 Matt Rhead came from the bench to help Mansfield Town onto their first home victory back in the football league. Sam Clucas had put the Stags ahead during the first half but Mansfield’s performance was flat and negative in the 5-2-3 formation, Rhead’s half-time introduction saw Stags switch to 4-4-2 and play a much more productive game.
Midweek news of an exit for assistant boss Adam Murray had threatened to break the dressing room harmony; however the Stags were focused on getting all three points and set the basis with determined defending – clearing well from a sixth minute Dagenham corner before excellent interceptions from skipper Dempster and Riley, prevented an also flat visiting attack from breaking the deadlock. The Stags offered little going forward as they played a direct game, Chris Clements’ driven effort from 30 yards zipped wide to give the supporters a brief moment of excitement, crosses from Beevers and Jennings also failed to cut open the Daggers defence. Martin Riley was fouled on 35 minutes on the half way line by Ogogo and from the resulting free kick, Mansfield found the break through as Sam Clucas, looped a header beyond the visiting keeper, after Dempster had flicked on Riley’s deep free kick. Matt Rhead replaced Lee Beevers at the break and within seconds, could have grabbed Stags second goal as he looped a header narrowly wide – Sam Clucas also sent a sublime volley inches wide from Hutchinson’s headed assist. On 48 minutes, the second goal did arrive as Rhead teed up Jamie McGuire on the edge of his area, his effort deflecting beyond the keeper much to the lively liverpudlian’s delight. The victory was sealed on 73 minutes as Jennings looped in a long throw from the left hand side, substitute Calvin Andrew made the assist with a clever back heel from the goal-line allowing Rhead to slam into the empty net from a yard. Dagenham offered little in search of reply, Ritchie Sutton and Martin Riley ensured the clean sheet with excellent late challenges, the visitors inability to hit set-pieces with any conviction also proved an advantage. FULL TIME: Mansfield Town 3-0 Dagenham & Redbridge ATTENDANCE: 3,015 (111) REFEREE: Richard Clark STAGS: Alan Marriott, Lee Beevers (Matt Rhead HT), John Dempster ©, Ritchie Sutton, Martin Riley, James Jennings, Chris Clements, Jamie McGuire, Ollie Palmer (Calvin Andrew 66), Sam Clucas, Ben Hutchinson (Lindon Meikle 80) UNUSED SUBS: Liam Mitchell, Lee Stevenson, Ryan Tafazolli, Anthony Howell
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Ahead of yet another match, Stags supporters are again left asking for assistance as they struggle to understand yesterday's news that Adam Murray could be leaving the club on loan. Loaning out a player is not the part that's tough to ponder, it's the question over what will happen with Murray's assistant manager duties. When a player goes out on loan, he stays at the club he's loaned too and doesn't return to the parent club until the loan expires - with this in mind, how on earth could the much loved Stags legend continue assisting Paul Cox from elsewhere? Put simply, he can't. If Cox is willing to let the charismatic Murray depart, have the two had a difference of opinion? Has Cox reshaped his backroom structure, with John Ramshaw now overseeing the new accadamy structure, which Murray spearheaded, and Richard Cooper now guiding the reserves this could well be the case.One thing I hate to do is speculate on events where you've seen the headline but not read the inside story. Perhaps Murray has been given the ultimatum between playing or coaching like Andy Todd was - if so and Murray's opted playing over coaching then fair enough, but to even contemplate letting a man with Murray's passion, flare and love for the club exit, verges on ludicrous in my opinion. The word opinion sums up the past 24 hours well - this whole situation is driven by it and sadly, those inside the dressing room will have an opinion which could have an adverse affect ahead of tomorrow's match with the daggers. A negative vibe is exactly what Cox's men need to avoid as they look to build on last weekend's positive 2-2 draw with Portsmouth and get that all important first home win. So far for me it's been a pleasing start to league two life however ahead of a tough September, we could do with a few more goals and wins. Personally