Craig Priest & Emily Sykes preview tomorrow’s lunch time trip to Sincil Bank...

On the eve of December we should all be beginning to feel festive as the countdown to the big day begins, however after Tuesday night’s pathetic exit from the FA Trophy at the hands of Matlock, the only thing we feel is the taste of bitterness mixed in with the desire and willingness for the Stags to put things right tomorrow as they head for Lincoln in the FA Cup second round.

We’ve had a few days now to swallow the bitter pill and, as the case in a few games this season, we have to move on and get back to winning ways. Football sometimes can be judged on perspective, for example should we win tomorrow and then draw a premier league side out of the hat for round three, then any potential money or pride loss from Tuesday night’s result will be easily overshadowed by a mouth watering third round tie.

Naturally it was frustrating to be out of a competition we should be winning, the financial rewards may not have been great but still it would of been nice to get some money in the kitty for a rainy day, the FA Cup also offers a financial incentive let’s hope tomorrow the boys can not only boost the bank balance but pull their season back on track as bar for Tuesday things have been looking good of late.

Our form had picked up due to a consistency in the side, due to injuries and suspensions that has been disrupted of late, I hope now that we are over the worst of this and Paul Cox can re-field that side, that began to gather pace. Over the last couple of games I think that the likes of Dempster and Beevers have been a big loss, our defending in the second half on Tuesday is still giving me nightmares, purely because the run we went on was built on solid defending to see that fall apart in the space of 45 minutes was disheartening at least.

Once more I repeat myself and say that we have to move on, we are taking a large number of supporters to Lincoln tomorrow therefore it is an ideal opportunity to right the wrong’s. Our ex boss Holdsworth will have his Imps side fired up and ready for the challenge, like us they have been in good form of late, defeat on Saturday against Tamworth in the FA Trophy bringing a ten game unbeaten run to an end, the Imps best run in the last few seasons of course started with a goalless draw at The One Call Stadium. Taking away the last result tomorrow sees two in-form teams come head to head, if we are to be victorious lets ensure all the negativity remains with the loved ones presents at home in the attic, garage or cupboard – delete as appropriate!

Against Blue Square Bet Premier opposition we have a golden chance of being in the round three draw and to give us a vital lift as we look to continue our climb up the league table. On paper we have improved dramatically of late climbing up to just outside the play-offs losing just twice in twelve games. The away form which has been a bit of a burden is also starting to improve, discounting Tuesday’s “performance” we have only lost once in our last five away games.

I eluded to it earlier we need to regain the consistent selection from a few games ago, hopefully John Dempster will be able to return tomorrow after a tough personal week, Lee Beevers also should be given a recall despite the fact he’s one game away from suspension. Exodus Geohaghon has been poor for the past two games, whilst Luke Jones has been steady, maybe the former should be the one to miss out this time. Alan Marriott retuned to action for the reserves on Wednesday, a late penalty save and a clean sheet against Hull could be the springboard for his return although despite criticism Shane Redmond has performed amicably  in Marriott’s absence.

Along with the little chocolate in my advent calendar tomorrow morning, I hope the Stags can see off the Imps, book a place in round three and kick start some good form again – December is about festive fun, it’s about time Mansfield Town had some!

As mentioned above it was back in early October when the two sides locked horns, a goalless draw at the One Call the first of a ten game unbeaten spell for Holdsworth’s Imps side. However that was a BSBP clash and tomorrow’s game, if you haven’t worked it out already is an FA cup second round tie.

The Stags and Imps do have a brief FA Cup history, having met three times before spookily at the same stage of the competition and all at Mansfield! The last FA Cup encounter came in 1987, the Stags on top in a seven goal thriller winning 4-3, getting revenge for two years prior when the Imps had ran out 2-1 winners. The first FA Cup meeting between the pair came in 1937, Mansfield winning 2-1.

Last season was the first time the two sides had met outside of the Football League, a rivalry first starting in 1934. In total there have now been 69 meetings between the two clubs including ten cup encounters. Looking at purely league stats, 58 matches, things are close between the two; Stags’ 2-1 win at the One Call on a historic day for the club last term their 23rd over the imps who have 19 victories to their name.

As I mentioned in the previous games preview, last season’s match at the One Call was one the Stags were never going to lose, an afternoon of celebrating John Radford’s purchase of the Ground saw smiles and strikes from Ross Dyer and Gary Roberts. At Sincil Bank, Matt Green was on target to rescue a late draw, the 16th draw between the sides down the years.

There certainly hasn’t been a shortage of goals in all competitions, the Stags leading 105-102! 

The Stags could welcome back Imps favourite Alan Marriott after his heroics for the Reserves midweek.

Defender Ryan Tafazolli could also return from injury but was not part of the rather youthful side which tied with Hull midweek for the aforementioned Reserves, the only senior players being Marriott, Pilkington, Murray, Stevenson and Wright.

Gary Roberts will serve a one match ban for his midweek dismissal.

If you can’t make it to Sincil Bank tomorrow then there is only one place to catch full match commentary, however due to broadcast regulations and the rather pricey fee, it’s NOT Mansfield Matters.

I’ll be doubling up with Martin Shaw from 12.30pm on StagsPlayer for full commentary for the 1pm kick off – please remember StagsPlayer is a subscription only service and that commentary will NOT be broadcast via this website.

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

Craig Priest writes...

Fixture: Matlock Town V Mansfield Town
Competition: The FA Carlsberg Trophy, Round One Replay  
Venue: Causeway Lane
Date & Time: Tuesday 27th November 2012 – 7.45pm
Match Referee: Darren Handley
Attendance: 758

Congratulations Matlock Town – your battling qualities and desire to cause an upset are traits you should be extremely proud of – Mansfield Town however, hand your heads in shame, a 2-1 defeat against lower league opposition in a competition a club of our stature should be winning is an absolute disgrace.

Massiah McDonald will undoubtedly take heroic status as his goal in the final minute saw Matlock progress through to round two, the Matlock Massiah played a key role in last game and ultimately made Mansfield look like the Muppets they we’re – only in the Stags World can a team be looking stable at 1-0 at the break and go onto lose the game. I’m astonished, annoyed and just plain fed up of this inconsistent nature of a team that are capable of so much more.

The second half won’t make for good viewing, we went from a straight, composed and solid back four to the remnants of a dot to dot puzzle, we had more holes than a broken siv and frankly looked like a team that didn’t care. Exodus Geohaghon was at fault for me, a centre half of his stature is supposed to be strong, solid and a beast rather than weak, positionally unaware and get turned on the edge of his own box. Where was the leadership, where was the desire and where was the fight?

Matlock deserve their place in round two and possibly beyond, I hope that Mansfield can learn something from the attitude and commitment of the Gladiators and stop another dip in form. Six changes I can understand with the FA Cup at the weekend and not for a second do I blame Paul Cox for doing so or want him removed as manager, the side we put out last night should have won the game, they we’re strong enough and capable enough – something just didn’t pay-off. The sending off of Gary Roberts didn’t help although prior to that Matlock had already levelled and the game had Extra-Time written all over it, whatever’s happening in that dressing room needs to be addressed by Cox – be brave and speak up about those causing problems, stop hiding being the ‘Politics’ line etc, either we have players to be successful or we don’t.

Another game to write off, another winnable competition is blown and yet more frustration coming to the top, the fan who verbally abused and very nearly physically abused the Stags bench last night by the way, is about as disgraceful as our defending – yes it’s frustrating that we’re losing to lower ranked opposition but acting like that, it’s no wonder players can’t be bothered. Lincoln City on Saturday in the FA Cup – only one option here on the back of last night, Win and do it well!

Paul Cox made six changes to the side last night, sticking with the same back five, keeper included, but withdrawing Briscoe, Murray, Clements, Meikle, Green and Hutchinson for Todd, Roberts, Howell, Daniel, Speight and Rhead.

