Craig Priest previews tomorrow night’s double header as sides travel to Eastwood and Stourbridge....

Many clubs split up there squad to play two games in one night, that’s the way pre-season goes, that said I can’t remember the last time the Stags did it! I guess the one question on everyone’s lips at the moment is, what game do I go to?!

I’m also struggling with finding the answer as we have no idea what so ever as to what Paul Cox has planned at the time of writing. So far in pre-season every player has had a share of the minutes of the pitch with different, yet strong, sides alternating between games. Below is a table listing who’s played where so far, although it won’t solve the mystery of who goes where, it may help us work out who we expect to be in what squad and from that you can, potentially, decided on what is seen as the “first team” and the “reserves”.

I’m not a fan of the Reserves tag at the minutes as both squads, as you can see feature players of the highest calibre, who could walk into any BSBP or League2 side. Our squad is a perfect number of 30 to be split up, with the exception of two injures to my knowledge (Jake Speight & Joel Holland) taking the numbers to 28. Add in a couple of trailists and now third year youth teamers you can pretty much take a squad of at least 16 to each game, looking at the names above and splitting them in every way possible you still have a strong side for each game. 

Taking goalkeepers out of the picture for the moment I think the game Paul Cox attends (Presumably Eastwood) will feature between 5-7 of what he sees as his ‘definite starters’ with the rest made up of those he’s not sure about, the other game will be the same along with those that need minutes under their belt. The management team will be split too, I see Paul Cox and Adam Murray taking charge of one game with Andy Todd and Richard Cooper the other, the four will assess the boys and, in my opinion, use the Rainworth game as two games (45 minutes each) – with the best eleven players from BOTH Eastwood and Stourbridge taking the first half with everyone else taking the rest. What happens at Boston and then Rotherham is unknown! Weather what I’ve said will happen or not I’ve no clue, but I think it will be close, logically it’s the best way to split lads up and get four different views of the squad in action before reassessing things as a whole the following night.

Both games will prove tough tests for whoever goes where, Eastwood suffered a torrid season last term without Paul Cox and after a play-off finish in Cox’s final term, the club plummeted with numerous off field issues and we’re relegated collecting the wooden spoon having finished rock bottom, winning just four matches. John Ramshaw who now sits in the Coronation Park hot-seat after spells from Craig Armstrong, Jamie Brough and Stevie Istead, will know exactly how to turn the badgers around having been at the club during Paul Cox’s tenure.

Stourbridge achieved a solid 6th placed finish in the Southern Premier Division last term and will be a tough side to break down having lost out on a ply-off finish last term on goal difference. So far this pre-season they have kept things tight losing just one of their five pre-season fixtures, also defeating our fellow BSBP counterparts AFC Telford United 1-0 on home soil.


Whoever goes where will not have an easy night and will have to put in a shift to ensure our pre-season unbeaten record stays intact. Yes results are irrelevant in pre-season and the emphasis is always about fitness and shape, but still it’s a refreshing trait to have – being able to pick any from our squad of 30 and knowing they can go out and make the difference.

Unfortunately I can’t be in two places at once so have faced some tough decisions on where to go and what to do. As always we strive to bring you the best coverage possible and without knowing what teams going where, have had to work on a logistics basis taking into account our stretched resources.

With this is mind, I will be heading to Eastwood an anchoring the show from there, it’s THIS game which we have chosen as the main game and will be providing full match commentary on. However as ever we can’t just pick one game when there’s another going off and so have opted to send a reporter (Chris) to the Stourbridge game, he will provide us with a live update every 15 minutes along with half time/ full time analysis of the match plus goal flashes – he will also be on hand to feed me information of chances & substitutions off air so I can keep you as up to date as possible. If you are opting for the Stourbridge game and fancy helping us out with your opinions, please text your thoughts of the game to 07982 865 624 or email mtfcmatters@gmail.com if you want to get more involved – we would love someone to write us a match report.

So in brief, tomorrow will be full commentary of the Eastwood match with regular updates of the Stourbridge game throughout the night. Build up of both matches starts live from Coronation Park at 7pm, live on Takeover Radio 106.9FM and via our MM-LIVE page – There’s no need to miss a kick of the action.

The views expressed in this blog are those of the writer and not those of Mansfield Matters or it’s related organisations – to submit a piece, email mtfcmatters@gmail.com

Craig Priest reports....

Fixture: Mansfield Town V Nottingham Forest
Competition: Pre-Season Friendly (#7) BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
Venue: One Call Stadium
Date & Time: Saturday 28th July – 1pm
Match Referee: Unknown

You know the worst feeling in the world? No it’s not standing on a plug when you get out of bed or being smashed over the head with a pudgelstick by Shadow from Gladiators – it’s wanting something you can’t have. That feeling would have been strong for you yesterday as the majority all knew the Stags we’re playing host to Forest behind closed doors. I too feared that my 100% pre-season coverage record would be broken however thanks to the club, media we’re permitted to watch and broadcast on the game.

My aim with Mansfield Matters has never about getting my own name in lights, the sole aim has always been to keep fellow supporters updated and as close to the team we all love as possible, another reason my thanks is extended to the club for yesterday.

I have to admit it did feel strange arriving at the One Call Stadium yesterday, the gates locked on arrival to stop supporters trying to get a view of the match – it felt very celebrity party-ish ‘There’s nothing going on here, nothing to see’. Truth is there was. Yet another pre-season match yet another tough test for Paul Cox and his players against a reforming Nottingham Forest. 

Again it was unknown what sort of side Paul Cox would put out following Wednesday’s 2-1 victory over Derby County, in the end six players remained from the midweek victory. John Thompson donned the skipper’s armband as he came in at right back and John Dempster in at centre back for Lee Beevers and George Pilkington respectively. Ross Dyer and Lindon Meikle moved up alongside Green as 4-4-1-1 was replaced by a 4-3-3, Gary Roberts, Jamie Hand and Anthony Howell made up the midfield replacing Jamie Tolley, Chris Clements and Lee Stevenson.

Line Up: Alan Marriott, John Thompson (C), Luke Jones, John Dempster, Andy Owens, Gary Roberts, Jamie Hand, Anthony Howell, Ross Dyer, Matt Green, Lindon Meikle.
Substitutes Named: Shane Redmond, Ritchie Sutton, George Pilkington, Louis Briscoe, Nick Wright, Chris Clements, Matt Rhead, Lee Beevers, Jamie Tolley, Godfrey Poku, Andy Todd, Ben Hutchinson, Lee Stevenson. Pablo Mills was NOT named on the team sheet but did appear in the second half, this is the same for a number of Forest trialists.

Despite Forest’s recent takeover and mass departure of players, new boss Sean O’Driscoll has already begun to strengthen, a number of his new additions meant it was a very strong Forest side the Stags faced in the first half, it was they who had the first real chance of the game despite Lee Camp having to leap high to collect an Andy Owens long throw with less than a minute played.

Ross Dyer was the guilty party in the aforementioned Forest chance as he gave the ball away with a sloppy pass with six minutes played. Frank Moussa picked up the loose ball and charged into the box with a dominant run, Alan Marriott read the situation well and got down low to parry away for a corner.

A minute later it was Marriott’s opposite number Lee Camp who was called into action. Former Forest man and Stags Skipper for the afternoon John Thompson started the move by chipping a ball down the right channel for Matt Green to run onto. Green did well to battle against former Stag loanee Kieron Freeman before delivering a delightful cross into the middle. The on rushing Anthony Howell controlled well on the penalty spot before swivelling Danny Collins and smashing a left footed effort towards the top corner – Lee Camp was at full stretch to push the ball around the post for the Stags first corner of the afternoon. 

John Dempster remained strong to clear at the last as Forest broke away on 11 minutes however it was again the Stags that came within a whisker of opening the scoring three minutes later. Lindon Meikle, who scored Stags’ winner against Derby on Wednesday, was the main creator as he drove forwards, cutting inside from the left flank. From just inside the box in almost the same spot as Wednesday, Meikle let fly and saw his shot take the faintest of touches from the glove of Lee Camp and onto the post. The ball cannoned back out but couldn’t be turned in by Green who was bundled over, the ball did however fall for Ross Dyer who had an open net but failed to keep his effort down, firing over the bar from ten yards.

