorical action figure doll on sale in all good stores, but he also gets a rare CTA Man of the Match award, without Marriott’s display last night you would probably be reading about defeat right now.
Still it’s all smiles on the faces and we head into Saturday’s FA Trophy Tie with Droylsden with a decent looking away record on our backs, just one league defeat on the road all season.
Thank you for reading, I hope you will be listening to my coverage of tonight’s friendly at Eastwood – I Shall be live on www.mtfcmatters.weebly.com from 7.20PM with full commentary followed by a report tomorrow evening or Friday.
Blue Square Bet Premier Game 22: Mansfield Town Vs Braintree Town – Saturday 3rd December 2011 Field Mill 3PM
‘Net Busters’
Goals are like buses, you wait ages for one and then four come along at once! I’ll just wait for your laughing groans to due die before carrying on, but come on after looking back on the last few games and yesterday, what other metaphor could I use to describe how happy we are after finally grabbing three points?
Maybe ‘we’re as happy as Larry’ but in all fairness, does anyone actually know who ‘Larry’ is, or if he’s even happy? Moving on....
Stags Celebrate Dyer's Goal Agaisnt Gateshead
We’ve felt for the last couple of games now that a win was on its way, and when it did arrive it would be an emphatic one. The style of Mansfield’s play, especially on Tuesday against Gateshead, suggested that the Stags we’re back – yesterday I think they proved it. Yes there were a few slips, conceding first the one which is highlighted brightest, another would be being put under pressure towards the end, however when you strip it down – footballs a game of chances, if you take yours at least once more than your opponents you will win. That’s exactly what we did yesterday, and my word what a feeling winning brings.
At the start of December, Christmas songs have been drilled into your head and your constantly reminded that despite everything happening, everybody pulls together to have an enjoyable and rewarding time – this is something we at Field Mill did yesterday too, the sound of the drum in the Quarry Lane End drove us on and it seemed like every time we got the ball down and attacked, the volume of the songs got louder and louder, heaven. I hope this continues and, despite being on the road in the coming weeks, the beat continues to the tune of three points, and because I’m an old romantic, the song ‘Jingle Bells’! I always remember the Christmas games for this song, my favourite being Kettering away on Boxing Day when we won 3-1 under the caretaker ship of Adie Moses and Mark Stallard – but that’s a story for another day.
Yesterday Paul Cox stuck with the same 16 that drew with Gateshead on Tuesday, with midfielder Aman Verma retaining his starting place despite going off injured on Tuesday. The Stags also stuck with the effective 4-2-3-1 formation, which also drops to a 4-3-3 if you’re a lover of the classics.
Alan Marriott
Ritchie Sutton – John Dempster – John Thompson – Kieron Freeman
Adam Murray (C) – Aman Verma
Ross Dyer – Lee Stevenson – Lindon Meikle
Matt Green
SUBS: Shane Redmond – Louis Briscoe – Paul Bolland – Luke O’Neill – Nialle Rodney
Ross Dyer, one of many unlucky on Tuesday
After firing numerous shots on Tuesday, many turned up to a cold and windy Field Mill hoping to be warmed up by wave after wave of Stags attacks. Two minutes in the Stags started to deliver, Kieron Freemans deep free kick was flicked on by Ross Dyer on the edge of the box, the ball deflected away to Lindon Meikle who drove his shot wide, with it taking an unlucky deflection off Matt Green.
Three minutes later a directional ball from Lindon Meikle found its way to Matt Green, the Oxford loanee who was perhaps the unluckiest man in football on Tuesday did well to earn Stags a throw in. Meikle revived the ball short from Freeman’s throw and showed good pace and skill to shrug off his marker, whipping in a dangerous cross which was unfortunate too miss both Green and Verma who arrived at the far post.
With eight minutes on the clock, Mansfield were left bemused as the visitors gained the advantage. Sleepy defending from a right sided throw in allowed Braintree to move the ball central, a neat flick from stand in skipper Sean Marks fell for Ben Wright, who struck fiercely first time finding the bottom corner of the net, Alan Marriott received his first touch of the afternoon as he picked the ball out of the back of the net and returned the ball to the centre of the pitch for the restart.