Line Up: Shane Redmond, John Thompson, Exodus Geohaghon (C), Luke Jones, Ritchie Sutton, Andy Todd, Gary Roberts, Anthony Howell, Junior Daniel, Matt Rhead, Jake Speight.
Substitutes: George Pilkington, Matt Green, Nick Wright, Adam Murray, Lee Stevenson.

After a 2-1 defeat it’s difficult to get your head around the fact that Mansfield actually started brightly, three corners in quick succession on 11 minutes put the hosts under the strain of pressure before two minutes later a flowing move saw Roberts find Daniel on the left hand side. A dominant drive from Daniel saw a pass to Player-Coach Todd follow, the Stags reserve team boss firing not far wide from just inside the box.

Almost immediately at the other end Shane Redmond got down low to deny Lewis McMahon as the Stags were caught out following a drilled pass from James Ashmore. Mansfield we’re looking lively though as soon grabbed the lead on 20 minutes when Matt Green was felled on the edge of the area, Junior Daniel stepping up to thunder in a beautiful free kick from twenty yards.

Matlock survived a further two Roberts corners before having keeper Jon Kennedy to thank on the half hour mark as he pulled off a great save to deny Jake Speight after tidy footwork first from Daniel and then Todd inside the box.

Five minutes later Kennedy again denied Speight before the hosts spurned a golden chance to level on 38 minutes, James Ashmore’s drilled central pass cutting Jones and Geohaghon apart like melting butter. Massiah McDonald found himself free inside the box but blazed spectacularly over with his left boot.

Luke Jones saw two tame headers kept out from Roberts’ corners as the Stags racked up ten corners before the break to a reply of just one, however despite Mansfield’s dominance it was Matlock headed into half time on top, McDonald somehow missing from four yards after Bradley Grayson’s free kick had caused havoc following a Gary Roberts foul, for which he collected his first booking of the game.

HALF TIME: Matlock 0-1 Stags

Matlock began the second half with an intensity the Stags failed to nip in the bud, Luke Jones came to Mansfield’s aid a minute in to head clear ahead of McDonald, however a Static and narrow Stags were punished four minutes later as Matlock pulled level. It all stemmed from the lively Massiah McDonald who surged down the left and despite pressure from Thompson and Todd, still managed to pull a pass across the six yard area. Lewis McMahon was first two it with a massive hole left to fill, he scooped home to pull Matlock level from close range.

A bewildered Mansfield we’re all over the place and on 57 minutes were extremely lucky to not have conceded a second penalty in as many games – Gary Roberts judged to have held back Ashmore on the edge of the box although, from my view, it looked inside the box. Ashmore stepped up for the resulting free kick and curled narrowly wide of Redmond’s post.

Two minutes later Mansfield’s dot to dot like defence was nearly undone once more as a long ball over the top saw McDonald turn on his heels and leave an uninspiring Geohaghon behind, fortunately for Mansfield’s stand in skipper; Shane Redmond was quick off his line to claim the loose ball.

Matt Green replaced Jake Speight on 63 minutes but didn’t see too much of the action, a driven cross on 72 minutes flicked up and found Daniel, however he failed to get his shot on target, scooping over from 12 yards.

Four minutes later Gary Roberts’ was headed for an early bath, as Matlock drove forward his unnecessary foul on James Ashmore saw the referee produce Roberts’ second yellow of the game. Moments later the Gladiator’s struck the bar from Micky Harcourt’s free kick.

With the game headed for extra-time Matlock struck the bar once more and then ultimately sealed the tie, Geohaghon’s outrageous error of allowed Massiah McDonald to turn and the progress unmarked – he then squirmed a shot beneath Redmond who maybe should have done better but let’s be fair, shouldn’t have even had to deal with a chance on goal. Pathetic effort all round in the second half.

Junior Daniel had an extremely late effort from distance which whisked over, the resulting goal kick saw scenes of jubilation for Matlock but left a bitter taste for Stags, who were dumped out in round one for a second consecutive seasons.       

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

Craig Priest Writes....

Well the last thing we wanted on Saturday was a replay, but hey-ho in typical Mansfield Town fashion, a replay tomorrow awaits following the 1-1 draw at the One Call Stadium. The game really did match the weather, wet, dull, chilly and boring – let’s hope this isn’t the case tomorrow as we expect another rainy evening, I can justify Saturday’s result just about so long as we get the job done in 90 minutes, with tough games against Lincoln City, Ebbsfleet and Hyde on the horizon, we need to rest and avoid another extra-time/ penalty shootout drama.

A lot of people talk about how the FA Trophy isn’t a competition we should focus on, I disagree. The rewards finically of a good run helped us in putting together last season’s play-off squad, also clubs of our stature should be winning this sort of competition at this level of football – our old foes York City are a prime example that promotion and cup success is achievable, this season is easier too as the final is prior to the play-offs – we have a squad big enough and able enough to go out and give it a go – Round One should not be the exit point for us again.

Away from putting trophy’s in the cabinet, winning games creates positive form and positive attitude, something we need ahead of a tough December set of fixtures. Matlock as we know will fight and want to progress themselves, hopefully we’ll have learnt from Slough to approach the game in a more positive and professional state of mind.

Obviously we can’t ignore the fact we are needed a replay in the first place, our defending was poor particularly Exodus Geohaghon who, as proved on the match highlights, barley won a challenge and stepped forward far too often and failed to track back leaving us out of shape – the proof of this is in the penalty and the equalizing goal, as a unit we failed to do the simple things. Now we can be critical until we are blue in the face, fact is we have a replay and must deal with it. Matlock’s pitch will be heavy and took on a lot of water over the weekend; as such it won’t suit our style of play so we’re going to have to mix it up a little.

Matt Rhead would be ideal for me, a big and strong player that can make the flicks for either Hutchinson or Green to latch onto – he’s the type of player that will bully a centre-half, we need someone to get under the defences skin a little. John Dempster’s suspension is over now too, we could do with him at the heart of defence again just to ensure the front two don’t have as much joy as they did on Saturday, Matlock’s players will know how the pitch plays so what we need is a battering ram of a back four, every time Matlock come forward, metaphorically I want to see them flat on their face in a puddle of mud.  

Naturally we have to respect the Gladiators but at the same time remember that handshakes and smiles off the pitch are respectfully and professional, but on the pitch it’s a battlefield and only one team can win – are we serious about being a success? If so then let’s prove it.

A home tie against either Dorchester Town or old FA Trophy adversary’s Luton Town awaits the winners along with a cash prize, let’s pick up from where we finished at Macclesfield and creep closer to Wembley. 

Prior to Saturday the two sides hadn’t met in competitive action for some 36 years, Matlock infamously knocking Mansfield out of the FA Cup in 1976. Matlock supporters see the side of 76/77 as club heroes, legends and icons, with goal scorers Nick Fenoughty, Dave Goodwin, Colin Oxley and Peter Scot all remembered forever along with every on looking supporters story, beating Mansfield the first time was a dream come true, there dream now is to do it again – it’s our task to shatter their dream in order to chase our own, we do so having been pegged back on Saturday, Adam Murray’s first goal since 2011 cancelled out by Lewis McMahon who saw a 6th minute penalty expertly saved by Shane Redmond.

The Stags do have a History of travelling to Causeway Lane, a trip there being a regular feature in the early naughty’s during various managers pre-season preperations, the last of which coming in August 2007 when youngsters Lewis Trimmer and Ryan Goward were on target in a 2-1 victory.

Prior to that goals for Simon Brown and Callumn Lloyd contributed to a 2-2 draw in pre-season of 2005, The Gladiators grabbed a 4-2 victory against a mixture of reserves and youth teamers in 2004 two seasons after a much stronger Stags had been narrowly beaten 2-1. Jamie Lomas was on the score sheet for Mansfield in pre-season of 2000, a 1-0 win.