I felt that the back five did not work against Pompey, the wing backs offered little support going forward and left the three centre-halves stretched. Beevers and Jennings are two quality players but are slightly out of their depth playing higher up the pitch, the sad injury to the former gives opportunity for Stags to revert to a flat back four, getting two natural wide men into the side and pushing Calvin Andrew central, he was criticized regularly by supporters last weekend for being in-affective - like Hutchinson play him central and watch the rewards follow. Later today the club are expected to release a statement over Murray's future - let's get that out of the way and focus on getting three vital points on the board - the measure of Murray's character will tell you that wherever he goes and whatever role he holds, the one thing he'll always want is success for Mansfield Town. Last Time We MetThe Stags and the daggers last met on an afternoon Stags fans have whipped firmly from memory, as it was their final game in the Football League having been relegated without kicking a ball during the week.Paul Holland's Mansfield were literally down and out, tired heartbroken and uninspired - all they wanted was the game to be over, naturally it ended in defeat. The players did stage some sort of fight as at half time, the scores where level, but with supporters dressed in black (attempting to signal the death of the club following relegation) it was always going to end sour. Goals from Strevens and Benson (Penalty) condemned the doomed Stags to defeat, Jake Buxton's sending off added to the occasion of doom and destruction. Earlier in the season, the daggers took three points from Field Mill as Huke's 63rd minute goal sent Stags rock bottom of the division - the sides have only met on these two occasions. Team NewsGoalkeeper Ian Deakin remains sidelined whilst Cox will swet over the fitness of Iron Man Lee Beevers, who again injured what's left of his shoulder during last weekends 2-2 draw. On the positive side, midfielder Keiran Murtagh could return after exiting the physio room after a few weeks lay-off.
Written by Craig Priest The views expressed in this blog are those of the writer and not those of Mansfield Matters or its related organisations - to submit a blog, email mtfcmatters@gmail.com 
Lindon Meikle’s 72nd minute strike earned Mansfield a deserved point against Portsmouth at the One Call Stadium this afternoon, the Stags substitute getting the side back on track after the visitors had overturned Ben Hutchinson’s spectacular opener to lead 2-1 at half time.
Cox’s Mansfield side put in a good display against the former Premier League outfit as the intensity of their performance matched the passionate 4,000 string crowd. The result keeps Stags in mid-table and again silences the critics that have said Mansfield are not ready to compete with the big boys in the division. Both sides enjoyed early spells with the ball although it was Portsmouth that saw more of it during the opening ten minutes. Mansfield struggled to find any real rhythm going forward, again playing the wing back system, however stabs from Sam Clucas and Calvin Andrew did test Phil Smith in the Pompey goal. The Stags knew it would take something special to open the scoring and that’s exactly what they got on 32 minutes, as an attempted Portsmouth clearance fell for Ben Hutchinson some 35 yards from goal. The front man, restored to the side prior to last weekend’s victory at Wycombe, controlled expertly with his chest before spectacularly volleying with venom over a bemused Smith. Hutchinson’s wonder-strike had silenced the Portsmouth crowd but not the Pompey players as they looked for a reply, two goals in the space of five minutes saw control swing back to the visitors. The first came on 38 minutes as a dominant run from Patrick Agyemang cut the Stags back line apart, his drilled cross was thundered home from six yards by the highly impressive Andy Barcham. Pompey’s goal scorer soon set another as he robbed Lee Beevers of possession on the half way line before bursting into the box. Alan Marriott made a fine block with his legs but couldn’t keep out David Connolly who was first to the loose ball. After the break Mansfield battled to pull one back however it looked unlikely, another bitter blow was added on 66 minutes as