Stags 0-1 Braintree
Despite being left in disbelief, Mansfield were determined to start over and looked for an immediate response. Adam Murray twice struck wide from distance before Mansfield converted frustration into fine passing football. Kieron Freeman’s long throw in with 12 minutes gone found its way to Green inside the area, Green swivelled well but fired five yards wide of the target.
Three minutes later the visitors had keeper Nathan McDonald to thank following good footwork from Green on the edge of the box. The lively striker drew defenders too him and created space which Murray moved into, the Stags captain controlled Greens pass well and fired strongly at McDonald, who did just enough to beat the ball away.
Alan Marriott was then in action on 18 minutes as he saved a tame shot from Sean Marks after Braintree’s leading marksman had skipped past Kieron Freeman, however it was the Stags who then took hold of possession and after a spell of eventual ineffective passing, got back on level terms.
As Matt Green was fouled to the right of the area, Aman Verma whipped in a testing free kick, despite the ball landing way past the far post; John Dempster kept it alive at the far post and with neat skill earned a corner. Verma whipped another testing ball in and the ball nestled in the back of the net, with Crawley loanee John Dempster being credited with the goal, heading in at the far post.
Stags 1-1 Braintree
The Stags then looked to build from the goal as they continued to press, camping in the Braintree half for a sustainable period; however Mansfield couldn’t turn their pressure into goals despite good passes and movement from Stevenson, Meikle, Green and Verma. With nine minutes to go before the break, Stags were left feeling a little aggrieved, Kieron Freemans right sides cross into the box found the run of Dempster who was bundled down from behind, Referee Peter Banks said no to the penalty appeals and as play continued, Lindon Meikle’s follow up cross drifted harmlessly out for a goal kick.
With two minutes to go before the break, Alan Marriott was again the hero saving from Sean Marks. John Dempster was dispossessed by the Braintree captain on the edge of the area; Alan Marriott showed good agility to block Marks’ final left footed effort, palming it away for a corner which failed to trouble Mansfield.
On the stroke of half time Matt Green looked to be upended in the Braintree box however the claim fell on deaf ears as the referee again said no, the visitors played on and pushed the ball down field earning a free kick 22 yards central from goal after John Dempster’s alleged foul on Jai Reason, John Thompson was then booked for comments to the referee. The free kick was hit well by Ben Wright, however the former Peterborough and Crawley front man fired over – this the last action of the half.
Half Time: Stags 1-1 Braintree
Matt Green celebrates his goal agaisnt Cambridge
No changes were made by the Stags at the break and from the whistle; they looked to take hold of the lead. Ritchie Sutton’s deep cross from the right hand side on 49 minutes was turned behind for a corner, from which the Stags finally grabbed the advantage they deserved. Aman Verma’s right footed in-swinger was headed down by Lee Stevenson in the middle; Matt Green turned brilliantly and smashed emphatically into the roof of the net to grab his first goal since the 2-1 defeat to Cambridge on bonfire night.
Stags 2-1 Braintree
From the restart the visitors tried to get back on level terms, first Ben Wright attempted to lob Alan Marriott from distance before Thompson and Dempster combined well to thwart a Braintree attack from Matt Johnson’s powerful throw in. Ben Wright’s long range free kick also failed to trouble the hosts.
It was the Stags who were soon back in control though, creating numerous chances in search of a third, On 55 minutes Freemans strong clearance deflected kindly for Matt Green, Green shrugged off the challenges of the back tracking defence before setting Lee Stevenson, his driven effort was on target but was deflected away for a corner.