RECENT PRE-SEASON RESULTS

6-Aug-07 Matlock 1-2 Stags
1-Aug-05 Matlock 2-2 Stags
28-Jul-04 Matlock 2-4 Stags
24-Jul-01 Matlock 2-1 Stags
2-Aug-00 Matlock 0-1 Stags

Matlock have previous in the FA Trophy having won the competition back in 1974-75 and began their “road to Wembley” this term by beating Paul Cox’s former side Eastwood 2-1 in the first qualifying round. Next up it was Leek Town where a goalless draw saw a replay needed, Matlock comfortable 3-1 winners to set up a third qualifying round tie with Stalybridge Celtic, where the Gladiators overturned a one goal deficit to run out 2-1 winners.

There are no fresh knocks for Stags to worry about tomorrow as they welcome John Dempster back from suspension, Adam Murray did pick up a knock late on Saturday but should be ok to keep his place in the line up.

There are two places to catch coverage tomorrow night as Mansfield Matters again links up with StagsPlayer. Log into StagsPlayer (Subscription) or log onto our MM-Live page from 7.30pm for full and unrivalled match commentary, Martin Shaw will be joining me for the evening once more.  

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

Craig Priest writes...

Fixture: Mansfield Town V Matlock Town
Competition: The FA Carlsberg Trophy, Round One  
Venue: The One Call Stadium
Date & Time: Saturday 24th November 2012 – 3pm
Match Referee: Chris Kavanah (Ashton-Under-Lyne)
Attendance: 1615 (250)

Think back to the mid 90’s and Saturday TV on ITV, before the days of I’m a failed celebrity get me some money in their and z-factor, there was a show called Gladiators. Fronted by Sven Goran-Erickson’s ex and Footballer John Fashanu it featured every day people hitting “Gladiators” over the head with a foam stick, failing to the ground onto big red crash mats before taking on the other every day person in a head to head race which featured a tilted treadmill which ran in the wrong direction called the Travelator.

Each week we laughed as people failed to climb this genius invention and occasionally cheered when they did reach the summit, it was good entertainment – well at least that’s what I thought yesterday as the Stags took on the Gladiators in Round One of the FA Trophy.

Fair enough the link is a loose one but after the game yesterday I felt like I was back on my sofa watching the hit ITV show, however Mansfield Town had become the contender to fail the Travelator, as on a wet, dull and boring afternoon, they played out a 1-1 draw with the Gladiators of Matlock, meaning an uninspiring replay will be needed on Tuesday night. The football matched the weather and Paul Cox after the game pulled no punches, admitting his side were arrogant and not good enough – I won’t argue with that.

If anything the desire we had to win the match on Tuesday at Macclesfield had been flooded away with the rain and we looked un-interested, which is totally unacceptable for a team of our stature and with our ambitions. On the flip side we didn’t lose making it seven games unbeaten, the fact is now we have to go to Matlock for a replay and be switched onto get the job done in 90 minutes, I don’t want to go through extra time and penalty’s again within the space of two weeks. If we can put in a solid attacking display and win comfortably then we can put yesterday down to an off day – whatever happens, let’s keep focused and keep fighting for the cause.

Paul Cox made just the one change from the midweek victory at Macclesfield, Lee Beevers missed out after a solid run in the side, Exodus Geohaghon moved back into the heart of the back four alongside Jones moving Ritchie Sutton to left back.

Line Up: Shane Redmond, John Thompson, Exodus Geohaghon, Luke Jones, Ritchie Sutton, Louis Briscoe, Adam Murray (C), Chris Clements, Lindon Meikle, Ben Hutchinson, Matt Green.
Substitutes: Jake Speight, Nick Wright, Anthony Howell, Matt Rhead, Junior Daniel

The visiting Gladiators, who had beaten the Stags in an FA Cup match in 1976, began this FA Trophy tie in bright fashion, Exodus Geohaghon’s slip with a minute played saw the impressive Massiah McDonald latch onto the loose ball before Luke Jones swept across to clear with a strong challenge, four minutes later interchanging play between Glyn Cotton, Lewis McMahon and McDonald saw Shane Redmond race off his line to collect at the feet of the latter.

With six minutes played the Stags were appealing for a penalty after some good flowing football, Matt Green seemingly tripped inside the area as he prepared to shoot. Referee Chris Kavanagh turned down the appeal but was soon pointing to the spot in Matlock’s favour, John Thompson tugging back Phil Rowe inside the box as the visitors broke. Thompson picked up the games yellow card before Shane Redmond again emerged with heroic status, expertly saving the spot kick from McMahon before pulling off an unbelievable reflex save to deny James Ashmore who pounced on the rebound, the resulting corner was also plucked out of the air by a buoyant Redmond.

Redmond was again called into action on twelve minutes to deny McDonald as quick football from Matlock saw Glyn Cotton squeeze a pass beyond a shaky Geohaghon. Three minutes later Matt Green came close for the Stags, his drilled effort from the edge of the box deflecting away for a corner which ultimately came to nothing.

John Thompson had to make a crucial interception on 23 minutes as Matlock sub Bradley Grayson and McMahon combined, the resulting corner was easily dealt with and a minute later, flowing football saw Mansfield break the deadlock. Louis Briscoe’s drive led to the goal after strong work from Green, Murray and Hutchinson, Gladiators keeper Jon Kennedy could only palm Briscoe’s driven effort into the path of the on rushing Adam Murray, the Stags skipper clipping home into the empty net for his first competitive goal since scoring twice against Gateshead in the penultimate game of the 2010-11 campaign and his first goal since a sensational brace against Boston in pre-season of the 2011-12 term.

Mansfield came close again on 32 minutes as Briscoe and Green interchanged down the right hand side, the former’s drilled cross scrambled clear. Matlock then pulled things level five minutes later, McMahon atoned for his penalty miss early on by drilling home a sweet left footed effort following a frankly expert flick from McDonald on the edge of the box, though why the duo were allowed that amount of space in that area is completely beyond me!      

With five to go before the break Lindon Meikle burst past Micky Harcourt on the left hand side but over hit his cross, the ball dribbling out for a Matlock throw – a minute into the two added Matt Green charged down the right hand side, however his clever drilled cross was scooped away and the two sides headed into half time to dry off on level terms.

HALF TIME: Stags 1-1 Matlock

The Stags started the second half brightly and had two opportunities inside the opening minute, first Chris Clements’ curling cross was a hairs width from finding Matt Green before goal scorer Murray came close to adding a second, his drive forward and shot was closed down at the last second.

Three minutes later Gladiators keeper Kennedy was the hero as Clements clipped a neat ball over the top for Matt Green to latch onto, a 1-2 with Briscoe then saw Green free inside the box alas he couldn’t make it three goals in as many games as Kennedy palmed away the well struck effort.

Handbags then flew on 57 minutes as John Thompson was cropped on the touchline, the mist eventually cleared and a throw in given for Stags, Geohaghon playing short to Clements whose cross was agonisingly flicked over by the head of Ben Hutchinson.

Jake Speight and Nick Wright then entered the fray for Green and Meikle respectively however the attacking duo were forced to watch on as Matlock piled on the pressure with two consecutive corners, Bradley Grayson’s final shot eventually cleared by Jones.  

Shane Redmond then had to palm away a stinging effort from Grayson on 72 minutes, Luke Jones clearing the second ball, the visitors close again four minutes later when McDonald curled one wide of the mark.

With eight minutes remaining Mansfield came to life when a flowing move involving Thompson, Clements and Geohaghon earned a corner. Clements delivery headed wide at the back post by Jones who crept in unmarked. Five minutes later a well placed cross park pass from Clements saw Thompson and Briscoe interchange on the right hand side, the latter’s low cross poked wide from four yards by substitute Matt Rhead who’d replaced Ben Hutchinson on 74 minutes.