Beevers came across to prevent Barcham from advancing – the defenders problematic shoulder again popped out and he was taken off immediately. The lion hearted defender’s replacement was Lindon Meikle, it was he that proved to be the hero on 72 minutes as he drilled home at the far post following fellow substitute Ollie Palmer’s low cross. Back on level terms Mansfield pushed for that elusive winner, despite efforts from Palmer, Meikle and a belter from the impressive Jamie McGuire; it just wouldn’t come – the full time whistle sealing a pleasing point. FULL TIME: Mansfield Town 2-2 Portsmouth Referee: Stephen Martin Attendance: 4,577 (1,005) Stags: Alan Marriott, Lee Beevers (Lindon Meikle 68), Ritchie Sutton, Martin Riley, John Dempster ©, James Jennings, Jamie McGuire, Chris Clements, Calvin Andrew (Matt Rhead 64), Sam Clucas (Ollie Palmer 54), Ben Hutchinson Unused Subs: Liam Mitchell, Lee Stevenson, Ryan Tafazolli, Adam Murray  2007-08 saw contrasting ends to the season for Mansfield and Portsmouth, whilst the Stags dropped through the trapdoor into the conference, Portsmouth were crowned winners of the FA Cup after beating Cardiff City by a solitary goal. The contrast at the end of the season couldn’t have been more wide spread as Stags saw heartbreak and then Premier League Pompey saw jubilation – tomorrow though the two teams lock horns in a league fixtures, despite the contrasting histories of the two clubs, for me it’s battle on a level playing field. Everything happens for a reason and the two clubs are in the current standing for a reason – Portsmouth are a long way from the Premier League with well documented money issues seeing them fall so far whilst Stags have bravely risen, I hope tomorrow will see the two clubs cast as equals and Paul Cox’s men can kick on and claim another three points. Naturally Portsmouth will prove a tough test as Guy Whittingham’s men look to bounce back up the league ladder, in similar fashion to Cox’s Stags Pompey lost their opening two fixtures before grabbing a draw and then registered their first league two win last weekend, seeing off Morecambe on home soil. Ollie Palmer’s strike at Wycombe last weekend got Stags up and running and with the reserve team’s victory during the week, spirits seems to be high at the One Call Stadium again. Portsmouth will undoubtedly bring a big fan base tomorrow so like the back end of the previous two seasons, it’s up to us to sing loud and make the OCS a fortress once again. The tabloid writers will always fancy ex Premier League Pompey over Conference Climbers Stags, we all know that the noise we create spurs on our fire – when we burn, we burn! On one hand it’s a chance to show the watching world that we can compete with those dubbed as giants, on the other it’s another league game with another three points up for grabs. Paul Cox has a healthy and hungry squad, were certainly due the sort of results and form we’ve come to expect and know post Christmas. We’ve all wondered what a danger we’d be if that magic began early, well maybe it’s time to turn though into reality… watch this space! LAST TIME WE MET
The only other documented meeting between the pair comes back in 1976-77 season. Both clubs were playing in the old division three, Stags took all three points at Field Mill with a 2-0 victory whilst at Fratton Park, the match finished 2-2. TEAM NEWS 
Paul Cox will again be without Keiran Murtagh ahead of tomorrow’s match, the midfielder is joined on the side lines by goalkeeper Ian Deakin but apart from the pair, it looks as if Cox has a full rota of players to choose from.
Ryan Tafazolli, John McCombe and Junior Daniel all grabbed 90 minutes for the reserves midweek whilst impressive performances from Lindon Meikle and Ross Dyer could put them in the frame for a start. Portsmouth boss Whittingham welcomes skipper Johnny Ertl back from suspension whilst Tom Craddock and Ashley Harris could miss out with a groin and calf problem respectively. Written by Craig Priest The views expressed in this blog are those of the writer and not those of Mansfield Matters or its related organisations – to submit a blog email mtfcmatters@gmail.com 
Mansfield Town’s second string maintained their perfect start to the Central League East Division season this evening, as they tamed Hull City at the One Call Stadium running out 3-1 winners.