Meikle in action agaisnt Lincoln, scored Stags' 3rd
On the hour mark, the Stags did extend their lead with perhaps the best team goal of the season, one which demonstrated patience, determination, skill and perfection timing. Matt Green kept the ball wonderfully for the Stags, despite being forced away from goal and back towards the half way line, Green battled past three players as he held the ball up in search of support, Ritchie Sutton provided it on the right hand side and skipped past Aswald Thomas with ease following Green’s pass, Sutton then put in a powerful cross towards the middle, finding Lindon Meikle half a yard out who completed the task, bundling home past the keeper for his fourth strike of the season.
Stags 3-1 Braintree
Mansfield were in complete control and should have had a fourth following driven efforts from Freeman and Meikle, however the Stags only had to wait 8 minutes for there reward, as Matt Green, finally playing with that confident buzz, tapped in his second of the game. Lindon Meikle’s cross should have been collected by McDonald in all fairness, however the Braintree keeper fluffed his collection and dropped the ball straight to Green’s feet, a little drop of the shoulder took the ball past the despairing shot stopper and left Green with an open net, which his naturally stroked the ball into to.
Stags 4-1 Braintree
Moments later McDonald redeemed his error, Aman Verma’s free kick was delivered beautifully finding Ross Dyer, the striker who scored a sensational goal on Tuesday powered a seemingly unstoppable header towards goal, which somehow McDonald palmed away, Dyer’s contribution lead to a chorus of ‘There’s only one Rossy Dyer’
Green was unfortunate not to complete his well deserved hat-trick on 72 minutes, John Thompson looked assured and confident at the back preventing a rare Braintree attack and sending a delightful pass to the left wing for Lindon Meikle, his first time ball in was just a little too quick for confident Green who gambled at the far post but just couldn’t connect with the ball.
Nialle Rodney then made his home debut replacing the impressive Meikle on the left hand side, Rodney was immediately involved providing the link between Green and Freeman; the latter curled a powerful effort the wrong side of the post. With 10 minutes left to play, Alan Marriott punched away a Braintree cross before holding on to Braintree substitute Chib Chilaka’s follow up shot, Paul Cox then withdrew Ross Dyer for Briscoe.
Mansfield still remained lively and Murray was unlucky not to feed Green with several neatly chipped passes, despite Murray holding his back for a while, it was Lee Stevenson who was replaced next, Paul Bolland entered the fray with three minutes to go. The Stags got a late corner after Sutton’s cross was deflected behind, however Aman Verma’s delivery was to be the last kick of the game as the full time whistle blew, sealing three points for Stags, propelling them up to 8th place three points behind a play-off spot.
Full Time: Stags 4-1 Braintree
There’s not much to say on this one to be honest other than, the Mansfield Town we knew was hiding in the dressing room lockers, finally came out to play. Neat passing, bright movement,togetherness, determination, flare and most importantly – ‘the finishing touch’ were evident from the off, I hope that this continues and we can once again build a winning sequence and achieve our goal. Last year I had a miserable Christmas, I’ve said all year long I want to go all out this year, I’d swap all that now for a winning run – nothing, will ever beat the Mansfield Town winning feeling.
Away from the pitch, yesterday saw us as a club experiment with a new media outlet, providing live Twitter updates. Despite a few spelling mistakes brought on by excitement, cold and overenthusiastic typing, it seemed to go well – please have a look back at the tweets www.twitter.com/mansfieldtownfc and let me know your thoughts. With the future of Takeover looking to be frozen until January (Statement to follow in the week), Full commentary will be provided on away games on the Mansfield Matters website http://mtfcmatters.weebly.com/mm-live.html until further notice. On Tuesday, we will test out the demand for coverage with Full Commentary on Grimsby Vs Stags; I will be on my own for this one from 7.40PM, with Scott rejoining me for our trip to Droylsden next Saturday in the FA Trophy. A Midweek friendly has also been arranged with Eastwood Town, again open to the public, I will look to cover the game in some manor, either with full commentary online or the aforementioned twitter updates. Thank you for your support during this difficult period; it’s a good job the Stags are winning eh!
Thanks for reading, audio of yesterday’s goals can be heard below.