Five minutes were added on and during which it was Matlock who nearly sealed another upset, Shane Redmond palming away Grayson’s effort before Thompson flung his body in the way of the follow up effort from the same player, the full time whistle adding another game to the list, the replay is set for Tuesday evening.

FULL TIME: Stags 1-1 Matlock        

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

Craig Priest previews tomorrow’s encounter with the Gladiators....

In previous weeks we’ve not quite been looking forward to match day arriving having endured bad form, however this week it’s a different issue as now, unbeaten in six and the away day hoodoo lifted, confidence is high – suddenly we love football again!

Some have been saying the ‘Cup break’ has come at the wrong time for us, now our forms better let the league fixtures come thick and fast, personally I don’t mind as any competitive fixture is there to be won – a run in the FA Trophy, as we know, is wonderful, whilst the FA Cup can be financially beneficial – any extra money will be welcomed by all involved. 

The Wembley final of 2011 will never be forgotten, bar that final minute obviously, I think one criticism from last season was the fact that we never really had another go at reaching Wembley, Paul Cox’s Stags failing at the first hurdle against Droylsden in the wake of Duncan Russell’s Wembley 15, I’ll be honest with you now – I don’t care if we don’t win the competition this term, I just want us to turn up tomorrow against Matlock and give it a go, victory extends our unbeaten run and takes confidence onto the next match, an FA Cup second round tie with fellow Blue Square Bet Premier side Lincoln City which in turn, takes confidence into the league.

If we are serious about our ambitions this term then I think in some respects we should look at the FA Trophy, FA Cup and the BSBP as the same, winnable matches. Winning games gives you momentum; momentum in turn takes you forwards and brings success.

The way we played at Macclesfield midweek was electrifying at times, we clicked! I hope we can bring this home with us and continue to blossom, weather we make changes to the side or not. Obviously Geohaghon’s ban is over and he’s back in contention, Luke Jones though was nothing short of immense and Paul Cox would find it very difficult to justify dropping him, I think stick with what worked and get the job done – consistency is key.

Matlock themselves will not role over, they’ll be sniffing a repeat of the 1976 FA Cup tie when minnows Matlock thumped then division three leaders Stags 5-2 at Field Mill. Nearly 36 years on, the two MTFC’s meet again in the FA Trophy for the first time competitively since that dark and historic FA Cup match. Mark Atkins’ Gladiators of the Evo-Stick Premier Division will know all about the infamous FA Cup scalp over the Stags and will look for another scalp to help aid their current season, defeat to Hednesford Town midweek ending a seven game unbeaten run as the Gladiators look to climb from their 14th placed position in the current league table, the position they finished last season in.

Matlock boss Mark Atkins has vast experience to draw from, winning the premier league with Blackburn Rovers in the 1994-95 season, at the Gladiators helm since November 2008 the former Blackburn and Wolves midfielder keeps a stable ship and will have his players fired up for tomorrow’s match, Paul Cox must ensure his players feed from their recent success and learn from their experience with Slough Town: be ruthless and bury your chances!!  

Cox’s side will be aided by the supporters tomorrow with any luck as it looks like only the West Stand will be open for the tie for home supporters, let’s get the drum in there and make the One Call Stadium the most inhospitable place for the visitors and the most inspiring place for our own players.

As mentioned about it’s some 36 years since the two MTFC’s last locked horns in a competitive fixture, Matlock knocking Mansfield out of the FA Cup in 1976. Matlock supporters see the side of 76/77 as club heroes, legends and icons, with goal scorers Nick Fenoughty, Dave Goodwin, Colin Oxley and Peter Scot all remembered forever along with every on looking supporters story, beating Mansfield the first time was a dream come true, there dream now is to do it again – it’s our task to shatter their dream in order to chase our own.

Following the FA Cup upset of 76 there have been further meetings between the two MTFC’s but only in friendly outings – a mixture of reserve and youth players beat the Gladiators back in August 2007 with youngsters Lewis Trimmer and Ryan Goward netting for Stags in the most recent of meetings

The Matlock side that day included now Gladiators skipper James Luckic who has over 590 appearances for Matlock, his goal helping to send Matlock into the FA Trophy first round against Stalybridge.  

Prior to that goals for Simon Brown and Callumn Lloyd contributed to a 2-2 draw in pre-season of 2005, The Gladiators grabbed a 4-2 victory against a mixture of reserves and youth teamers in 2004 two seasons after a much stronger Stags had been narrowly beaten 2-1. Jamie Lomas was on the score sheet for Mansfield in pre-season of 2000, a 1-0 win.

Matlock have previous in the FA Trophy having won the competition back in 1974-75 and began their “road to Wembley” this term by beating Paul Cox’s former side Eastwood 2-1 in the first qualifying round. Next up it was Leek Town where a goalless draw saw a replay needed, Matlock comfortable 3-1 winners to set up a third qualifying round tie with Stalybridge Celtic, where the Gladiators overturned a one goal deficit to run out 2-1 winners.

If you can’t make it to the One Call Stadium tomorrow, then join me via our MM-LIVE page from 2pm for build up followed by regular updates, should the match end level and go to a replay, coverage details will be announced in due course with a potential replay set for Tuesday night.  

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 blog, email mtfcmatters@gmail.com

Craig Priest writes...

Fixture: Macclesfield Town V Mansfield Town
Competition: Blue Square Bet Premier – Game #11 (Re-Arranged)   
Venue: Moss Rose
Date & Time: Tuesday 20th November 2012 – 7.45pm
Match Referee: K Evans
Attendance: 1272 (202)

Winning is a wonderful feeling, however winning away from home for the first time in the league since August and breaking what some call a barren run of draws makes last night’s result at the other MTFC even more sweeter – everything just clicked.

Mansfield we’re excellent, I don’t have one negative thing to say about their performance at all, it was polished with every single player putting in a shift – for the first time in a long time, especially away from home, we looked confident and up for the challenge, we dictated the way the game went rather than lurking nervously in the shadows of others homes. We we’re Mansfield Town, true to ourselves and true to our belief from start to finish – our fire is now burning, long may it continue.

I have to admit to a degree of worry prior to the game because of having to make more changes when we’d become settled, however credit to those who came in, they picked up where others had left off and fought for their side rather than for themselves, there wasn’t an ounce of selfishness in our side last night – everyone was in it for the team and today, can walk tall with a beaming smile – results come from confidence, let’s channel it now into our next few fixtures and climb the table.

From back to front we we’re excellent, I always try to pick a man of the match and last night chose Shane Redmond. The Irish shot stopper again took some flack on Sunday for the two Luton goals but redeemed himself with an excellent display last night. I can think of at least two occasions, where at 1-0 up, he’s kept us in the game with excellent reflex saves. The clean sheet was thoroughly deserved and I hope his confidence continues to grow as Alan Marriott returned to training yesterday. Aside from Redmond, Thompson, Jones, Murray, Clements, Meikle and Green all mounted individual cases for man of the match, for me that was the liveliest we’ve seen Meikle in a long time and frankly, Macclesfield looked worried every time he picked up the ball – Isn’t it wonderful that the only headache is picking a man of the match!    

The victory moves us up to seventh place, four points from the play-offs and seven points from the top with a game in hand – now six game unbeaten and with one defeat in ten we are hitting form, if it continues then we’ll certainly climb. Bring it on!

Paul Cox was forced into two changes with Exodus Geohaghon suspended for a match Luke Jones came in, Lee Beevers was NOT suspended and kept his place, the other enforced change being Adam Murray back in for Anthony Howell who picked up a knock during the Luton game. One further change was made, Matt Green’s late leveller on Sunday enough to give him the nod ahead of Nick Wright.