Richard Cooper took charge of the Stags who opened the scoring on eight minutes, moments after testing the water with Lindon Meikle’s low cross. Skipper Adam Murray set the goal with a well hit deep free kick which found Ross Dyer; the front man’s powerful header was far too strong for Joe Cracknell in the Hull goal. Straight from the restart the young Hull side looked to respond as Paul McElroy hit the bar from distance, Liam Marsden and Liam Mitchell also both came to the Stags rescue as the visitors teased the hosts with a number of low crosses from the impressive Sam Topliss. Adam Murray and Lindon Meikle both came close to finding a second goal for Mansfield, the latter did eventually double the Stags lead on 39 minutes, tapping in the loose ball after Cracknell had pushed away Ross Dyers 18 yard driven effort. Meikle again came close on the stroke of half time however it would be Hull that struck next, reducing the deficit on 63 minutes as Aaron McLean, Hull’s only senior player, tapped underneath a helpless Liam Mitchell. Despite Hulls goal and a short spell of sustained pressure, Mansfield remained in control and were handed there just rewards in the second minute of three added on. Junior Daniel impressed in the Stags box heading away a Hull City cross allowing Mansfield to counter – two excellent headers from Dyer and Rhead then played Lee Stevenson clean through on goal, the midfielder made no error in slotting beneath the on rushing keeper to seal the points. FULL TIME: Mansfield Reserves 3-1 Hull City Reserves Referee: Declan Bourne Stags: Liam Mitchell, Liam Marsden, John McCombe, Ryan Tafazolli, Junior Daniel, Louis Briscoe, Adam Murray ©, Lee Stevenson, Lindon Meikle, Ross Dyer, Matt Rhead Unused Subs: Godfrey Poku, Joe Flint, Jack Thomas, Jack Hawkins, Jason Gregory, Ben Birch.  Ollie Palmer pictured with fellow substitutes warming up for the Wycombe encounter - @StephenThirkill (PIC) Substitute Ollie Palmer proved the hero at Wycombe Wanderers this afternoon as he came from the bench to gift Mansfield their first win of the new season, and their first in the football league since 2008.
It took Palmer a mere ten minutes on the pitch to net the opener, tapping in after striking the post with a header - Paul Cox's men deserved the victory following a dominant attacking display. Boss Paul Cox made two changes as Mansfield searched for their first victory back in the football league, Ben Hutchinson and Chris Clements both impressed for the reserves at Doncaster during the week and both were brought into the first team at the expense of Ollie Palmer and Anthony Howell. Stags came the closest to drawing first blood on 11 minutes as advancing wing back James Jenningsgfgtg drew a smart save from Matt Ingram in the Wycombe goal as he tipped over the 18 yard drive - however the same intensity couldn't be said of the resulting corner as Wycombe cleared their lines. Eight minutes later Ben Hutchinson saw claims for a spot kick fall on deaf ears when he felt Chales Dunne had fouled him inside the area following a right wing cross as Cox's Stags continued to press forward - Sam Clucas also brushed the side netting but Mansfield couldn't break the deadlock. Wycombe saw a half chance at the other end as Nick Arnold whipped in a cross for Matt McClure, the chairboys front man couldn't connect much to Mansfield's releif. On the half hour mark James Jennings' deep free kick caused trouble for the hosts as Sam Clucas nodded wide of the target following Calvin Andrew's forcefull effort back across the bos - seconds later Clucas was flagged offside as Stags looked to cut the hosts open. Calvin Andrew was next to strike on 34 minutes as he went in search of his first Stags goal, however on the spin from Hutchinson's low pass, the former Crystal Palace man fired wide of Ingram's goal. Towards the end of the first half the pendulum began to swing as moments after Andrew's effort, Alan Marriott was called into action, Josh Scowen saw his effort palmed away after robbing Lee Beevers of the ball before Paris Cowan-Hall also struck but again couldn't beat Marriott, who got down low to palm the ball away. Marriott and his defence also had to defend two late corners, the first led to Nick Arnold firing over the bar from the edge of the box, the second came to nothing after John Dempster picked up a yellow card, the two sides went into the dressing rooms level at the break. Stags began the second half brightly as Ben Hucthinson tested the water on 49 minutes before the front man sent Clucas through on goal, the ex Hereford man earned Mansfield a corner which they again failed to make pay as skipper Dempster headed over. Mansfield were piling on the pressure and soon earned another corner as Jennings saw a long range effort palmed away, Calvin Andrew then let fly with an ambitious over head kick from Clements' delivery on 56 minutes. Paris Cowan-Hall was stretchered off after a challenge from McGuire on 65 minutes, the Stags then made their first change on 68 minutes as Ollie Palmer replaced Sam Clucas, seconds later Palmer's clip forward was headed behind by Andrew as Stags continued their quest