Ross Dyer then looked to redeem himself with some cleaver hold up work, however the Stags failed to punish as Forest cleared Gary Roberts teasing cross on 16 minutes. Dyer was involved again two minutes later as he flicked on Alan Marriott’s long ball, Matt Green raced onto it but was stopped in his track by the presence of the offside flag.

On 26 minutes the Stags entertained and pressured with a series of consecutive corners. It all started from a deep Jamie Hand free kick from the right hand side, Lindon Meikle the initial tormentor in the box to earn the first of four Stags corers. The first taken by Hand saw Luke Jones unmarked and head narrowly over, Matt Green picked up possession from the resulting goal kick and drove forward to earn another corner. Hand again delivered and this time it ran to the edge of the box for Roberts. The tough tackling midfielder let fly on the volley with the ball cannoning off Collins for another corner. Jamie Hand again delivered from the right for Meikle who saw his cross back into the mix headed away for a throw. Andy Owens found Meikle who, from the edge of the box, cut onto his left foot and again earned a corner, Greg Halford making the block. The pressure the Stags had previously applied went astray and Forest cleared with ease, having already been booked Gary Roberts was very fortunate to remain on the pitch after a very late and tough tackle on the cantering Andy Reid. The referee called skipper Thompson over to calm a fiery Roberts down, the actions of Roberts perhaps contributed to his half time withdrawal, a league match he’d have been off.

A forest corner came to nothing on 31 minutes and moments later it was again the stags who threatened. Alan Marriott’s ball forward found its way to Thompson on the right hand side of midfield; he turned inside Jonathan Greening before picking out Anthony Howell. The Stags midfielder set himself for a left footed effort from 25 yards, the final shot deflecting away from goal and away for another Jamie Hand corner from which Lindon Meikle again forced Camp into action, the Forest shot stopper getting down low to keep out the driven cross.

With four minutes of the first half remaining it was Forest’s turn to threaten from a corner. A cheeky delivery to the edge of the box caught the Stags off guard and napping. As the ball came back in, Forest’s Marcus Tudgay suddenly found himself 1 v 1 with Marriott. The former Derby County striker hit a ferocious volley only to be denied by Marriott who made a fine double save to keep the scores level.

Three minutes later it was Cox’s side that again came close. Anthony Howell earned a free kick after good passing movement between himself, Roberts and Hand. The latter delivered the set piece which Howell flicked on into the path of Jones who was somehow denied by a blinded Lee Camp. The resulting corner fizzling out and the half time break called.

HALF TIME: Stags 0-0 Forest

Paul Cox made two changes at the break withdrawing the feisty Roberts for Clements and replacing Marriott with Redmond as the two shot stoppers continue to get an equal share of the pre-season minutes. The introduced Stags subs we’re both in action in the opening two minutes of the second half.


Twenty-five seconds into the second half Howell and Clements played a delightful one-two pass which saw Howell tripped on the edge of the box. Chris Clements stepped up with the free kick but saw his thunderous set piece hammered off a Forest body. Seconds later Redmond raced off his line and blocked with his chest as David McGoldrick beat the offside trap and race through the Stags back line.

The opening exchanges had told the privileged few watching that a goal was just around the corner, on 48 minutes the first goal did arrive and predictably it was the Stags who got it. John Thompson swung in a fine cross from deep just over the half way line, Ross Dyer made a superb assist heading the cross strongly across the box where Anthony Howell broke free to tuck beyond Karl Darlow.

Stags 1-0 Forest

Four minutes after the restart the Stags should have doubled their lead with another fine flowing move which again started on the left with Lindon Meikle. The flying winger picked up play and cut inside Freeman who was moved to right back for the second half, Meikle put a testing cross in for Ross Dyer who ghosted in unchallenged but fired powerfully into the side netting.

At the other end Redmond again denied McGoldrick with a low save, the Irish shot stopper could do nothing on 56 minutes as Ismael Miller broke free. The former West Brom hit man drove into space before unleashing an unstoppable left footed effort into the top corner of Redmond’s net, a wonderful goal.

Stags 1-1 Forest

Jamie Hand and Chris Clements then combined in the middle to feed Green into the box as Stags searched for a response. Despite a clever little turn Karl Darlow was on hand to collect the loose ball before Paul Cox made three changes on the hour mark. Matt Green, Lindon Meikle and Ross Dyer were replaced by Matt Rhead, Louis Briscoe and Nick Wright restrictively, the latter putting the Stags back into the lead with his first touch on 62 minutes.

It was Jamie Hand that made the goal with a suburb reverse chip over the Forest defence; Nick Wright held his run to drop off the shoulder of his mark, latching onto the bouncing ball and smashing into the roof of the net on the half volley.

Stags 2-1 Forest

With the celebrations taking place Luke Jones made a silent exit to be replaced by Pablo Mills, still training with the club as he searches for a new employer following his release from Crawley. It was Mills’ former team mate Dempster in action next though as he cleared a testing Forest cross from Miller on 67 minutes as he broke down the right hand side

Andy Owens, Anthony Howell and Jamie Hand then made way for Ritchie Sutton, Ben Hutchinson and Godfrey Poku for the remaining twenty minutes. Hutchinson saw an effort blocked before David McGoldrick fired narrowly wide, cutting inside from the left two minutes later.

Another McGoldrick run with ten remaining nearly dragged Forest level, John Dempster on hand to divert away for a corner from which Jamal Cascelles headed away. Again it was again at the other end where the late action took place; Matt Rhead latched onto Briscoe’s pass and saw a thunderous effort palmed away by Forest’s third keeper of the afternoon, Khalid Al Rashidi. Rashidi then got down to clock Ritchie Sutton’s effort as the left back gained ground to received Briscoe’s central pass.

With Six remaining it was again pressure applied by Stags, Chris Clements lofted in a free kick, Nick Wright rose at the ear post and saw his header fumbled by the keeper. Pablo Mills was first too it but the keeper recovered to keep out Mills’ effort.

Moments later it was Forest attacking strongly down the flanks with Miller dragging a shot wide of Redmond’s post, the hit man unable to level for a second time in the match ensuring the Stags ran out 2-1 winners.

FULL TIME: Stags 2-1 Forest << click here for highlights of the game

It was yet another good run out for the Stags who we’re tested in a more physical way, having to go long spells without the ball and keep their shape to avoid conceding, something which will stand the boys in good stead for the forthcoming campaign which ebbs ever closer.

In what is now the final week of our pre-season preparations things again get busy as the Stags split their squad in two this Tuesday, one side heads for Eastwood and the other to Stourbridge – we’re hopeful to have someone at both games to keep you to date as we have done throughout pre-season. On Wednesday everyone’s back together again as it’s a trip to Rainworth MW – On Friday it’s the re-arranged Boston United trip before the final pre-season run out against Rotherham United at the One Call Stadium. See our MM-Live page for coverage details.  

The views expressed in this blog are those of the writer and not those of Mansfield Matters – To submit a blog email mtfcmatters@gmail.com   

Craig Priest reports....

Fixture: Mansfield Town V Derby County
Competition: Pre-Season Friendly (#6)
Venue: One Call Stadium
Date & Time: Wednesday 25th July 2012 – 7.30pm
Attendance: 2956 (1030)
Match Referee: Andy Woolmer

Prior to the game at the One Call Stadium last night I said I just wanted to see an encouraging performance from the players on show, I think it’s safe to say we saw a little more than that.

A second half turnaround saw us run out 2-1 winners against two strong Derby County elevens on an evening that did test us but saw us pleasing stand firm to the Derby attack and improve our play when we we’re not in possessions.

There we’re very few, if any at all, negatives from the game and I know it will be very difficult to not get carried away this morning after watching that, let’s just put all the positives and the feelings that go with it into a little pot and keep them safe for the season – it’s not just physically energy that drives people on, it’s those positive memories you create, remember and thrive from.  