Line Up [4-4-1-1] Shane Redmond, John Thompson, Ritchie Sutton, Luke Jones, Lee Beevers, Louis Briscoe, Adam Murray (C), Chris Clements, Lindon Meikle, Ben Hutchinson, Matt Green
Substitutes: Jake Speight, Nick Wright, Matt Rhead, Lee Stevenson, Junior Daniel.

The Stags started brightly and looked to grab the early imitative when Matt Green let fly from the edge of the box with 47seconds on the clock, Kieran Charnock deflecting the ball away for a throw to spare the hosts blushes.  

Eight minutes later Mansfield looked lively again as Adam Murray stepped in front of ex Stag loanee Sam Wedgbury to win back possession. A delightful chip down the left channel saw Green drive forward and fire narrowly over with his left boot.

Macclesfield then thought they’d grabbed the opener on 11 minutes as Chris Holroyd slotted beneath Shane Redmond, the Preston North End loan man foiled by the offside flag moments before Redmond got down well to deny Charlie Henry following Keiran Murtagh’s driven run.

Luke Jones then got in the way of Holroyd’s effort on 17 minutes before at the other end, Chris Clements came close five minutes later. It all began with a poor piece of Macclesfield play in the midfield, Clements intercepting and driving forward before attempting to feed Green inside the box. The attempted pass cannoned back off Charnock sitting perfectly for Clements who curled agonisingly over from 20 yards.    

On 27 minutes Clements was involved again, this time linking up with Green and Briscoe before drilling just wide of the keepers left hand post. Four minutes later Clements let fly once more after efforts from Green and Hutchinson had gone astray, Lance Cronin fumbling the ball but grabbing hold at the second attempt as Green slid in.

With nine minutes of the first half remaining Sam Wedgbury nearly opened the scoring against his old team for whom he made one appearance in 2008 against Wrexham, suffering a suspected broken leg on his debut on loan from Sheffield United. Now fully fit and a Macclesfield regular his forty yard half volley had to be pushed up into the air and then caught at the second attempt by Redmond.

Three minutes later Louis Briscoe stepped up to take a free kick after Green was felled on the edge of the box, the ball deflecting away for a corner from which, the opening goal was gained. Clements stepped up to deliver and saw Lane Cronin fumble a catch, Matt Green on hand to cushion home for his second goal in as many games.

Shane Redmond then produced two excellent saves to maintain Mansfield’s lead going into the half time break, tipping over an excellent effort from Henry on 43 minutes before getting down low to deny the advancing Ryan Jackson on the stroke of half time.

HALF TIME Macclesfield 0-1 Stags

After the break the Silkmen played with a little more intensity and began to register more efforts on goal, on 54 minutes John Paul-Kissock fired narrowly wide from the edge of the box after good interchanging play with Wedgbury and Craig Braham-Barrett.

Mansfield always looked comfortable though and registered another chance on the hour mark, Lindon Meikle danced his way forwards, turning and spinning past three players from the left hand side following Clements’ pass. Meikle really deserved a goal but was denied by Cronin who made a strong save.

Clements then came close again a minute later from the edge of the box however it was at the other end where Mansfield needed to maintain their focus as Ryan Jackson linked up with substitute Jack Mackreth on the right hand side. The former found space for a cross which sat up nicely for Holroyd, Shane Redmond well positioned to keep out the forceful header.

John Paul-Kissock then spurned another chance for the hosts, screwing a shot well wide of the mark on 63 minutes, two minutes later the Stags got breathing space as they doubled their lead. Louis Briscoe flicked up for Green who thundered down the right hand side before pulling back for the on rushing Briscoe, the Stags joint longest serving player showed great foot work before cutting the back across the goal line, Lindon Meikle on hand to riffle home in front of the 202 travelling fans.

Five minutes later Shane Redmond palmed away a forceful Barnes-Homer effort before John Thompson cleared the danger, the Stags keeper called upon again with eight minutes remaining to deny Wedgbury as the Silkmen enjoyed two successful corners.

Jake Speight, Lee Stevenson and Junior Daniel had all come on for Green, Hutchinson and Briscoe respectively, the former Speight helping to seal the game for Mansfield with three minutes to go. Driving forward to latch onto a central pass, a wonderful curling effort was beaten away by Cronin for another Stags corner. Clements delivering a peach for Luke Jones at the far post, the centre half connected thunderously with the set piece to make it three-nil and seal all three points.   

In the final minute of four added on Macclesfield nearly grabbed a consolation through Mackreth, Redmond however wasn’t willing to give up his clean sheet and sprung down well to tip the ball behind for a corner, Adam Murray slamming clear to the sound of the full time whistle and the beautiful taste of three points – at last, the Stags had completed the job.

FULL TIME: Macclesfield 0-3 Stags << Audio Highlights

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

Craig Priest looks ahead to a showdown between the MTFC’s!

Right, now the Luton game’s out of the way our focus can now turn to tomorrow evening’s re-arranged trip to the other MTFC! Originally scheduled for September the game was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch and has since been move more times than Rylan’s been unfairly voted through on the x-factor!

I guess though that whilst there was frustration at the original postponement Mother Nature may well have done us a favour, Macclesfield were on a decent run and despite couple of good results for us at home, we weren’t clicking away from home where as now I think we are and Macclesfield are beginning to stumble with two consecutive defeats and just one home win in five games.

The Stags trouble comes in the form of having to make changes again, just when our back four was getting settle we lose John Dempster, Exodus Geohaghon and, depending on rulings, Lee Beevers in the space of two games – If Beevers is suspended then they’ll be three changes to a back four which has conceded just four goals in six games. It’ll be a straight choice between Jones and Pilkington to partner Sutton at centre back, either partnership will a rare one – let’s hope the understanding and unity is there prior to kick off, we need to be solid from the off.

For me there’s no need to make more than the enforced changes, Hutchinson and Wright are doing well at the moment with the former certainly on a run of form with two goals in as many league games. You could argue that now Green’s broken his drought he should be in contention alongside Hutchinson, I guess time will tell it’s a confidence thing for Stags really, once it clicks in one match, the domino effect will begin.

The stigma of our poor away form should disappear soon too, I think the stat reared its ugly head because we we’re going through a rough patch, the performances at Nuneaton and Slough are there to be built upon, is tomorrow the time to go and do it?        

It’s been a while since the MTFC’s faced each other, the two fixtures during the 2007-08 season being the faintest of lights in our relegation season of doom! At Field Mill as was, the Stags romped to a 5-0 victory, Simon Brown netted the quickest hat trick from the start of a match in the clubs history, netting a treble within the open 22 minutes before strikes from Nathan Arnold and Mickey Boulding completed the route before the hour mark. The Macclesfield side that day included two of our current squad, Adam Murray and Jamie Tolley.

The Reverse fixture was a frustrating yet hopeful one at the Moss Rose, one which turned out to be our second to last away game in the football league. Prior to the match Stags had four games to go and we’re attempting ‘The Great Escape’ as Paul Holland’s crumbling boys sat 23rd in the table just three points below rivals Notts County whilst Macclesfield were in 19th seven points ahead. Notts County played Accrington in another relegation show down, if the Stags could win and County loose, maybe survival hopes would grow ahead of the home clash with Shrewsbury – in the end it was a goalless draw, the first clean sheet in three games whilst Matt Hamshaw’s right boot couldn’t grab a win in the dying embers of the match. A point was ok at first but as the full time scores were slipping through, County had beaten Accrington and suddenly time was against us and hope draining – my last memory of Macclesfield is the coach pulling away and my heart draining of all hope, relegation loomed.

The sides have met numerous times over the years, in league matches there have been 18 meetings, of which the Stags have won eight to Macclesfield’s five, the remaining five being draws. Since the first meeting between the sides in 1997, a 1-0 win for Macclesfield, the Stags have netted 30 goals, conceding 23. The Moss Rose is one of the first away grounds I visited, seeing mixed fortunes – of the nine games at the other MTFC’s home, the sides have three wins a piece with three draws.    