Blue Square Bet Premier Game 21: Mansfield Town Vs Gateshead – Field Mill, Tuesday 29th November 2011 7.45PM
‘Rub Of the Green’
There always comes a time when you end up reflecting on missed opportunities, looking back over the past few days or weeks wondering when it was you broke a mirror, walked under a ladder a black cat. Matt Green will be doing the same tonight as he reflects on last night’s 1-1 draw at home to Gateshead, in fact I bet the lads wondering when all three misfortunes at the same time, because latest he’s just not getting the rub of the Green – please excuse the pun.
Following Saturday’s 1-1 draw with bottom of the table Bath, Paul Cox said his side needed to be more Systematic more strong minded and get back to enjoying their football, when speaking to me at the weekly press meeting. The Stags boss shook the pack once more, making three changes as we searched for our first victory in five outings (league and cup)
There was a shock with Cox’s selection as he dropped full back Luke O’Neill who had featured in every game of the season, in came John Dempster for his full debut along with Lee Stevenson and Adam Murray following his suspension. Along with O’Neill out went Paul Bolland and Anthony Howell. A flexible formation was put on show by Cox, a 4-3-3 or, what looked to me like a 4-2-3-1 – both formations suiting our style of play, allowing Stevenson & Meikle a little more creative freedom.
Alan Marriott
Ritchie Sutton – John Dempster (O’Neill) – John Thompson – Kieron Freeman
Adam Murray (C) (Bolland) – Aman Verma
Ross Dyer – Lee Stevenson (Howell) – Lindon Meikle
Matt Green
SUBS: Shane Redmond – Louis Briscoe – Paul Bolland – Luke O’Neill – Nialle Rodney
Mansfield started the game a million times brighter than they have done in previous weeks and should have been ahead in the opening two minutes, a routine back pass to the keeper from Sam Rents seemed to hold up in the gusty evening wing, both Green and Gateshead keeper Jak Alnwick raced for it with Green getting there first, knocking the ball around the Newcastle loanee – With an open goal at his mercy all Green had to do was tap home, however unbelievably Green shot wide of the target.
Three minutes later Green was in again, this time showing good determination chasing down a sloppy back pass. Stags’ leading scorer veered away from goal to round the keeper but this time was denied as Alnwick claimed the ball at Green’s feet.
The Stags were playing some truly wonderful football with the 4-2-3-1 formation working a treat. As predicated pre-match, it allowed Meikle and Stevenson, who was making only his second start of the season, a lot of freedom, with Murray & Verma starting moves with well timed challenges and pitch perfect passes. Murray and Verma also showed there attacking credentials with the pair heavily involved with Mansfield’s opener on nine minutes.
In the centre of the park, Murray pulled off a splendid dummy, that good he fooled himself! Before the returning Stags skipper spotted Verma to the right of the box, picking him out with a neatly chipped pass. Verma then showed neat control and knocked the ball inside to Ross Dyer who finished superbly, firing low and hard past the keeper into the bottom corner for his fifth goal of the campaign.
Stags 1-0 Gateshead
Despite a 3/4 minute spell on the ball in the Mansfield half, Gateshead created very little bar long range tame efforts – it was Mansfield who where on top throughout the first half. The Stags should have a second on 26 minutes when Aman Verma’s well hit deep free kick bounced the wrong side of the post when all it needed was someone to gamble.
Matt Green, Ross Dyer, Lindon Meikle and Lee Stevenson linked up very well with the latter shining in the central pocket of space which Meikle, Dyer and Green created. Just after the half hour mark Stevenson did his job perfectly, slotting Green through on goal from the centre of the park however Mansfield’s leading talisman fired over under pressure from Kris Gate. A minute later Stevenson again slipped a ball through the middle, this time is was Ross Dyer who fired over from 10 yards, under pressure from Ben Clark.
In the bitterly cold weather any knocks picked up were bound to come a little keener, with seven minutes to go before the break, Aman Verma picked up a knock to his knee and was replaced by Paul Bolland. Two minutes later Matt Green tore free down the right, holding up the ball long enough for support to arrive, Green played the ball into the area and Lee Stevenson struck, unfortunately his effort swirled out for a Gateshead throw in.