Again we we’re left guessing the side that Paul Cox would field against Derby in what was their first outing of pre-season. However most guessed it would be those that didn’t play on Monday which is practically the same side as the Gainsborough trip with a few tweaks here and there.

Donning the new home strip complete with names and new squad numbers for the first time the Stags made a late arrival to the pitch after the visitors, led again by George Pilkington the Stags consisted of five of last season’s and six new faces, an entirely different back four from the one last seen at the One Call Stadium against York City.  

Line Up [4-4-1-1] [1]Alan Marriott – [17]Lee Beevers – [5]Luke Jones – [6]George Pilkington (C) – [15]Andy Owens – [9]Ross Dyer – [14]Chris Clements – [20]Jamie Tolley – [7]Lindon Meikle – [26]Lee Stevenson – [10]Matt Green
Substitutes: [23]Shane Redmond, [2]Ritchie Sutton, [3]John Thompson, [4]John Dempster, [11]Louis Briscoe, [12]Nick Wright, [13]Anthony Howell, [16]Matt Rhead [18]Gary Roberts, [19]Jamie Hand, [22]Godfrey Poku, [24]Andy Todd, [25]Ben Hutchinson.

The visitors registered a lively start to the game getting their first shot in with less than a minute gone. Strong passing moving had Stags chasing shadows as Ben Davies and Theo Robinson linked up. It was the former who let fly, shooting narrowly wide from the edge of the box. Seconds later the Stags had their first foray into the visitor’s box as Matt Green headed wide Lee Beevers deep free kick.      

The Stags then continued in a composed manor as they continued to threaten the Rams goal with two efforts in as many minutes. After Jamie Tolley’s dangerous free kick had been cleared it was George Pilkington began the pressure sequence inside the centre circle, the captaincy favourite turning Davies well before spreading a ball to the left hand side for the attacking full back Andy Owens. The former Southport man showed good stamina and strength up against Tom Naylor, the ex-Stag was beaten and Owens progressed inside, shooting over from the edge of the box. A minute later it was Lee Stevenson who intercepted former Coventry City skipper Richard Keogh’s clearance, Stevenson held on for long enough before threading Green to the left of the area, the dangerous hit man struck left footed and saw his shot nestle wide of Saul Deeney’s near post.

The Rams then responded with a double effort of their own with the game still in its infancy stages. Jeff Hendrick started a fine flowing move for the visitors after winning the ball from Chris Clements in the centre of the park, Theo Robinson then covered ground and outpaced Andy Owens. It was the Rams hit man that delivered a testing cross, Lee Beevers diverting the ball away for a corner after Jamie Ward made little attempt to connect with the teasing cross. Moments later Ward and Davies combined in the middle before the latter found the dangerous Robinson. Mansfield held a tight and high defensive line which forced Robinson to shoot from distance, his effort over Marriott’s bar but not by much.

A Jamie Tolley free kick following a foul on Meikle by Naylor was then cleared by the Championship side on 14 minutes a move in which allowed the Rams to counter. Despite the pace of the Championship starlets it was again George Pilkington who slammed clear. Three minutes later the fuel was back in Mansfield’s rocket as they canter forwards once more as Ross Dyer slotted Green through the middle, the danger cleared by Richard Keogh as the Stags looked ever more likely to score.

Alan Marriott then had to be at his best on 22 minutes as a forceful Derby passing move saw Theo Robinson threaded into the box by Ben Davies, Robinson finished top scorer with 12 goals for the Rams last term but failed to penetrate here as his low shot was well saved by the ever reliable Marriott. At the other end Ross Dyer caught everyone by surprise as he cut in front the right and shot narrowly wide from distance on 23 minutes before Lee Stevenson tested the water a minute later from the edge of the box after Meikle had weaved his way inside from the left channel.

The Stags had gone some four matches without conceding this pre-season and we all knew it would come to an end sooner rather than later, with 34 on the clock  little clip by Lee Beevers on the advancing Ben Davies inside the box was enough for the referee to point to the spot. Theo Robinson stepped up to send Marriott the wrong way and give Derby the lead, the Stags lasting some 394 minutes without conceding since that starting whistle at Leamington.

Stags 0-1 Derby

The Stags responded immediately with two Jamie Tolley corners, Luke Jones caused havoc up from the back however the visitors somehow survived. The same couldn’t be said with five minutes to go before the break as the Stags again bossed the set plays. Jamie Tolley delivered well for Luke Jones who charged in and saw his free header pushed away for a second corner by Saul Deeney, the Rams failed to learn as they failed to pick Jones up a second time. At the back stick Jones thundered a header against the post, a snapshot six yards out then saw shouts of handball from both players, Jones was first to the second ball and bundled in only for his effort to be ruled out due to a handball from a Stags body, certainly a tight call.

Luke Jones was again involved with a minute to go before half time, this time it was Lee Beevers who delivered a free kick from deep, Jones out jumping his marker but heading narrowly wide before the half time whistle blew and the Rams headed into the dressing rooms with a one goal lead.

HALF TIME: Stags 0-1 Derby

The Rams changed their entire side at the break, Paul Cox opted for the one chance, Lee Stevenson headed off with a leg injury with Anthony Howell the man to replace him.

Howell was involved in the Stags’ first attack of the second half as Jamie Tolley delivered a free kick from the right with Howell heading narrowly over. Moments later it was Andy Owens driving forward, his left footed effort from the edge of the box sailed over substitute Rams keeper Mats Morch’s bar.

The Stags didn’t have to wait long for the next chance as they we’re the brighter of the two sides in the opening exchanges of the second period, it would be key to the games story too as the 51st minute effort brought Stags level. Matt Green chased down Jamie Tolley’s clipped ball forward and battled for play on the left channel. A neat little skip from him saw John Brayford beaten and Green race into the box. With the angle against him Green squared the ball into the middle for Ross Dyer, his shot cannoned up of the Derby man before the loose ball fell for Green, the talismanic hit man did the rest, converting from close range to level the match.

Stags 1-1 Derby

Moments after the restart it was again Green who was Stags’ livewire, chasing down another lofted pass this time down the right. His cross was heavy but was picked up by Clements who dropped onto the left, it was the former Hednesford man who then delivered, finding Ross Dyer at the near post, however his header was wide of the target.

John Thompson then entered the fray replacing Lee Beevers at right back to a rapturous round of applause, the Stags faithful delighted to see Thompson back in a Mansfield shirt after such a torrid season last term. Thompson, who skipper Monday’s 3-0 victory at Hucknall, stamped his authority straight away with a well timed sliding tackle on Paul Coutts who looked took exploit the left hand side.

Nathan Tyson registered a tame effort on 55 minutes before minutes later Lindon Meikle gave Mansfield the lead. Matt Green help up on the left before Meikle took over 25 from goal, a driving run from him saw Jake Buxton turned inside out and as Meikle broke into the box, he dinked a lovely effort over the keeper and into the back of the net.

Stags 2-1 Derby

From the restart Meikle again teased winning back possession before sending Green on his way, however the final pass this time was too forceful and the keeper collected.

Chances began to become few are far between however the Stags still controlled the game with Pilkington, Thompson and Jones all teaming up to keep former Nottingham Forest man Nathan Tyson and delightful prospect Mason Bennett quiet.  

Alan Marriott was then alert on 67 minutes when Will Hughes and James Caton linked up well down the left; the latter’s driven cross collected by a brave Marriott with Tyson looking to nip in. Three minutes later Paul Cox withdrew Lindon Meikle, Chris Clements, Matt Green and Andy Owens – Louis Briscoe, Gary Roberts, Matt Rhead and Ritchie Sutton we’re the respective replacements.

With two minutes to go pressure from Matt Rhead saw the goalkeeper miss kick a clearance straight into the path of Tolley some 45 yards from goal. His curling effort was recovered by the keeper and wasn’t far off target. A minute later Alan Marriott held onto a stinging shot from James Caton, ensuring the Stags victory.