The Stags will be enforced into changes again but as too how many remains to be seen, Exodus Geohaghon is definitely out having been booked for the fifth time yesterday, Lee Beevers was too but the debate lies in the small print. Beevers was booked TWICE at Gateshead resulting in a red card, question is do the two yellows get wiped because of the resulting red or do they get added to the collection. If they get wiped, Beevers is on THREE bookings and can play – the ruling is loose and open to interpretation, I guess tomorrow will give us the answer!

John Dempster is also out, serving the second of a three game ban following his red card against Slough, George Pilkington and Luke Jones will go toe to toe for a start alongside Sutton – Ryan Tafazolli, as far as I’m aware, is still on the treatment table.  

If you can’t make it to the Moss Rose, join me for full match commentary via our MM-LIVE Page from 7pm.

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 writes...

Fixture: Mansfield Town V Luton Town
Competition: Blue Square Bet Premier – Game #19 
Venue: The One Call Stadium
Date & Time: Sunday 18th November 2012 – 1pm
Match Referee: Ross Joyce
Attendance: 2619 (522)

Well I can honestly say that after yesterday’s game with Luton, I feel there’s no reason what so ever to be negative. The two goals we conceded were mistakes, individually and collectively I’ll give you that, but I don’t think you can question the football we played and the fighting spirit we had to go and grab a late leveller – substitute Matt Green grabbing his first goal in roughly 720 minutes of football, what better time to score!

The match itself was an entraining one and a draw was just about right, we are now unbeaten in five matches with one defeat in nine – our form has changed, it’s just a matter of time now before the wins flow, although it will be tough with practically a different defence tomorrow at Macclesfield, more on that in the preview later.

Paul Cox made just the one enforced change to the line up, John Dempster began the first of a three game ban which saw Ritchie Sutton revert to centre back with John Thompson the man given the nod at right back, Exodus Geohaghon donned the captains armband, the fifth player to captain Mansfield this term.

Line Up [4-4-1-1]: Shane Redmond, John Thompson, Exodus Geohaghon (C), Ritchie Sutton, Lee Beevers, Lindon Meikle, Chris Clements, Anthony Howell, Louis Briscoe, Ben Hutchinson, Nick Wright
Substitutes: Jake Speight, Matt Green, Matt Rhead, Adam Murray, Junior Daniel

The visitors Luton had never beaten Mansfield at the One Call Stadium in a league encounter but began brightly as they looked to grab an early lead. Anthony Howell was the guilty one for Stags as his poor cross park pass was cut out by Alex Lawless. A neat reverse pass then saw the dangerous Andre Gray break into the box, his shot however was easy for Redmond in the Stags goal.

Three minutes later flowing football saw Mansfield grab a throw on the right hand side, Exodus Geohaghon led by example as he launched in a fast throw to set up the opening goal for his side, Ben Hutchinson rose well and glanced a back header up and over the stretched Mark Tyler, his second goal in as many league outings – another pound to his movember fund!

It was ever so nearly de-ja-vox for Stags two minutes from the restart as Geohaghon again launched in a throw, Hutchinson this time saw his flick headed away – Chris Clements was expertly positioned on the edge of the box to win the second ball, a thunderous half volley deflecting away for the first of two corners.

Clements then put in an excellent block on 17 minutes, his pass into the path of Wright saw the front man flagged offside, a minute later both were involved again with Clements combining with Howell, Thompson and then Redmond before Wright flicked Redmond’s long ball into the path of Briscoe. In typical Briscoe fashion he drove forward and opted for a pot-shot, the ball going wide of the target.

Nick Wright was next to register an effort for Stags on 24 minutes as Mansfield pilled pressure on from a Geohaghon throw. The initial ball was cut out but as ever, it’s the second ball you have to watch, Geohaghon clipped the ball back into middle before Wright turned agonisingly wide from close range.

His miss was guilt edge too as from the resulting goal kick, Luton pulled level. Exodus Geohaghon miss judged the flight of the ball and allowed Andre Gray to pounce. Gray getting ahead of Beevers but being driven into a narrow angle by Sutton, however this was n problem from the accomplished front man, drilling in from the tightest of angles to level the game.

Minutes later Luton should have been ahead with a flowing move down the right hand side, Shane Redmond holding on well to Scott Rendell’s header following skipper Ron Henry’s cross.

Anthony Howell had the best Stags chance to nod Mansfield ahead once more with ten minutes of the first half to go, he, Clements and Meikle were involved down the left hand side, Meikle’s cross in search of Hutchinson sat up for Howell whose header was claimed by Tyler.

Five minutes later Andre Gray was guilty of missing a sitter, he somehow deflected Jake Howells’ ferocious cross wide from half a yard following a corner – the sides heading into the break on level terms.

HALF TIME: Stags 1-1 Luton

Mansfield began the second half with fire and were awarded a free kick after 42 seconds when Hutchinson was felled. The kick led to another two corners, the second of which saw Hutchinson again head over Tyler and into the empty net, Hutchinson’s delight cut short by the offside flag.

Six minutes later Howell hooked over from a Geohaghon throw before Alex Lawless was twice blocked for the visitors as the hour mark approached. Mansfield had certainly been put under the cosh and were once more on 66 as they twice failed to deal with Luton clearances, Shane Redmond’s kick back down the stags throat and latched onto by Andre Gray, linking up with Howells Gray found space in the area and slotted through the legs of Redmond to give Luton a 2-1 lead.

Jake Speight then replaced goal scorer Ben Hutchinson to partner Matt Green in attack, Green replacing Wright four minutes before Luton’s goal. With 15 left to go Matt Rhead completed the changes as he replaced Meikle, Mansfield fighting to level with numerous chances although they did have Redmond to thank on 78 minutes as he palmed away a goal bound Jake Howells effort when Luton broke with intensity. 

With six minutes remaining the Stags finally did break the barrier, John Thompson and Chris Clements working a free kick quickly with the latter clipping in a deep cross. Rhead nodded back across the six yard box where Matt Green stretched out a leg to poke the ball home a level the game. A nice gesture from Hutchinson too as the players moved back to the half way line, the front man calling Green’s name and applauding his finish.

In the final minute of four added on, Chris Clements made a tremendous block from an Andre Gray driven cross, the resulting corner headed away by Geohaghon to the sound of the full time whistle.

FULL TIME: Stags 2-2 Luton << Audio Highlights

Photos: Dan Westwell  

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

Craig Priest looks ahead to tomorrow’s match with Luton Town...

Usually at this time on a Saturday I sit here at my desk reflecting on the events just to have unfolded, today however it’s different as we await the arrival of Luton Town to the One Call Stadium tomorrow.

Supposedly the holiest day of the week with people heading to church, I guess it’s quite apt that we have a Sunday home encounter – Football is our religion, Mansfield Town is our god and the One Call, well Field Mill to be fair, is out church – time to go and spread the gospel, that Mansfield Town CAN achieve something this season.

Refreshed after Tuesday’s drama at Slough, Paul Cox’s side return home to kick start a busy six days against Luton Town, a team who’s stature like ours suggests they should be playing at a higher level, like our good selves though there hear for a reason. Thing is, Luton come with a stigma: Arrogance – we all know where that get’s you. Expectations are raised every season at Luton, at some point they’ll crumble and the manager will take the fall. Tomorrow, for me at least, is another opportunity for us to show that sticking together is what takes you forward. Paul Buckle is an excellent manager and has had a fairly decent start with the Hatters this term, however with just one win in four, The former Torquay man’s side are beginning to buckle, it’s our job to ensure the shackles come completely loose so we can gain some of the ground we lost through our own poor form earlier on the season.