Gateshead gave the Stags a late first half scare when Phil Turnbull’s driven show was deflected behind for a corner, Ben Clark headed straight into Marriott’s hands from ex-stag Kyle Nix’s delivery.
Half Time: Stags 1-0 Gateshead
Gateshead began the second half a little more livelier than the first but despite pressure from the heed, the Stags still created chances for a second playing some neat football along the way. On 53 minutes Matt Green looked eager to avenge his first half misses, making a jinking run before letting fly from the edge of the box, however Green still couldn’t find the target as he shot straight at Alnwick.
Just shy of the hour mark the Stags saw a second goal ruled out, fantastic flowing football saw Dyer played wide right, his driven cross found Meikle at the far post who bundled the ball into the back of the net but was penalised for handball, and offside.
On 65 minute minute’s disbelief swept Field Mill as Stags again failed to convert, Kieron Freeman’s right sided free kick was strong and found John Dempster at the far post, two yards from goal Dempster, making his full debut, blazed over.
The appreciation for Mansfield’s fine flowing football seemed to bubble over into frustration by a small minority, sensing the frustration growing Gateshead brought on Nathan Fisher, who in all fairness instantly changed the game, being a nuisance to Stags getting in tight spaces, stretching the game and covering every blade of grass. On 68 minutes Gateshead made Mansfield rue their missed chances, Sam Rents provided a perfect cross for the on fire ex-Stag Jon Shaw, who predictably sent his glancing header past Alan Marriott from 6 yards, grabbing his 20th goal of the season and levelling the game.
Stags 1-1 Gateshead
Nathan Fisher fired over from the edge of the box a minute later as Gateshead looked to complete the turnaround; however Mansfield also seemed determined to get back ahead. Matt Green finally beat Alnwick after a mazy run, however the Stags striker was still left holding his head in his hands as the ball brushed past the post and out for a goal kick.
Paul Cox then withdrew the impressive Lee Stevenson for Louis Briscoe with 17 minutes left, Briscoe’s addition to the pitch saw Stags go 4-4-2 with Dyer slotting upfront alongside Green and Meikle moving to the left. Briscoe’s attacking flair had to wait however as the visitors powered forward, John Dempster made the right impression on the crowd throwing himself at not one but two powerful Jon Shaw efforts.
With 11 minutes to go, Ross Dyer should have grabbed his second of the night, Matt Green did all the hard work on the left hand side playing a neat ball inside for the former Forest Green target man, however Dyer had a rush of blood and fired aimlessly over the top when really, he could have taken a touch before finishing the job.
Neither side looked contempt with just a point however it was the visitors who looked more likely to score towards the end as they pressured the Stags. Alan Marriott was the hero once more, denying Jon Shaw and James Marwood from close range with top draw saves – a fine way to complete his 100th league game for the club, it’s just a shame the chances at the other end couldn’t make it all three points rather than just one!
Full Time: Stags 1-1 Gateshead
So another draw making it three points from a possible 12 in our last four outings, however I’m not going to sit here tonight and pick holes in our performance, or try and deeply analyse every single move (despite having time on my hands!)! All I’m going to say is something that’s a fact – Mansfield Town played some fantastic, outstanding football worthy of winning any game, yes we didn’t take our chances and yes we got caught (again!) but we didn’t get the rub of the green, it’s a simple as that. No amount of coaching, ability, money, effort etc can chance that – sometimes things either happen or they don’t.
In a few weeks time we WILL look back at last night’s 1-1 draw and say it changed our season for the better. For the first time in a month, maybe two – we played with freedom, flair and confidence. We we’re tactically spot on and matched this with ability – both in attack and defence. We we’re fluid, we we’re excitable, we had desire, flair and belief – We were Mansfield Town once more.
All we do now is channel it and convert it into points on Saturday afternoon against Braintree. Simple.