FULL TIME: Stags 2-1 Derby << Click here for extended highlights from Craig Priest, Scott Rogers & Steve Hartshorn 

Click here for Wayne Briggs' audio of the night

Next up its Nottingham Forest on Saturday behind closed doors at the One Call Stadium, at the moment I’m still waiting to hear if we can cover the game or not – keep an eye on our facebook and twitter for confirmation when we get it.              

The views expressed in this blog are those of the writer and not those of Mansfield Matters – To submit a blog email mtfcmatters@gmail.com   

Craig Priest looks ahead to tomorrow night’s home encounter with Championship side Derby County....

My last visit to the One Call Stadium was a business meeting a few weeks prior to pre-season’s kick off, reasons and details of the meeting are irrelevant as, with less than 24 hours to go before seeing action on the hallowed turf once more, I’m reminded of a memory from my meeting and a thought.

I was sat at the back of the Quarry Lane Stand and looking out on the then empty pitch, to my left obviously was the Ian Greaves Stand which I remember seeing packed full when we entertained York City on May 7th – I remember walking around the ground that day looking at the faces, some new some old, all we’re filled with looks of hope, anticipation and belief. I then looked across at the empty North Stand and remember the scenes of joy from the York faithful, another glance to the West Stand and hello painful churn in my stomach!

A week later it was off to Leamington and now, a few more weeks on from that day at the One Call I look ahead to tomorrow’s game in anticipation, but for once not the anticipation you may suspect. Sometimes after a painful blow you look forward to certain matches or going to certain places to banish demons, whilst a little part of me wants to do the same tomorrow night, I think i’m just looking forward to seeing the home crowd back the boys, enjoy the evening and enjoy this refreshing feeling of not dwelling on past failures.

I’ve said it before about the signings and mindset of Paul Cox but as yet have mentioned nothing in the same magnitude surrounding the players. Having watched the four matches so far and have cast my eye over the new and old faces I can say that each and every one of them has their mind in the here and now rather than reliving that sour memory which so many players and clubs do. If anything, we seem to have taken the defeat to the eventual play-off winners as inspiration, a lesson to learn rather than a wrong to right - that’s so refreshing to be coming back home tomorrow night without that memory, that weight. 

Despite having already taken in four matches so far, I’m mightily excited for tomorrow nights match, there’s something about home comforts! Whilst you guys will be looking forward to hearing the click of the turnstiles, the smell of the One Call Bovril, the smell of One Call Bovril lingering over as you catch up with familiar faces etc – I’ll be looking forward to the walk to the press box, taking my seat (ish, see below!) and doing what I love most in my safe haven! Each and every one of us will have a reason for going home tomorrow night, a win would be wonderful!

Our opposition are Championship side Derby County. The Rams had a solid mid table finish last term and will be looking to kick start their pre-season schedule with a win as they aim for promotion to the premier league this coming season. Under the guidance of former Burton Albion boss Nigel Clough, the Rams will be tough to face up to and the Stags will have to dig in deep if they are to continue the progression they’ve made so far in pre-season, racking up some 360 minutes of football without conceding against some tough sides with good attacking reputations.

Clough’s Rams side is beginning to take shape nicely with the recent addition of Coventry skipper Richard Keogh a statement that Clough is looking to tighten up a defence which conceded 58 goals last term. Keogh’s influence will help develop the youngsters in the squad such as our former defender Tom Naylor, who departed for Pride Park midway through last season. Another familiar face returning to the One Call Stadium is our former skipper Jake Buxton who will be looking to use this pre-season as the final phase of his recovery following an injury which kept the 27 year old sidelined for some 18 months – The Stags front line will match up against a very strong defence.

I’m hoping for an enjoyable evening in which the Stags give a good account of themselves, if we can use the two pre-season home matches to build up the phenomenal supporting vibe we had towards the back end of last season then even better, this is a really important season for us as we all know and I’ve no doubt that our progression will continue!

A slight change to the coverage tomorrow night as we head over to StagsPlayer for one night only – I’ll be bringing you full match commentary of the evening but please be aware that to get commentary, you must be subscribed to StagsPlayer you can do so by clicking here

I’ll be joined by a number of guests throughout the night – same show, same banter, same theme – different place, be sure to join me from around 7.15pm.

The views expressed in this blog are those of the writer and not those of Mansfield Matters or it’s related organisations – to submit a piece email mtfcmatters@gmail.com  

Craig Priest reports....

Fixture: Hucknall Town V Mansfield Town
Competition: Pre-Season Friendly (#5)
Venue: Watnall Road
Date & Time: Monday 23rd July – 7.45pm
Match Referee: Liam Jones

With the weather scorching hot once again I sit here half blinded by the sun and half asleep because of the sweltering heat, I can’t decide if it’s a mixture of these elements or just sheer bafflement as to why I’m confused. After Friday’s trip to Gainsborough I thought I knew our “first eleven” but after last night’s trip to Hucknall’s Watnall Road I’m not so sure as, despite fielding an entirely different side, the Stags we’re still strong with quality bursting at the seams, in fact the side on show last night would most certainly be a promotion challenging BSBP team, something Paul Cox agrees with and something that, no matter who you put out and when, demonstrates the phenomenal strength in depth we have at the club – don’t you just love guessing games.

It’s not just the “first eleven” that are currently a guess to us either as last night at Watnall Road it as a guessing game with the ground staffs keys to open the press box and give us power, much to our discomfort as kick off approached the key could still not be found and once again it was long cable time as we searched for an alternative! Power was found in the director’s lounge and a long cable was run to get us back on track, only for our minds to be blown by the arrival of the team sheet which was all wrong!

James Williamson had grabbed the team off Paul Cox whilst we sorted the power problem, Cox revealed a side consisting of Shane Redmond in goal and Gary Roberts in the midfield rather than the team sheet which named Alan Marriott and strangely Adam Murray – as the teams came out onto the pitch, Emily’s face spotting skills came in handy as we confirmed the side Cox had told James was the right one rather than the team sheet, which looking at it now only got three of the starting players correct.

The Stags made eleven changes from Friday’s trip to Gainsborough, the new away shirt made its debut without names or numbers despite the squad numbers being revealed earlier in the day. 

The Stags had opted for an initial 4-3-3 formation with Louis Briscoe as a front man, however as time ticked on it was clear for all to see that Cox’s boys dropped into a 4-4-2 with Briscoe and Wright on the flanks with Anthony Howell going up as a front man alongside Hutchinson. In terms of substitutes it was everyone who was warming up, which again didn’t match those named on the team sheet – the guessing games in the second half was fun! The Stags also had three ‘trialists’ in the evenings squad, former Derby County and Crawley Town man Pablo Mills started alongside Dempster at the back, with Jake Green (brother of Matt) and Newcastle man Ryan McGorrigan being used as substitutes in the second half. The latter the only real trialist as Jake Green’s been at the club since January training and Mills only “training and keeping fit whilst talking to other clubs” according to Paul Cox.

Line Up: Shane Redmond – John Thompson (C) – Pablo Mills (Trialist, well sort of!) – John Dempster – Ritchie Sutton – Louis Briscoe – Godfrey Poku – Gary Roberts – Nick Wright – Anthony Howell – Ben Hutchinson
Used Substitutes: Andy Todd – Jobe Shaw – Jake Green – Scott Rogers – Adam Somes – Ryan McGorrigan (Trialist)

A hot and bright evening may have been the backing for a dull testimonial type affair but credit to Mansfield’s who came out fighting to shake off the reserve team tag which had begun to be used prior to the match. With four minutes gone the Stags had their first real foray into the area as John Thompson and Louis Briscoe combined from the latter’s right sided throw. It was Thompson that showed good composure to turn inside his marker well get the pass to feet from Briscoe who proceeded to make a forward run, Thompson after turning onto his left, chipped a ball into the box for Briscoe to chase however the home keeper Jason Fisher did well to collect.