for an opener and first football league goal since 2008. Matt Rhead was then introduced for Andrew on 73 minutes and within seconds, saw a headed flick on held by the home keeper. Substitute Ollie Palmer then put Stags ahead on 78th minute, Martin Riley nodded against the post from Clements' free kick, the rebound fell back into Palmer's path who slammed home for his first Stags goal, Mansfield's first in the division since 2008. Ollie Palmer was then put through one vs one with Ingram by McGuire, however the Chairboys keeper stood firm to deny the advancing front man a second strike. The hosts squandered the chance to level moments later as Kuffour sliced an 88th minute wide of the target from just inside the area. Mansfield's slender lead was tested by the hosts however Stags hung on through five minutes of added time and against close to a second as Ritchie Sutton nodded wide late on. FULL TIME: Wycombe Wanderers 0-1 Mansfield Town ATTENDANCE: 3,352 (251) REFEREE: Keith Hill STAGS: Alan Marriott, Lee Beevers, Ritchie Sutton, John Dempster (C), Martin Riley, James Jennings, Chris Clements, Jamie McGuire, Calvin Andrew (Matt Rhead 73), Ben Hutchinson (Anthony Howell 90+3), Sam Clucas (Ollie Palmer 68) UNUSED SUBS: Liam Mitchell, Lee Stevenson, Ryan Tafazolli, Lindon Meikle  Last Saturday’s point against Exeter City at the One Call Stadium was enough to satisfy me, however on the eve of another match I can’t help but ponder the fact that we need to still get off the mark on two accounts – getting a goal and picking up our first win of the season. Fact is you can’t have one without the other unless you get lucky enough for your opponents to score for you, but realistically you can’t play football in the hope that someone will score for you! There have been comments about new boys Ollie Palmer and Calvin Andrew not being good enough to deliver the goods, however from what I’ve seen from the duo – I’m confident when they’re properly match fit, the goals will flow. We have other players in the squad that can do the job too, Chris Clements and Lindon Meikle were both on target for the reserves midweek as they got off the mark with a 2-1 win at Doncaster – later the same day Matt Rhead bagged a brace in a friendly at Carlton Town with Junior Daniel also on target along with youth teamers Ben Birch and Trovarn Damar-Thompson – The match finished 5-5 as Stags fielded a blend of youth and senior players. At the back we’ve seemingly shored things up, Ritchie Sutton has been solid since his half time introduction at Tranmere whilst the line-up change from a flat four in the opening two fixtures to a flat three with attacking wing backs (essentially a back five) against Exeter helped get that first clean sheet and first point on the board, it’s time now to build on that. Potentially it would work against Wycombe but for me, it’d be back to a flat four to allow for natural width in midfield as Cox’s men search for that elusive goal. Wycombe will provide another stern test, Gareth Ainsworth’s men will be keen to get back on track after a league cup exit to Leicester City and last Saturday’s league two defeat at AFC Wimbledon. Sadly due to certain reasons we will not be at the match again, however we’ll be watching from back home hoping the reserve teams three points plus the goal scoring efforts of the XI played at Carlton, will rub off on the first team – three points are long overdue in the league, as is a goal – the Stags last league goal of course back in April 2008 when Michael Boulding netted a hat-trick to overturn a first minute Marc Pugh strike, giving supporters some half-hearted hope that the great escape was possible. LAST TIME WE MET 
OWN GOAL WOE - Gareth Jellyman put into his own net back when the sides met in January 2008
It was during that ill-fated relegated season when the Stags last locked horns with Wycombe, both sides took a share of the spoils with Stags grabbing the points at Wycombe through Jefferson Louis’ 89th minute winner after Michael Boulding’s seventh minute penalty was cancelled out by Scott McGleish’s 42nd minute header. Louis’ goal proved a historic one in terms of the two sides meeting at Adam’s Park, as it grabbed the Stags their only victory there to date. Earlier in the season, a month earlier at Field Mill, Wycombe had trounced Mansfield 4-0, defender Gareth Jellyman netted a late own goal to add to a treble already netted by McGleish. The first meeting of the sides came in 1994 when Wycombe were 1-0 winners, in total there have been 14 meetings between the sides, 12 in the league. In total Wycombe have five wins to four, with 25 goals to our 21. TEAM NEWS 
KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH THE BOSS - Goal keeper Liam Mitchell could be set for a return to Stags today
Paul Cox will be without midfielder Keiran Murtagh who faces an estimated three week lay-off with a knee injury whilst goalkeeper Ian Deakin is also out with dislocated shoulder. Former Nott County man Liam Mitchell, who was on loan at the One Call last term, could be added to the squad today after trialing between the sticks in the midweek reserve team win at Doncaster.