P.S.... If you’ve any lucky horse shoes, four leave clovers, charms etc – please send them to Matt Green, Mansfield Town FC, Quarry Lane.... Only Greeny, the net will burst from your boot soon!
Blue Square Bet Premier Game #20 Bath City Vs Mansfield Town – Twirton Park, Saturday 26th November 3PM
‘Roman Invasion’
After making four exciting signings in the week, you could forgive any Stags fan who had an air of confidence about them yesterday. With Stags travelling to rock bottom Bath City and having, as mentioned, added more quality to the ranks – it seemed a certainty that there would only be one winner at Twirton Park yesterday.
In the mixing bowl too was the fact the hosts had played 120 minutes of football midweek when they we’re knocked out of the FA cup by Dagenham & Redbridge. The cake mixture was sweet and as kick off approached the flavour was so sexy, the apatite craved more – looking back, our cake was arrogant and the sweet taste turned bitter at 5PM when once more, the beautiful game brought us crashing back down to earth with its harsh reality; A very lucky and totally unacceptable 1-1 draw.
During the week Paul Cox had brought in Aman Verma and Marcus Kelly on loan with a view to a permanent move from cash strapped Kettering, along with experienced defender John Dempster from Crawley (three months) and lively forward Nialle Rodney from Bradford (1 month) – With Adam Murray suspended it was likely that either Verma or Kelly would debut, however the real question was which two loan players would miss out, as league rulings state only five can be in the 16. Louis Moult, who looks set to return to Stoke on Monday, along with surprisingly Marcus Kelly we’re the two loanee’s to sit out, whilst skipper Adam Murray also missed out trough suspension with Paul Cox unsurprisingly handing captaincy duty to John Thompson as the Stags boss made two changes to the line up, and four to the bench.
Alan Marriott
Luke O’Neill – Ritchie Sutton – John Thompson (C) – Kieron Freeman
Ross Dyer – Paul Bolland (Murray) – Aman Verma (Hegarty) #34 – Lindon Meikle
Matt Green – Anthony Howell
SUBS: Shane Redmond – Louis Briscoe – Lee Stevenson – John Dempster #31 – Nialle Rodney #32
After battling with Dagenham & Redbridge midweek Bath seemed to have found renewed confidence and got proceedings underway, the registered their first effort in under a minute pouncing on an error from skipper John Thompson – the former Notts County captain was just too keen to stamp his authority on the game and didn’t get enough on his clearing header allowing Lewis Hogg to nip in. Hogg made his way to the edge of the box but couldn’t get a clean shot away under immense pressure from Ritchie Sutton and hit a tame effort straight at Marriott.
Seven minutes later it was the hosts on the charge once again, Lewis Hogg was allowed too much time and space on the ball inside the centre of the park and picked an easy pass to Joe Bryan who arrived in the area after giving O’Neill the brush off. Bryan’s shot hit the side netting fortunately for Stags who in truth demonstrated some sluggish defending throughout the early exchanges. The Stags did finally break and show signs of what could be on ten minutes after Alan Marriott calmly collected a deep Sean Canham free kick. The Stags keeper spotted Lindon Meikle free on the left wing and picked him out with an early ball – Meikles neat control allowed him to turn outpace his marker and feed leading scorer Matt Green. The Oxford loanee who is close to sealing his permanent move to Field Mill dropped his shoulder to shoot but was blocked off before picking a pass out to strike partner Anthony Howell who immediately let fly, but only into Bath keeper Jason Matthews’ hands. On 17 minutes good Mansfield pressure saw debutant Aman Verma put in his apology for former club Darlington’s FA Trophy win, combining well with John Thompson. Verma held the ball up well on the edge of the box and demonstrated neat footwork, firing a shot towards goal but seeing it blocked and diverted away for a corner.