A minute later Fisher was nearly caught out from distance as Ben Hutchinson let fly from 25 yards. Gary Roberts made the move with a good pass from the half way line before Hutchinson aimed for the bottom corner, the ball cannoning away off the legs of the keeper who was unsighted by the sun before the hosts scrambled clear at the expense of a corner under pressure from Nick Wright.

The Stags showed no sign of easing off as the registered a further three efforts within the opening ten minutes. Louis Briscoe took advantage of Hucknall’s hesitance on six minutes as he stole the ball from Rob Austin before cantering into the area and seeing his tame effort collected by the keeper. Seconds later Ben Hutchinson caused troubled down the left after picking up a directional pass, he found Briscoe inside on the edge of the box who weaved forward before chipping a pass into the mix, Anthony Howell headed narrowly over from six yards under pressure before Briscoe again tested the water. Nick Wright was fouled some 25 yards from goal, Briscoe opted for the quick option nearly catching the keeper at ay, after spilling the ball he was rescued by Danny Hayes.

Ben Hutchinson thought he’d broken free to put Mansfield ahead on 21 minutes after rounding the keeper following a beautiful ball from Roberts, however before pulling the trigger play was stopped for offside. At the other end Hucknall began to test with Scott Welby the main threat, Pablo Mills conceded a corner on 26 minutes which Redmond collected with ease.

Louis Briscoe then stretched the game on 32 minutes with a wonderful cross park ball to the right hand side for Nick Wright. The former Kidderminster front man controlled well before sending the advancing John Thompson on his way into the area, the Stags skipper for the night was put under pressure and was forced all the way back to Roberts who, on the half way line, delivered over the top. Thompson stayed forward and latched onto the pass, delivering strongly into the middle for the hosts to again scramble away.     

As the clock ticked near the half time whistle the hosts then enjoyed a spell of chances, a missed header from Pablo Mills allowed Karl Slack into the box with 38 on the clock, however the Hucknall front man failed to keep his shot down and fired over from close range, moments later it took a good save from Redmond to keep the scores level as Scott Welby drove inside and fired goal wards. 

Ben Hutchinson then curled an effort narrowly wide from 30 yards with a minute of the first half to go, however Hutchinson’s shot not the final piece of goalmouth action as Anthony Howell opened the scoring on the stroke of half time. Louis Briscoe set the goal with a well weighted pass over the top, Anthony Howell timed his run well and dinked over the on rushing keeper with his left boot – a wonderfully worked and well taken goal.

Hucknall 0-1 Stags

There was little time for Hucknall to respond as, as soon as they restarted the match, the referee blew for the half time interval.

HALF TIME: Hucknall 0-1 Stags

Anthony Howell was withdrawn at the break and replaced by former Newcastle United academy man Ryan McGorrigan, whose name we found out after the match going the entire second half with no idea who he was, awkward considering the impact he made! 

Less than a minute in it was McGorrigan who made the best introduction possible, netting the Stags second goal of the night totally out of the blue. Receiving a pass from the right the former Magpie flicked the ball up into the air before swivelling and hitting a thunderous volley into the bottom right hand corner.

Hucknall 0-2 Stags

The hosts looked for a response and nearly found the answer five minutes later, the impressive Scott Welby drove forward following Chris Baugh’s right sided pass, however Pablo Mills and John Dempser, who we’re both released by Crawley in the close season, combined well to block Welby’s path to goal.

A succession of corners and possession followed for the hosts however chances we’re few and far between, we had to wait for the hour mark to arrive before there was another threatening chance, it once again falling in the Stags favour. Ben Hutchinson dropped deep to pick up play before playing a neat give and go with Nick Wright, Hutchinson curled a ferocious effort towards the top corner which Jason Fisher uncomfortably palmed behind for a corner. 

Moments later it was substitution time as Ritchie Sutton picked up a knock, Jake Green brother of hit man Matt came onto replaced Sutton following a lengthy break in play. There was then time for a Gary Roberts corner to cause trouble with the hosts getting a free kick for a foul on the keeper, Roberts was then one of three to make way as Paul Cox gave a taste of senior football to two youth team graduates. Adam Somes, who finished top goal scorer in the Football conference youth alliance last term, replaced Ben Hutchinson with Gary Roberts heading off for Scott Rogers who won the youth team player of the season gong last term. Andy Todd took over the captaincy as he replaced John Thompson at right back.

Louis Briscoe’s forceful drive down the right hand side earned a corner with 11 minutes left to play, Briscoe played a short one with Nick Wright who again found Briscoe, his clipped cross skimmed off the head of Mills and agonisingly out for a goal kick. John Dempster was then replaced by Jobe Shaw who skippered the youth team last season, this Mansfield’s final change of the night.

The Stags still kept possession well and there was very little threat from Hucknall after they withdrew Scott Welby late on. Substitute Liam Garner had a few opportunity’s down the left hand side for Hucknall, Scott Rogers demonstrated good strength and composure to help clear the potential danger, the youth team star graduate also doing well further up the pitch linking up with Poku who sent Adam Somes on his way into the box, Somes’ final shot cannoning off a Hucknall leg to safety.

With the game coming to an end the Stags rounded a positive evening off in good fashion, Nick Wright delivered a deep cross from the right hand side towards an unmarked Somes inside the box. The dangerous young hit man was unselfish and rolled the ball back across goal for Trialist Ryan McGorrigan who slotted in from three yards out with a minute remaining.

Hucknall 0-3 Stags

From the restart the hosts looked to drive through the middle however the Stags remained Strong and watched the clock hit full time, the referee’s whistle signalling not just the end of the game but also the end of a fourth pre-season outing without conceding, that’s 360 minutes without conceding, Alan Marriott and the progressively impressing Shane Redmond playing 180 apiece.

FULL TIME: Hucknall 0-3 Stags

Again it was a tough run out and the score line reflects not an easy game as some would imagine, but a credit to the players professionalism, desire, work rate and commitment. Next up its Derby County tomorrow night at the One Call Stadium, look out for the match preview late tonight, please also note that Saturday’s trip to Boston has been postponed until Friday 3rd August, 7.45pm.

Photos: Dan & Henry Westwell!       

The views expressed in this blog are those of the writer and not those of Mansfield Matters – To submit a blog email mtfcmatters@gmail.com   

Craig Priest looks ahead to tomorrow’s short trip to Watnall Road...

Another weekend over and the football season draws closer once more, not that Paul Cox and his players will see it that way as there are still plenty more warm up matches to come. After a gruelling past week (Saturday-Saturday) which has included four games, all be it one postponement, and high octane training sessions – the work continues as the Stags face three more teams over the next seven days, kicking off with a trip to Hucknall Town tomorrow night.

No doubt the highlight of the week will be the show down with championship Derby County on Wednesday, a night which see’s us return to the One Call since that heartbreaking now cursed day (May 7th) and the Rams first outing of pre-season. That said we shouldn’t write off tomorrow’s trip down the road to face Hucknall – yet another tough test.

There has been a number of positives for Paul Cox to mull over so far however he will be the first to admit there has been numerous notes made in the ‘to improve on’ section of his note book.  I’ve no doubt that despite potential changes from the side which were held to a goalless draw at Gainsborough, Cox will be looking to the Hucknall game to iron out those creases before picking the strongest eleven to face higher division opponents in midweek. Having been relegated at the end of the 2010-11 campaign the Watnall Road outfit failed to bounce straight back, managing a stable mid table finish in the Northern Premier League Division One South last term under the management of former Tamworth boss Des Lyttle, who departed at the end of the season as the club searched for someone with more in-depth knowledge of the lower divisions.

Lyttle’s replacement Brett Marshall surprised everyone by leaving Retford United after guiding them to the league title in his first season in charge, however along with new Hucknall chairman Derek Blow it looks like the club will be giving promotion a real go this term and will want to match Cox’s Stags minute for minute, pass for pass.

The clubs are no strangers with numerous friendly’s down the years, each encounter has been a tough test for the respective Stags sides, this year will be no different, in actual fact the match may prove more of a test than the one it replaces, a home game with Notts County.