Written by Craig Priest The views expressed in this blog are those of the writer and not those of Mansfield Matters or its related organisations – to submit a blog email mtfcmatters@gmail.com 
Goals from Chris Clements and Lindon Meikle got Mansfield Town off to a winning start in their central league east division, as the Stags defeat Doncaster Rovers Reserves by two goals to one at the Keepmoat Stadium.
Paul Cox took charge of the reserves for their first fixture of the season and named three trialists in his starting line-up. Birmingham City teenager Eddy Gnahore was given a run out after impressing in pre-season whilst former Leyton Orient man Leon McSweeney, who can play all across the park, also looked to impress. Former Notts County goalkeeper Liam Mitchell donned Stags colours again, this time on trial following last season’s short loan – Ian Deakin is out with a dislocated shoulder. Both sides enjoyed prolonged spells with the ball however it was Stags that pressured first as Calvin Andrew stabbed a shot wide on ten minutes, seconds before Lindon Meikle hit high over the bar from Chris Clements’ corner. Dave Syers hit over on the volley for the hosts nine minutes later before the Stags had two chances in as many minutes, the first coming on 26 as Calvin Andrew drew a save from the keeper from distance before Meikle nodded wide from Hutchinson’s follow up cross – seconds later it was Meikle again having a go, curling an effort wide after a dominant solo run. John McCombe saw a header cleared off the line on the half hour mark from Clements’ corner before Briscoe volleyed the loose ball over the bar – Calvin Andrew again tested the water for Stags before the break whilst at the other end a Syers shot was easy for Liam Mitchell, who clung on to ensure the sides went into the dressing rooms level at half time. Both sides made changes at the break, Doncaster made a double switch whilst Cox withdrew Andrew for Ollie Palmer – it was the hosts who adapted quicker as they saw a shot cannon off the underside of the bar and bounce away from the goal line within the opening two minutes. Despite the hosts efforts it was Stags who grabbed the opener on 51 minutes, Lindon Meikle flicked the ball into the path of Ben Hutchinson who subsequently drilled low for Chris Clements who made no mistake with the finish. The Stags’ lead lasted a mere three minutes as trialist Josh Payne drilled in Paterson’s pass from 18 yards, a good effort which gave Liam Mitchell no chance in the Stags goal however Lindon Meikle ensured the pendulum swung back in the Stags favour on the hour mark, lobbing the home keeper after a charging run, sparked by a smart assist from Ben Hutchinson. Meikle’s goal to put the Stags ahead set the president for the remainder of the match, as Stags remained in control and came close to a third on numerous occasions through Hutchinson, Meikle, Briscoe and Palmer - Hosts Doncaster wasted a golden chance to grab a draw at the death as Bennett hit wide one vs one with Mitchell. FULL TIME: Doncaster Rovers Reserves 1-2 Mansfield Town Reserves STAGS: Liam Mitchell [TRIAL], Ritchie Sutton ©, Ryan Tafazolli, John McCombe, Leon McSweeney [TRIAL], Louis Briscoe, Eddy Gnahore [TRIAL], Chris Clements, Lindon Meikle, Ben Hutchinson, Calvin Andrew (Ollie Palmer HT (Joe Flint 87)) UNUSED SUBS: Matt Jones, Ross Lamb, Jack Thomas 
Mansfield Town played out a goalless draw this afternoon at the One Call Stadium, putting in a solid display against a strong Exeter City side as new signings Ollie Palmer and Calvin Andrew impressed there new supporters.