A minute later Bath took the lead very much against the run of play with Mansfield enjoying a neat passing spell, Aman Verma thought he’d sparked another move when the 24 year old found Bolland in the centre circle, however Bolland’s touch was heavy and Marley Watkins broke free. Watkins threaded a pass into Bryan who drew a fine save from Marriott; however Marriott could do nothing about the rebound as Watkins arrived unmarked to fire home from 12 yards to put the rock bottom hosts in front.
Bath 1-0 Stags Five minutes later Mansfield we’re back on level terms thanks to a massive piece of good luck, Aman Verma impressed on the edge of the box turning away from his marker before feeding Lindon Meikle wide left. The England C winger took the ball right to the goal line and chipped the ball back into the box – Matthews was beaten and somehow the looping ball delicately touched the far post and dropped into the net. A fluke goal from an acute angle, Meikle’s third of the season. Bath 1-1 Stags
On 27 minutes the hosts had a golden chance to regain the advantage, however both sides where left feeling guilty, Mansfield of poor defending and Bath of woeful finishing. Canham’s free kick was headed back across the face of goal as Ross Dyer was easily out jumped at the near post, with Mansfield in a daze the ball fell at the far post for Charlie Clough, Clough somehow missed an open goal from two yards out. As soon as the ball was over, Paul Cox raced out of his technical area with more steam coming out his ears than steam coming from the nearby roman bath houses – the Stags boss clearly furious with his sides defending.
With a minute to go before the break the Stags felt the pendulum of luck swing ferociously from side to side, Sekani Simpson’s low cross from the right hand side bounced up and struck a Stags arm, however referee Amy Fearn waved away the appeals and Alan Marriott collected the loose ball. He spotted Ross Dyer free on the right hand side and picked him out with a fine throw, Dyer then produced a fine run cutting inside from the bye line leaving defenders chasing fresh air, he unselfishly played Howell into the box however the former Alfreton mans shot was well saved by home keeper Matthews. Luke O’Neill delivered another poor corner as the Stags again failed to make their presence felt. On the stroke of half time, Mansfield pilled forward again, Matt Green and Ross Dyer combined in the air with the ball falling to Howell on the edge of the box. Howell struck tamely but again got a corner as the ball bobbled off Charlie Clough’s leg.
Half Time: Bath 1-1 Stags Two minutes into the second half, a much improved delivery from Luke O’Neill nearly saw the Stags edge In front; O’Neill’s corner ran all the way to the far post for Lindon Meikle. The lively wingman whipped the ball back across goal right footed, with the ball just curling out as Ross Dyer arrived at the back post.
Minutes later Mansfield we’re caught napping but given a let off curtsey of Amy Fearn, A Bath free kick was taken quickly and chipped into the box, the Bath runner was unmarked on the edge of the box and unleashed an unstoppable volley which cannoned off the post and back into play – fortunately the sleeping Stags we’re woken up by Fearn’s whistle as the free kick was pulled back and the taker booked for taking the set piece before the whistle. On 52 minutes Matt Green showed battling quality’s to keep Ritchie Sutton’s chipped ball in play on the right hand side, Green earned the Stags a corner which O’Neill took. The young full backs delivery found John Thompson at the back post after he powered his way through the crowd – the captain’s header was blocked and found Dyer on the edge of the box. Lindon Meikle then linked the ball back across to O’Neill who delivered a curling cross which Matt Green headed wide from close range.
A minute later it was Bath pressuring, Simpsons cross was flicked on and found Joe Bryan – Alan Marriott produced a fine save to deny the hungry Bath forward. Moments later Marriott could only watch on as Gethin Jones headed a Canham free kick wide of the target as the Stags again we’re sluggish to clear the hosts set pieces.
Paul Cox then introduced Louis Briscoe for Paul Bolland with 65 on the clock, the lively wing man has missed Mansfield’s last five games through injury and his ability has been sorely missed. Ross Dyer, who has taken Briscoe’s place on the right since his injury, moved back up front alongside Green, whilst Howell slotted into the vacant central-midfield role.