There’s no real indication as to what Stags side will play, the younger element need a run out following Thursday’s postponement at Shepshed, however Paul Cox has been keen to form a more consistent side as the season’s opener with Newport approaches.

Defender John Thompson and hit man Jake Speight may also need a run out, should they shake off their recent injuries in time. In my opinion the latter has a tougher job on his hands to stake a claim for a starting shirt, as the impressive front 3 triangle of Stevenson, Rhead and Green continues to develop at an encouraging rate.

I look forward to seeing the choice Paul Cox makes on his team selection over the coming week, as I think we are beginning to get the nucleus of our potential starting line-up. The football is coming thick and fast, which can only be described as a positive thing ahead of our fifth season in the conference.

Usually I’d add on a travel page but with this one being just down the road, I’ll let the road signs direct you rather than get you lost with a load of mumbled words! If you’re not making the short trip, be sure to join me on 106.9FM and via our MM-LIVE page from 7pm for full match commentary.

The views expressed in this blog are those of the writer and not those of Mansfield Matters or it’s related organisations – to submit a piece email mtfcmatters@gmail.com

Craig Priest reports....

Fixture: Gainsborough Trinity V Mansfield Town
Competition: Pre-Season Friendly (#4)
Venue: The Northolme
Date & Time: Friday 19th July – 7.45pm
Match Referee: Craig Grundy

We all knew last night’s match would be a tough encounter so it’s no real surprise that I’m sat here writing about a goalless draw. Whilst goalless draws are usually boring and stale, I think it would be fair to say that for 50-60 minutes at least it was a fiery game in places – it’s just a shame that the back drop of a very cold, dark, dank and rain filled evening was the lasting memory in the last half hour when the game fizzled out into nothingness.

Hats off to Gainsborough who played some strong, quick football on the floor with former Stags trio Paul Connor, Ryan Williams and Jon D’Layrea linking up very well, the latter two involved in pretty much every phase of Trinity play. Steve Housham’s boys worrying looked a little fitter than us in those final ten minutes and will certainly push for promotion again having lost out in the play-off final last term – as I say it was a tough run out and a goalless draw is just about the right result with both sides having a fairly equal share of the chances.

Trinity’s Northolme was a new ground for me and I genuinely found it a nice set up, although I do feel a little sorry for the club as during the close season vandals had broken in and trashed the main stand, ripping down over head lights, stripping cables and leaving them hanging dangerously low and very much live once we’d switched the power to the stand on. I was reminded of the story of Ebbsfleet last season when someone stole the floodlight cabling – some people seriously need to get hobbies and stop damaging a clubs lively hood, what would be some 5minutes worth of “fun” would have set the clubs back a lot of money and, having seen the state of Trinity’s main stand last night, could have serious repercussions somewhere down the line if the damage isn’t fixed. Walking around the stand when entering the ground last night was like playing Jenga with those final few blocks!!

Paul Cox had said prior to the game that he would give players more minutes rather than field two entirely different sides, he stuck to his word and revealed a line up very similar to the team which played the second half at Leamington and the first at Hednesford, the elevens which supports who had watched the game had subbed as the strongest of the two.

Again the Stags donned last season’s dark blue away strip with no squad numbers given, it was grab a shirt and get out there! However as there was less players used, we did manage to write down the majority of the numbers worn so I’ll add the ones I’m certain of in brackets next to the relevant players name, for those of you that we’re there and unsure on who was who!

Line Up [4-3-1-2] [1] Alan Marriott – [24] Lee Beevers – [44] Luke Jones – [4] George Pilkington (c) – [5] Sam Benjamin – [6?] Jamie Hand – [7] Chris Clements – [11] Jamie Tolley – [8] Chris Clements – [9] Matt Rhead – [10] Matt Green  
Every player bar the four youth team graduates and Andy Owens, John Thompson & Jake Speight (injured)  we’re on the bench although not named on the team sheet, those used were... [14] Lindon Meikle (Stevenson) – [21] Ross Dyer (Rhead) – [12] Anthony Howell (Hand) – [2] Ritchie Sutton (Beevers) – [17] Nick Wright (Green) – [15] Gary Roberts (Clements)

Both sides enjoy spells early on however it was the Stags who enjoyed the better pressuring the Trinity goal three times of note in the opening six minutes, Lee Stevenson screwed a shot harmlessly wide following Matt Green’s flick on from Trialist Sam Benjamin’s clearance on three minutes. A minute later Jamie Hand delivered the Stags first corner of the game to no avail before Matt Green was unable to keep the ball alive, attempting to round the keeper following Luke Jones’ strong clearance on the half way line down the right channel.

Jamie Yates then looked to create an opportunity for the hosts with 11 minutes played. A forceful run down he left hand side saw him beat Lee Beevers and whip a dangerous cross into the middle, Luke Jones was on hand to divert the ball away for a corner. Ryan Williams’ right footed in swinger caused trouble with the ball finding its way to D’Laryea on the edge of the box, the former Stags skipper found Michael Leary whose shot deflected up into the air and was eventually cleared by Matt Rhead.  

Mansfield we’re then a whisker away from taking the lead on 25minutes following a prolonged spell in possession. Lee Beevers was the creator clipping a ball through the middle from just inside his own half. Matt Rhead won the flick and headed into the mix where Lee Stevenson hooked a shot towards goal, the wet ball splashed off the cross bar and into the grateful hands of Jans Budtz in the Trinity goal.  

Stevenson was involved again seconds later as he intercepted a pass on the half way line, teetering into space before slipping Matt Green through to the left of the box. Stags’ dangerous hit man turned inside Dom Roma well but was halted by former Alfreton defender Greg Young who slid into clear at the expense of a corner. Jamie Hand’s right footed in swinger was dominant towards the back post, however Luke Jones’ header into the middle was scrambled clear by the hosts.

Two minutes later the Stags threatened to break the deadlock again as Jamie Hand disposed D’Laryea in the middle. Lee Stevenson then sprayed the ball wide for Green whose return pass for the onrushing Stevenson was collected by the keeper in the nick of time.

Matt Rhead then demonstrated his quality with the ball to feet, receiving a crisp pass from Matt Green on the half hour mark following Sam Benjamin’s shot left sided throw. Front man Rhead stepped inside the challenge of Michael Leary on the edge of the box before curling a beautiful effort narrowly wide of the top right hand corner from 20 yards out.

A minute later the hosts enjoyed a rare first half sight of goal as Michael Leary delivered a deep 40 yard free kick. Shane Clarke’s header on was nodded away but only as far as Ryan Williams on the edge of the box, the former Stags man struck on the volley but saw his effort spin horribly wide of Alan Marriott’s goal as the wet conditions again spoilt what would have been a strong Trinity attack.

Jamie Tolley then had opportunity to test the water with a free kick with ten minutes of the first half remaining after Sam Benjamin had showed good strength to cut inside from the left and earn the set piece. Tolley opted for the quick release rather than a whipped ball into the box and did well to find Green who would have been in had Greg Young not been wise to the situation, coming across to again hoof clear.

Chances from then onto the break were then rare and the first half came to a close without real incident, Lee Stevenson did pick up a knock and was spitting blood following a collision in the middle, feeling his ribs and shoulder along with the blood spit he did well to battle on however assessment at the break saw him head off to hospital.

HALF TIME: Gainsborough 0-0 Stags

Lindon Meikle replaced the injured Stevenson as the second half got underway, Meikle’s introduction saw the Stags move into more of a 4-3-3 with Meikle alongside Green and Rhead however the 4-3-1-2 shape did remain at times with Meikle and Rhead alternating in the role behind the front two.     

Meikle was involved early on as he tried a ball through to Matt Rhead, the latter caught offside. Jamie Hand also saw a corner cause little problems before Jamie Tolley riffled Hand’s free kick lay-off into the delicate area of a Trinity player following a foul on Matt Rhead some 25 yards from goal.