I know things haven’t been that great for us lately but I personally feel we are coming into a bit of form now, one loss in eight games isn’t too bad it’s just time to start putting a few more chances away and turn draws, three from the last four games, into wins. This comes from a consistent line up, of our last four games we’ve become settled in the 4-4-1-1 with solid partnerships being formed. Obviously tomorrow we’ll be forced into one change with John Dempster suspended after his sending off in extra time on Tuesday at Slough. 

Now this is for me the most delicate of changes to make as we’ve stopped making costly mistakes with him and Geohaghon as a pair, would we be able to say the same about Exodus and Ryan Tafazolli, Exodus and Luke Jones, Exodus and George Pilkington? I’m not sure. Statistically Geohaghon and Jones are the strongest combination of those options with six points from a possible nine in the three matches they’ve been paired together, Tafazolli comes in second to Jones alongside Ex with four points from a possible nine however with Tafazolli still injured, it’s unlikely that partnership will recommence. Coming in as the worst statistical pairing with Geohaghon is former Luton captain, now supposedly Stags skipper, George Pilkington, from two games with big Ex, the Stags have picked up just a point. In terms of goals against, Jones and Tafazolli are joint strongest with only four being put past the respective pair in the respective games, whilst five have been leaked in the two games Geohaghon has been paired with Pilkington – Jones is the only other player to have kept a clean sheet alongside Ex other than Dempster.

So who should come in, should it be Pilkington due to his relationship to Luton, should it be Jones due to the statistical solidness or should Sutton move to centre half and allow John Thompson to come back in at right back. I’d personally like to see the latter, Thompson’s worked hard and performed well in the reserves and to be fair, was having an excellent run until his injury at Cambridge, get him back in the side along with the captains armband – let him use his experience to enhance our run, and maybe introduce Speight for Wright, although I don’t think Hutchinson and Wright as a partnership has done anything wrong to be split up.

Ever since our FA Trophy show down with the hatters there has been no fear of them unlike in previous seasons, I hope this legacy continues tomorrow and we can grab three points to set up a big week of football with a smile.

Back in January a goalless draw was played out at Kenilworth Road, the Stags first trip back since the dramatic extra time penalty to send us through to Wembley. Then Luton skipper George Pilkington was the hatters hero as he cleared two goal bound efforts to keep things level in front of the TV cameras. Earlier in the season back at the One Call Stadium, Matt Green bagged his first of thirty Stags goals for the season with a sublime curling effort beyond Mark Tyler, Luton’s Will Antwi grabbed an undeserved point for the hatters 12 minutes from time.

We all remember the historic two-legged affair with Luton in the FA Trophy Semi-Final of 2011, may I remind you that the first leg, in which we won 1-0 thanks to Danny Mitchley and the excellence of David Grof, was on a Sunday! It’s an omen right?! A week or so later Luton returned for a league show-down that ended goalless as did the clubs first meeting on Stags soil outside the football league, on March 2nd 2010. Fact is, Luton have NEVER beaten the Stags at Field Mill/ The One Call Stadium in a league match, they do boast a 4-3 League Cup in 1989.

Including the FA Trophy show down there have been 26 meetings between the two, the Stags have 43 goals to Luton’s 44 with nine, technically ten because of aggregate scores, wins to seven.

Who said Luton are better than us, the stats don’t lie – I just hope we can say that tomorrow!

John Dempster, whose donned the captains armband in the last few games, will be absent through suspension whilst Ryan Tafazolli also looks set to miss out with the usual suspects, Dyer, Marriott and the disappeared Tolley.

John Thompson, Luke Jones and former Luton skipper George Pilkington will all battle it out for a start.

Mansfield Matters is back on free to air tomorrow, join me for regular updates via our MM-LIVE page from 12noon.

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 blog, email mtfcmatters@gmail.com

Craig Priest writes...

Fixture: Slough Town V Mansfield Town
Competition: The FA Cup, Sponsored by Budweiser, First Round Replay  
Venue: Holloways Park (Beaconsfield SYCOB FC)
Date & Time: Tuesday 13th November 2012 – 7.45pm
Match Referee: Andy D’Urso
Attendance: 1597

First of all sorry for the late post, I’ve just about caught up on sleep and allowed the adrenaline to drain from my system after what can only be described as a mad Tuesday evening in Beaconsfield.

The important thing I guess is that we we’re through to round two against Lincoln with a huge chance of a big tie in round three, however that said to do it on penalty’s against a side ranked three divisions below is a little worrying.

Mansfield were excellent in the first half and should have been three, not one, up by half time at least – Slough keeper Warrington has pulled off two outstanding saves and we’ve racked up shots quicker than the bird from corrie is racking up Bush Tucker Trials in ‘I’m a celb’! Again they’ve not fallen for us and we’ve ended up conceding an unstoppable goal, the free kick from Swift was exquisite and the second ball could have, and ultimately did, go anywhere!

Reflecting on the match and the way things turned out was it a case of Mansfield being wasteful or Slough showing excellent desire and resolve in wanting to keep a dream alive? Personally I think it’s a mixture of the two and forever will credit and praise Slough in their defensive efforts in both matches and their desire and work rate, not once did I see the hosts time waste or complain of cramp or exhaustion in extra time – every player kept going running on adrenaline, fighting for the cause, rebelling against league stature and rank, working hard to grind out a result, for me that’s what football is all about, I’m proud of Slough and I’m not even a Slough supporter – true and genuine Rebels fans should remember and cherish there cup run of 2012 and be proud of it. The biggest crowd in many a year at Holloways Park will have boosted the coffers along with the money already accumulated from there excellent run, I hope it’s invested well and they continue to rise up the division, I for one will be following Slough’s story.

A side note to thank the helpful staff and volunteers at Holloways Park for all there help on Tuesday, another shining example of what football’s all about: Community!

Onto Stags now, I know there’s been up roar about the admittance of practising penalty’s – I believe practising them was the correct and professional thing to do, had we not it would have suggested arrogance on our part – being prepared is being professional and it’s paid off, end of!

John Dempster will be absent now for three games after his straight red card in extra time, it will be debated for a long time but there’s nothing we can do about it, you very rarely win appeals and I’d rather lose him for three matches which take place in the space of six days rather than four matches. Naturally it means disrupting a back four which has been the solidest it’s been all season, but there are plenty of players knocking of the door – personally for me it’s Thompson in at right back and Sutton to partner Big Ex at the heart of the defence with Thompson taking the armband.

Whatever way you look at it, Mansfield are through to round two and stretch their run to just two defeats in twelve outings, form is improved in gradual stages we’ve stopped losing, unbeaten in four, now time to turn draws into wins!

Paul Cox named an unchanged side to face Slough, Stags fresh from a 1-0 win over Southport whilst Slough had put six past Ashford Town (Middx) at the weekend.

Line Up: Shane Redmond, Ritchie Sutton, John Dempster (C), Exodus Geohaghon, Lee Beevers, Louis Briscoe, Chris Clements, Anthony Howell, Lindon Meikle, Ben Hutchinson, Nick Wright
Substitutes: John Thompson, Jake Speight, Matt Rhead, Adam Murray, Lee Stevenson, Junior Daniel, Ryan Hopkins.

The Stags began well with Lindon Meikle causing early pressure three minutes in with a dangerous cross which just escaped the head of Nick Wright, moments later it was Ben Hutchinson’s turn to worry the visitors as a dominant header away for Geohaghon bounced midway between the half way line and the edge of the box, Hutchinson hitting an ambitious half volley which wasn’t far over the top of James Warrington’s bar.         

With the game ten minutes old the Stags had two chances inside a minute as they kept and moved the ball well and in flowing fashion. Chris Clements sparked the initial move which saw Louis Briscoe fire through the crowd and Slough scramble clear, seconds later it was almost a carbon copy, Briscoe this time hitting left footed after a Meikle cross but being denied by the excellent Warrington after two deflections inside the area.