Four minutes after his introduction Briscoe showed the Stags exactly what they’d been missing, whipping in a dangerous ball following Luke O’Neill’s interception of a Bath through ball. Briscoe’s lively cross found Green inside the area, the leading scorer controlled and turned well, firing a shot against the leg of the covering defender.
On 74 minutes Matt Green should have put Mansfield ahead, Lindon Meikle produced a fine pass over the top of the home back line and Green pounced, cushioning the ball with his head before setting himself to go round the advancing keeper. With the goal at his mercy Green had simple goal but rolled the ball agonisingly wide of the target. Green was replaced less than a minute later by Nialle Rodney.
From then on it was a true Roman invasion as the hosts penned Stags in and produced the better football, creating space, exploiting the gaps and doing everything but score. On 83 Sekani Simpsons low cross found Lewis Hogg unmarked in the middle, Hogg powered his effort goal wards but was denied by Marriott who was on fine form.
A minute later the hosts thought they’d done it as they ran riot down the right hand side leaving Kieron Freeman exposed. Simpson found substitute Scott Murray who placed the ball across the face of goal, fellow sub Lee Phillips bundled home from half a yard but didn’t even celebrate as the linesman flag for offside was up way before he connected with the ball.
With less than five minutes to go away from home against bottom of the league, locked at 1-1 you’d usually see a striker or attacking midfielder thrown on, however with Freeman and Mansfield getting torn to pieces at the back the Stags final substitution was used to withdraw Freeman and introduce John Dempster. The 28 year old defender slotted in at centre half, with Sutton going to right back and O’Neill to left back.
Despite the move, Bath continued attacking and Paul Cox’s side had Marriott to thank as he held onto several long range efforts, they also had the post to thank as Aaron Amadi-Holloway crashed a shot against it in the dyeing seconds.
Full Time: Bath 1-1 Stags
I can’t put my finger on why Mansfield crumbled or why we again had an knack of not scoring, had it been for Meikles fluke, we’d have lost as nothing seemed like going in. Bath are fighting for their lives at the bottom and tore us to pieces on too many occasions, any neutral who’d seen the game and didn’t know which side sat where in the table would put Mansfield at the bottom on that showing. We missed Murray in the centre of the park; I personally feel a Murray-Verma partnership would be fantastic. Upfront Howell gave us a different dimension and whilst some will say he was ineffective, I disagree. He got in the tiny holes, won us flick on’s and gave Green more space to work – I think we lost a massive part of our attack when he was moved back into the middle of the park. I can sit and pick holes in our side and rant about player performances etc for hours on end but their seriously is no point – dwelling get’s us nowhere. What we’ve done is get out of bed on a cold morning, stood on a plug, been scratched by the cat and poured boiling hot water on our hands whilst making the tea – what we do know is look in the mirror, address our mistakes and make sure we avoid failing down stairs when we face Gateshead on Tuesday. As Keith Curle always said, there’s a right way, a wrong way and a Mansfield Town way – The Mansfield Town way is getting a point off the bottom side, but beating the topsides – so bring on Gateshead!
Aside from the football, as you’ll be aware yesterdays game was my final broadcast with Takeover due to a staff shortage at the station. I’d just like to thank you for the kind messages of support and offers of help, to know that what I do makes a difference and provides a service on match day warms my heart – I’ll do my best to get it back. During my time with Takeover, I’ve hit troubled spells but shone through them with the help of friends and close colleagues – If this is the end, I will look back with fond memories. I am proud of the phone in show we had last season and thank you for your participation, I am privileged and grateful of my days out at Wembley and I’m delighted with the upturn of listeners and love for the shows since pre-season. It has been difficult and there have been doubters (some of them I’ve kept quiet) but through gritted teeth, together we’ve got through it all and had a bloody good laugh along the way. I thank you for sharing the journey with you and promise that; somehow, we’ll be back, bigger and better than ever before. This is not the end, it’s just the beginning – we are down, but by no means out. Keep a track of what’s going off on www.mtfcmatters.weebly.com and if you can help in anyway please email cragpriest14@gmail.com