The two front men played together for the first time in a new 5-2-1-2 formation as boss Paul Cox made four changes to the side that lost at Tranmere in midweek. Defender John Dempster took the captains armband as Adam Murray missed out at the expense of Jamie McGuire. John McCombe, Louis Briscoe and Lindon Meikle also missed out as Calvin Andrew, Ritchie Sutton and Martin Riley came in. Ritchie Sutton rightfully walked away with the man of the match award as several tough challenges helped Mansfield keep their first clean sheet of the new season, meanwhile in attack Andrew looked like the missing creative spark whilst Palmer caused numerous problems for the visiting defenders. The Stags began brightly and came close in the opening five minutes as Calvin Andrew teed up wing back Lee Beevers on the right hand side, visiting keeper Artur Krysiak kept the Stags full back at bay with a strong claim. At the other end a slip by the returning Martin Riley allowed John O’Flynn to canter into the box, the advancing Grecian was met by a strong challenge from Sutton who put a prompt end to and danger. Calvin Andrew then looked to make a his mark as he connected with Ollie Palmer’s left sided cross, Grecian gloves man Krysiak however was equal to the former Crystal Palace hit mans effort. Stags kept on the pressure as both Jennings and Howell whipped in crosses, the latter was met bravely by Andrew who could only hit the side netting with nine minutes played. It was at this point the football took a back seat as the travelling support of 272 all stood and sang loudly in memory of the late Adam Stansfield, a large flag with his famous number nine shirt also sat proudly in the corner of the ground. The visitors were then forced into a change as Moore-Taylor hobbled off injured, the change made no difference to the game as Mansfield remained in control, coming close through James Jennings and Ollie Palmer, the former Havent and Waterloovile man saw an effort cleared of the line as he connected with Jennings’ 23rd minute corner. Five minutes later the visitors registered their first effort of the match as David Wheeler tested Marriott from distance, the Stags shot stopper though was untroubled by the long range driven effort. Marriott again came to Stags rescue as he tipped over a free kick from Wheeler, the Stags ended the half on top – Ollie Palmer came close to breaking the deadlock moments before the half time whistle as he raced down the left hand side to latch onto Dempsters clearance, beaten the on rushing keeper but sending his dipping lob agonisingly into the side netting. After the break the visitors began to get into the game more and it was a more even contest, Despite Calvin Andrew, Martin Riley and John Dempster sending headers wide it was Ritchie Sutton who had to come to the Stags rescue, getting down low to cut out a low right sided cross. As the hour mark approach visiting keeper Krysiak pulled off a smart save to deny Clucas after the former Hereford man was slotted clean through by Ollie Palmer, the assist maker earned a corner on the follow up but Stags again failed to make it pay. There was a let off for Stags on 62 minutes when a lack of concentration allowed Aaron Davies a free run into the area following a throw-in, fortunately for Cox’s Stags, Davies screwed his effort terribly wide. With seven minutes remaining Krysiak pulled off an excellent save to deny a belter from McGuire, with seconds remaining Alan Marriott also produced the goods, holding on to a low free kick as both sides took a share of the spoils. FULL TIME: Mansfield Town 0-0 Exeter City STAGS: Alan Marriott, Lee Beevers (Adam Murray 81), Ritchie Sutton, John Dempster ©, Martin Riley, James Jennings, Jamie McGuire, Anthony Howell, Sam Clucas, Ollie Palmer (Lee Stevenson 70), Calvin Andrew (Matt Rhead 81). UNSUSED SUBS Ryan Tafazolli, Louis Briscoe, Jake Speight, Lindon Meikle. Referee Scott Mathieson (Cheshire) Attendance 3,284 (272)  Two games in, two defeats – I seem to remember a similar story last term and we all know how that finished! Tomorrow see’s us back on home turf for the first competitive match since our triumph 1-0 win over Wrexham to take the conference title and our first competitive home match in the football league since that ill-fated game with Rotherham United in 2008 – boy is it good to be back. Our opponents Exeter