Tolley again was involved in the 52nd minute as the Stags we’re again close to breaking the deadlock. Lee Ridley’s throw for the hosts was clipped clear by the dominant Luke Jones finding Matt Rhead. Again the hit man showed cleaver play on the floor bringing the ball under control before flicking inside to the advancing Tolley. The former Wrexham man controlled well before curling an effort around the keeper and, unfortunately, into the side netting.

The hosts had found more momentum as the second half way and Alan Marriott was forced to pluck a Ryan Williams corner out of the air after tipping behind a dipping free kick from Dom Roma from deep.

Marriott was then called into action again on the hour mark as Trinity we’re looking the more likely to open the scoring. Trinity looked strong down the left hand side with Dom Roma cantering play with a low ball to former Stags front man Paul Connor. The striker who departed for Trinity in December last year lined up well with two former Stags, the first pass was out to Williams who squared to the edge of the area for D’Laryea – his rasping effort was heading for the bottom corner however Marriott got down low to palm behind for a corner.

The Stages responded immediately as Lindon Meikle won possession on the half way line a minute later. The creative wide man stepped inside and chipped over the top towards Green who, from the left of the area, struck a left footed shot narrowly wide after getting goal side of Luke Waterfall.

Anthony Howell was then introduced for Jamie Hand and was involved almost immediately. A Lee Beevers throw on the right hand side dead on the half way line started the flowing move, Chris Clements played a good dummy to get a left footed pass to Sam Benjamin. The trialist left back then completed the final pass into the feet of Howell whose forceful shot deflected up and away for a corner, Jamie Tolley’s delivery being well claimed by Jans Budtz.   

Paul Cox then made a handful of changes, Ritchie Sutton for Lee Beevers, Ross Dyer and Nick Wright for Green and Rhead respectively and finally Gary Roberts for Chris Clements for the final 18 minutes.

The game went a little time and lacked life from Stags who had gone from controlling the game to chasing it as Gainsborough upped their tempo and stretched play with prolonged spells in possession. With four minutes remaining Trinity had a golden chance as substitutes Terry Hawkridge and Josh Wilde combined down the left, the latter’s cross found Jonathan Williams who blasted over from six yards.

Lindon Meikle and Gary Roberts both had late effort to win it for the Stags but neither could keep their shots on target and the game fizzled out and ended goalless, the Stags keeping a third consecutive clean sheet, some 270minutes of pre-season football without conceding, however a third consecutive win couldn’t be picked up.

A very tough run out for Cox’s boys who next week face a trip to Hucknall (Monday 7.45pm) a home encounter with Derby County (Wednesday 7.30pm) before a Saturday trip to Boston United (3pm).

The views expressed in this blog are those of the writer and not those of Mansfield Matters – To submit a blog email mtfcmatters@gmail.com   

Craig Priest looks ahead to tonight’s game with Blue Square North outfit Gainsborough Trinity....

It’s always disappointing to see a game called off, even more so in pre-season, however I guess the upside is that we won’t have to wait three weeks or so before football returns like we have had to do over the past couple of seasons, as tonight is straight back on the road to face Gainsborough Trinity.

Out of all the pre-season fixtures I think this one will really test us most, Gainsborough are a great side that play good strong football in a fashion similar to ourselves and last season we’re mightily unlucky not to break there promotion duck, losing out in the play-off final 1-0 to Nuneaton Town at the Northolme having beaten promotion favourites FC Halifax 3-2 over two legs. 

Having used the first two friendly’s to cast his eye over every player bar the injured Thompson and Speight, oh and Paul Bolland who seems to have slipped into the Bermuda triangle, Paul Cox will now have an idea of his so called strongest eleven and will field them against Trinity tonight as he starts to bed them in over a more testing period of match time. Despite watching the boys myself over the aforementioned two games, I can’t predict the “strongest eleven” and look forward to seeing who Cox see’s as the standout performers so far, I think they’ll be a surprise or two in store!

Gainsborough have a hunger about their play and will be keen to build on what was a good strong season last term, so far this pre-season they’ve seen off Cleethorpes Town 3-1 and held our Blue Square Bet Premier rivals Grimsby Town to a 2-2 draw at the Northolme under the leadership of assistant boss Lee Warren, Warren also took charge for Tuesday’s 2-1 victory over Brigg Town as Steve Housham remained on holiday.

Housham looks set to return to the dugout for tonight’s friendly and will undoubtedly be eager to keep the momentum going, casting his eye over trialist Danny Hone, who scored one of the two goals against Brigg (The other coming from a certain Paul Connor) as well as snapping up a deal for former Altrincham front man Damien Reeves, a player said to be attracting the interest of Paul Cox after he finished leading goal scorer in the BSBN with 44 goals.

The game tonight will take a step up in terms of pace and will prove a very tough test in a match which will replicate a league games competitiveness, Paul Cox will again learn about his players and they in turn will learn that nobody has a define right for places – the fight begins and continues will tough tests next week against Hucknall on Monday, a game which could see the younger element get a run following last night’s cancellation, Derby County at the One Call Stadium on Wednesday and Jason Lee’s Boston United next Saturday.

I look forward to watching tonight’s game unfold and watching us take another step towards the season’s curtain raiser with Newport County on August 11th. If you’re heading to the Northolme tonight and want some extra information, click here to download our travel guide.

Our coverage of pre-season continues tonight from 7pm on 106.9FM and via our mm-live page. Wayne Briggs will be back alongside me after missing Tuesday’s trip to Hednesford, we’ll have lots to talk about plus encourage your messages via twitter @mtfcmatters and via text 07982 865 624

The views expressed in this blog are those of the writer and not those of Mansfield Matters or it’s related organisations. To submit a piece for publication email mtfcmatters@gmail.com  

Craig Priest looks ahead to tomorrow night’s trip to Shepshed Dynamo...

Pre-season’s usually not as gruelling as it has been for supporters this year, whilst the players are prepared for hill sprints, bleep tests and general fitness torture, us supporters are waiting potentially for a weekend friendly outing at a nearby club.

This pre-season it’s different as Paul Cox and his team have prepared a gruelling schedule of games designed to test every nook and cranny of his players, both mentally and physically – tomorrow’s game and the approach will be no different despite the fact the side will be made up of youth players and trialists.

I know that for many the prospect of travelling to United Counties League Premier Division side Shepshed to watch a youth team get a run out will not be a very welcomed one, especially considering the Gainsborough game the following night. Personally I’m looking forward to the Shepshed game as we’ll get a look at the younger lads and get an idea into how they will develop under the guidance of Andy Todd, who will presumably take charge of the reserves.   

Unfortunately two of the four youth team graduates, Adam Somes and Joel Holland, are injured so won’t be able to play but youth team player of the season Scott Rogers and last season’s skipper Jobe Shaw will get a run out and an opportunity to impress in competitive action alongside the other fringe players, third year youth teamers and trialists. 

I spent last season following the fortunes of the newly reformed academy side as they debued in the Football Conference Youth Alliance North division. Despite leading the table for the majority of the season, a late slip up saw an eventual fourth placed finish, six points shy of the title. However despite the late slip there were encouraging signs throughout in terms of player development and tomorrow’s match at Shepshed will be the perfect blend of comfort of the youth league pitches and competitiveness at a more senior level.

The test will be a tough one as the boys face a side who suffered relegation the previous season, Shepshed conceded 11 goals in their final two games to finish Rock Bottom of the division. It looks very likely that Paul Cox will be fielding a youth/trialist side but with John Thompson and Jake Speight both on the way back for injury, we may or may not see a blend of experience in there too.

Whoever’s put out and whatever players are on trial tomorrow I think it’ll be a game where Paul Cox assess the structure of his squad rather than the first team squad, that will come on Friday at Gainsborough, however that’s taking nothing away from those in action tomorrow – everyone’s repressing Mansfield Town, fighting for their place – that can only be a god thing right? After all Paul Cox has side that breeding home grown young players is high on his priory list, this season will see it happen more and tomorrow will pretty much be the start of that – Bring it on!