Three minutes later the hosts registered a rare first half chance as Dominic Rhone screwed horribly wide from 30 yards following strong work by Slough skipper Dave Woozley in the centre of the park, Mansfield though continued to pressure themselves registering efforts from Briscoe and Wright was followed by two successive Clements corners.

The Stags then saw claims for a penalty turned down by former Premier-League official Andy D’Urso after Alex Brown looked to have taken Wright’s legs from underneath him, the initial view looked like it was a spot kick however a closer look on the DVD at half time suggested the referee did make the correct call as Wright was already going to ground with twenty-two played.

Three minutes later Briscoe again came close with a thunderous drive however Warrington again pulled off a tremendous save under pressure to keep the Stags at bay, the Slough stopper could do nothing moments later though as weaving work from Meikle set up Howell for an ambitious effort, a shame then that the former Alfreton man failed to keep his effort on target as he fired over from 20 yards.

With nine minutes to go prior to the break Shane Redmond was called upon in quick succession as Slough won a number of set-plays, the Irish Gloves-Man demonstrated assured commanding skills as he rose high to claim the set-plays from Woozley and Swift respectively.

Chris Clements then sprayed an excellent pass to Lindon Meikle three minutes later, the former Eastwood man tearing down the right hand side to create a crossing opportunity. The England C star pulled the ball back for Clements who flicked the ball up to set himself for a volley, the final shot powerful but off target as he blazed over.

There was then brief delight for the hosts with two minutes of the first half remaining, John Dempster headed away an initial free kick before the second ball being pumped back down Mansfield’s throats before Danny Burnell flicked beyond Redmond, the offside flag cut short the celebrations, the correct call too.

Two minutes later on the stroke of half time, there was cause for celebration only it fell the Stags way as Chris Clements swung in a corner. The second ball saw, after extensive watching of the DVD because of the poor view, Lee Beevers clip back into the middle for Geohaghon who, putting pressure on Dave Woozley, forced the Slough captain to divert the ball up and beyond his own keeper.

Slough 0-1 Stags

There was little time for a reply, Slough disappointed to go in behind but the Stags left wondering why the margin wasn’t a greater one.

HALF TIME: Slough 0-1 Stags

After the break Slough fought bravely and were the much better side, the Stags wasteful, largely through Briscoe, in many phases of play. The Stags however did make a good start with Hutchinson seeing a shot blocked on 51 minutes, two minutes later however it was Slough the ones applying the pressure. Ritchie Sutton headed out Ollie Burgess’ initial right sided cross after an excellent run beyond Beevers, substitute Adam Logie launched in a long throw which saw Stuart Swift connect wonderfully on the volley but fire into infinity and beyond.

Jake Speight then replaced Nick Wright in attack on 56 minutes being involved straight away as he fired wide from Briscoe’s right sided cut back, the miss spurred the hosts on and on the hour mark again saw Swift blaze over from another Logie throw.

Five minutes later Slough were finally rewarded as Exodus Geohaghon upended Ed Smith on the edge of the box, Stuart Swift stepped up and thundered the resulting free kick against the bar leaving Mansfield in a tizz as to where the ball would land, eventually it landed on the head of Nathan Bowden-Haase, the tall centre half nodding over the line to send the home support into pandemonium.

Slough 1-1 Stags

Minutes later Slough should have been ahead as once more Mansfield were on the back foot and forced to put the ball out of play for a corner. Swift’s expert delivery flashed across the six yard box and out for a goal kick, however the boot of leading scorer Burnell was a whisker away from connecting unmarked at the far post.

Matt Rhead then replaced Ben Hutchinson in attack for Stags with ten minutes remaining, Mansfield escaping numerous Slough scares before coming agonisingly close to a late winner themselves in the final three minutes, Slough surviving four Chris Clements corners the last of which Speight headed into the side netting at the near post with seconds to go, moments after Clements clip over the top saw the leading hit man fire wide from distance.

FULL TIME: Slough 1-1 Stags

And so into extra time it went, thirty minutes of football neither side really wanted but thirty minutes which still were action packed. The Stags enjoyed the best two opening chances of the first period of extra time, on 92 minutes Clements’ corner found Rhead at the front post who was again denied by Warrington, the keeper involved three minutes later as he raced out and did enough to put Jake Speight off. The leading Stags marksman trickling a shot wide after Howell’s pass forward.

In the dying embers of the first half of extra time it was the hosts turn to threaten, Burgess heading wide from close range after Swift’s left sided cross before John Dempster dominantly headed away Adam Logie’s late corer.

EXTRA TIME: HALF TIME: Slough 1-1 Stags

Junior Daniel replaced Lindon Meikle as the action got underway, the action hotting up as Bowden-Hasse and Exodus Geohaghon both picked up a yellow card on 109 minutes, Geohaghon now one game from suspension as he picked up two yellows during his short lived spell as captain at Kidderminster.

Two minutes later Ed Smith appeared to half elbowed John Dempster in the face during a tussle, something unseen by the referee Andy D’Urso. The Ex Premier-League official did however spot Dempster’s response and flashed a straight red card for violent conduct, the Stags down to ten men as a footballing lottery loomed.

Junior Daniel made some vital interceptions for the Stags and his fresh legs helped create Mansfield’s golden chance on 114 minutes. Linking up with Meikle it was he who crossed expertly into the mix, Anthony Howell crept in unmarked at the far post but again failed to keep his effort, this time a left footed volley, on target.

Matt Rhead and Jake Speight both saw efforts saved before the Stags defended excellently in the final second to prevent Slough from making the most of a corner, the full time whistle signalling a penalty shootout to decide who would progress to face Lincoln City in round two,

EXTRA TIME: FULL TIME: Slough 1-1 Stags

Exodus Geohaghon won Mansfield the toss in the absence of John Dempster, he elected for Stags to go first and at the far away, away from the packed terracing full of Slough supporters, this Stags first shootout since November 2008 when York City were victorious in the setanta shield.  

Chris Clements was first up for Stags, his right footed effort into the keeper’s bottom right hand corner was calm and drilled to put Mansfield ahead 1-0

The impressive Ed Smith was first for the hosts, he made no mistake from 12 yards to send Shane Redmond the wrong way 1-1

Mansfield needed someone with penalty pedigree and soon got it as Louis Briscoe made his way forward. It was his 129th minute penalty at Luton in extra time in 2011 which sent Stags through to Wembley in the FA Trophy. He’d had numerous penalties after that one with mixed results, this one at Holloway’s Park was on target, again sending Warrington the wrong way to put the pressure back on Slough 2-1

Ollie Burgess had been impressive for Slough in both games, he was next for Slough but soon proved the thorn in his side’s side. Shane Redmond had played mind games prior to the kick being struck, the clearly worked too as the Irish keeper became a hero, diving to his right to beat away the well hit Burgess spot kick to maintain Mansfield’s lead 2-1

Substitute Matt Rhead was next, both Mansfield’s previous penalty’s had been to the keepers right, Rhead gambled and fired to Warrington’s left, the correct choice as again the keeper guessed incorrectly, Mansfield with a clear advantage after the third penalty 3-1

Sean Sonner made the long walk for Slough knowing if he scored the hosts still had a chance however if he missed, all Mansfield would need to do is score. Redmond, buoyed by his heroic save, again guessed correctly diving to his left, not that he needed too as Sonner scooped the ball over the bar and out of the ground 3-1

The task for Mansfield now was now a simple one, scoring would make it game set and match. Jake Speight, with eight goals too his name this term stepped forwards. His brace at Workington had set up the tie with Slough, fitting then as he kept his cool and belted home, sending Mansfield into Round Two, their first penalty shootout victory since 2005 when the knocked Stoke City out of the Carling Cup. Speight’s penalty sealing a 4-1 Stags penalty win at Slough. 

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