are in a sense a bench mark to what we are aiming for, having been promoted from the conference in the same season we dropped through the trap-door via the play-offs, the Grecians achieved back to back promotions to league one as they finished in second place in their league two campaign. Exeter held firm in league one and came close to achieving a play-off finish during the 2010-11 campaign before being relegated the following season. Last term the Grecians finished a stable tenth and with all things going to plan, will perhaps mount a promotion challenge this term as they aim to re-establish themselves as a league one side. Exeter shook off the stigma of fighting relegation after promotion from the conference and helped set the bench mark for clubs to achieve consecutive promotions, that ethos will certainly be something Paul Cox and Chairman John Radford will be aiming for. After a poor start for Stags with a lack of fire power, yesterday the signing of Calvin Andrew was completed and I have to say, what a welcome relief that is. Andrew really impressed me during pre-season and comes across in his interview as a confident player determined to deliver the goods at the One Call Stadium. His signature allows Cox to tweak the side a little, perhaps slotting Clucas out wide left and playing Andrew central off the shoulder of Stevenson or Hutchinson, the latter situation played out well during the second half with Gainsborough. It takes time to gel and adapt to a higher standard of football, essentially the last two fixtures have been against league one sides, Scunthorpe on opening day of course have kept the nucleus of their league one side whilst Tranmere, who we faced in the cup midweek, are a strong league one outfit, so don’t let the results bug you to much. Tomorrow’s a great opportunity to get back at the One Call Stadium and make some noise, those little home comforts should never be overlooked. If things don’t start well simply bite your tongue and stick with it, we’re only a week into the season there’s a long way to go. LAST TIME WE MET  Stags and Exeter of course went opposite ways back in 2008 so you have to go all the way back to 2002 to find the sides last meeting which was in Division Three, league two as we know it now. The two fixtures took place over the December and January months and the first saw Stags fall to a narrow 1-0 defeat at Field Mill in late December, Exeter took the points curtsey of a 52nd spot kick converted by McConnell. The reverse fixture at Exeter in January saw Stags take the points, Liam Lawrence netted the only goal of the game with a ninth minute header. The Stags last victory over the Grecians at Field Mill or the One Call Stadium as it’s known now, came in March 1998 – the two sides have met in total 53 times (52 in the league and one league cup fixture in 1961 which the Stags won at Field Mill 5-2), Stags have 18 wins to Exeter’s 19, the Grecians also narrowly lead the goal tally 69-68. On home soil, Stags have ten wins to Exeter’s seven with nine other encounters ending level. TEAM NEWS  Calvin Andrew would be poised for a debut after completing his deal to sign on the dotted line yesterday following a successful trial, with no goals yet scored this season Cox will be even more tempted to start with the former Crystal Palace man following three fine goals netted during Andrew’s pre-season trial.
John McCombe could also miss out after being substituted at half time at Tranmere, Ritchie Sutton would be first in line for me to stop Mansfield conceding silly goals however Martin Riley and Ryan Tafazolli will also be awaiting the nod for their league two debut – a few of the Stags players that haven’t featured so far may well be in action tonight, as an eleven travels to Mickleover Sports for a friendly, which kicks off at 7.45pm at Mickleover’s Raygar Stadium, Station Road DE3 9FE Grecians heroic boss Paul Tisdale knows that Mansfield will pose a tough test for his side and could be tempted to change the Exeter side after stating his players didn’t do themselves justice following the midweek defeat to QPR in the capital one cup. Written by Craig Priest The views expressed in this blog are those of the writer and not those of Mansfield Matters or its related organisations – to submit a blog email mtfcmatters@gmail.com |
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