If you’re thinking of heading to Butthole Lane and need some additional information, click here to download our travel guide. If you’re not going then be sure to log onto our MM-LIVE page from 7pm for full commentary, you can also catch it on 106.9FM.  

The views expressed in this blog are those of the writer and not those of Mansfield Matters or it’s related organisations – to submit a piece, email mtfcmatters@gmail.com

Craig Priest reports....

Fixture: Hednesford Town V Mansfield Town
Competition: Pre-Season Friendly (#2)
Venue: Keys Park, Hednesford
Date & Time: Tuesday 17th July – 7.30pm
Match Referee: M D’Aguilar

Now two games into our pre-season schedule, we are still no closer to figuring out what Paul Cox’s preferred eleven is as last night he again opted to field two different sides, very similar to those who took on Leamington on Saturday. However the fact we still have no clear picture on what side will start the season doesn’t bother me, these warm up matches are all about finding the key, whether it be the key partnership, the key set piece movement or the key to the ground – oh sorry that’s just for me and James Williamson who came very close to being locked inside Keys Park last night!

That’s another story for another day as I sit here and reflect on what was another tough test for the Stags against strong opposition who have achieved a play-off finish in the last three seasons.

Again there were those that stood out and areas that didn’t but in general things had stepped up a level in the improvement stakes which is pleasing, as I’ll write in the Shepshead preview later it will be interesting to see some of those yet to feature get a run out and then things begin to build on Friday at Gainsborough.

Back to last night’s game and after enjoying a peaceful build up to the game it was soon kick off time without a team sheet, fortunately Paul Cox as ever was on hand to give me the team, after trying to claim we had Steve Messi on trial – I will never fall for that, not after last time anyway!

As mentioned it was two sides taking to the park, the first half side was the second half team from Leamington bar one as Anthony Howell came in for Jamie Tolley, who took his place in the other eleven.

FIRST HALF LINE UP [4-3-1-2] Alan Marriott – Andy Todd – Luke Jones – George Pilkington (C) – Andy Owens – Chris Clements – Anthony Howell – Jamie Hand – Lee Stevenson – Matt Green – Matt Rhead

Once again it took a while for Stags to settle into the game with the lively hosts applying early pressure three minutes in. Andy Todd’s looping clearance was controlled well by former pitmen star Chris Clements on the half way line however he gave possession away with a misplaced pass and allowed his former employers to attack down the left flank. The initial cross was two deep but the Stags hesitance allowed Hednesford to put another square ball to the edge of the box, fortunately the snap shot from the Hednesford man was over the top of Marriott’s bar.

Four minutes later it was the Stags on the charge after Alan Marriott had collected a deep free kick from the hosts. His quick release down field was headed away but picked up y the assured Todd who chipped a well weighted pass over for Matt Green, the nippy front man raced onto the ball and rounded the onrushing keeper however the move was brought to an end as Stevenson volleyed the loose ball wide for offside against Green.

End to end action then followed on 12 minutes as the Stags failed to make the most of an Andy Owen long throw. The looping ball was flicked up into the air by Rhead before both Stevenson and Green saw shots blocked. Hednesford played the ball out of trouble in quick fashion and soon outnumbered the Stags on the attack, a cross park ball had Mansfield stretched however George Pilkington, who donned the captain’s armband for the evening, read the situation well and mopped up with a strong clearance.

With time ticking on Mansfield began to control things a lot more in the Hednesford half and on 16 minutes registered another effort following a strong flowing move left to right with Jamie Hand getting the ball wide for the advancing Todd. Despite his cross being a poor one he still picked out Lee Stevenson ho kept possession well to the right of the box before finding Clements central. It was the former Hednesford man that then struck, his effort landing narrowly over the bar from 18 yards. 

Two minutes later the first goal did arrived as the long throw proved affective once more. Lee Stevenson earned the throw on the left hand side and it was he who converted, Andy Ownes provided the danger from the left with Matt Rhead nodding into space for Pilkington who got the faintest of touches to Stevenson, the former Eastwood man watched the flight of the ball well and stuck left footed into the bottom left hand corner for the Stags first of the evening.

Hednesford 0-1 Stags

Three minutes after the restart the Stags had opportunity for a second when Anthony Howell won possession back on the half way line. Chris Clements picked up the second ball and clipped a ball to Green who dropped off the defenders shoulder well to remain onside inside the box. The hit man who bagged the winner at Leamington on Saturday pulled the trigger with venom but was denied by the keeper who got down low to keep the drilled effort at bay.

Crane could do nothing two minutes later as another Owens throw, this time from the right, caused all sorts of problems. Matt Rhead was a menace inside the area moving away from two markers to connect with the ball, thundering his header against the bar before the hosts scrambled away for a corner. Chris Clements delivered well to the back stick where Andy Owens had opportunity for a shot following Jones’ knock down, the left back failed to keep his shot down though and blazed over.

Matt Rhead showed good composure to progress through the middle from Howell’s low pass before curling narrowly over on 24 minutes, roles we’re reversed three minutes later as Rhead battled well on the left to fend off his marker and deliver into the middle. Anthony Howell was furthest forward unmarked inside the box but failed to find the target, side footing wide.

As the first half moved into the final three minutes, numerous Hednesford crosses put Mansfield under the cosh, George Pilkington and Andy Todd the two on hand to rescue the Stags and maintain that one goal lead as the half time whistle blew.

The linkup between Green, Stevenson and Rhead particularly impressive with Rhead again looking agile and beneficial of the move from part time to full time football, at the other end Luke Jones and George Pilkington again played well together with Jamie Hand having a quieter game than Saturday but still influencing many of the first half moves.

HALF TIME: Hednesford 0-1 Stags

Once again it was all change at the break as Paul Cox fielded the side bar two that started against Leamington, Louis Briscoe and Ben Hutchinson the ones to miss out.

SECOND HALF LINE UP [4-3-3]: Shane Redmond – Lee Beevers – John Dempster – Ritchie Sutton – Sam Benjamin (Trialist) – Gary Roberts – Jamie Tolley – Godfrey Poku – Ross Dyer – Lindon Meikle – Nick Wright

Good movement from Meikle saw the second half begin as he earned a throw in following the flick from Ross Dyer, however the Stags failed to register a chance from the resulting throw with the second half two minutes old. 

Three minutes later good movement from Nick Wright, on the left of the front three, opened up space which he moved into. With Dyer and Meikle in support for a threaded pass into the box Wright opted for glory and saw his shot cannon away off the Hednesford man – Jamie Tolley was first to the loose ball some thirty yards from goal, thundering an effort into the top corner with his right boot, a wonderful finish to double the lead for the Stags.

Hednesford 0-2 Stags

The hosts had opportunity to get a goal back two minute after the restart earning a corner, however Shane Redmond was more than equal to it and collected with ease.  Nick Wright was then looking hungry at the other end linking up with Meikle, the latter’s chipped return pass a little too strong with an hour on the clock.

Shane Redmond was the more tested keeper in the second half, and he was the hero with seven minutes to go as John Dempster gave away a free kick 23 yards from goal. Redmond sprang across to his left to tip over the goal bound set piece.

Gary Roberts, Nick Wright, Ross Dyer and Lindon Meikle all registered efforts as the clock ticked down but none were close enough to effect the game, the Stags keeping hold of their two goal cushion by controlling the ball well in the middle and keeping play flowing.

FULL TIME: Hednesford 0-2 Stags

The second half may have been light in chances but it did again prove a worthwhile 45 minutes of football, Shane Redmond one of the standout performers – he looks to have returned with a refreshed mid set and looks capable of fighting for the number one shirt. Jamie Tolley and Gary Roberts did ok together with Poku the most impressive of the trio in my opinion, several strong challenges were key to winning possession back for Stags.

After the game as I mentioned at the top of the piece myself and James we’re nearly locked inside the stadium, escape through the boardroom was on hand though and it’s next stop Shepshed as the busy pre-season schedule continues – stay tuned for the match preview!

The views expressed in this blog are those of the writer and not those of Mansfield Matters – To submit a blog email mtfcmatters@gmail.com