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Burton Albion 1-2 Mansfield Town (Rose, Sweeney) | Leasing.com EFL Trophy NORTH Group E Game 3 of 3 | Tuesday 12th November 2019 | Pirelli Stadium, Burton  *The views expressed in this article, are solely those of the writer and not those of their associated organisations*
After a frustrating and slow FA Cup tie against Chorley, very few gave Mansfield hope of beating League One Burton Albion to progress to the next stage of this seasons leasing.com Trophy – but doubters were silenced with a professional and determined display, as the Stags squeezed through, finishing as group runners up. Mansfield had gone unbeaten against Crewe and Everton U21s in the groups other games but defeats on penalties had left them needing to win in 90 minutes in order to progress – goals from Danny Rose and Ryan Sweeney put Dempster’s men in the draw, meaning in the next round, they’ll face an away trip to any of the northern group winners, with the exception of Everton, who are in the same group as the Stags. The Stags played good football and after a shaky opening ten minutes, were the better team facing a strong Burton side. I’d certainly say it gives John Dempster some options ahead of Saturday to try and re-invigorate the Stags’ league form against struggling Macclesfield – non more so than down the right hand side with James Clarke having a tremendous game at right back. Clarke, who was brought in during the summer to develop in the Under 21s, has played a handful of games this season and has always looked class – he was excellent all round and I certainly wouldn’t be surprised if he had a chance to play on Saturday, pushing Kellan Gordon into his more natural right wing role, should Dempster revert back to 4-4-2 Alistair Smith had a solid game in the middle of the park too, his ball for Roses’ opener was fantastic, he really needs some game time to develop further and will be an excellent addition in an area where I feel we’re weakest at the minute. The good thing was to see the Stags playing with some fluidity and creativity, defending well putting bodies on the line to keep a firm grip on the game which is something we’ve lacked of late, let’s use this as a spring board and see what the future brings – well done boys Match Recap John Dempster named a strong side needing a win to progress into the next round but did make a multitude of changes, with only Matt Preston, who took the captains armband, Ryan Sweeney and Willem Tomlinson remaining in the starting line-up from Saturday’s FA Cup victory. Click HERE to read the clubs official match report FULL TIME: Burton Albion 1-2 Mansfield Town | Attendance 485 STAGS: [3-5-2] Bobby Oljenik | Matt Preston ©, Conor Shaughnessy, Ryan Sweeney | James Clarke, Alistair Smith, Willem Tomlinson, Jacob Mellis (Dapo Afoyalan 67), CJ Hamilton | Omari Sterling-James (Alex MacDonald 89), Danny Rose (Jordan Graham 61) Unused Subs: Aidan Stone, Andy Cook, Kellan Gordon, Mal Benning Written by | Craig Priest *The views expressed in this article, are solely those of the writer and not those of their associated organisations*
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Mansfield Town 1-0 Chorley (Nicky Maynard) | FA Cup First Round | Saturday 9th November 2019 | One Call Stadium  *The views expressed in this article, are solely those of the writer and not those of their associated organisations*
I remember as a youngster really loving the FA Cup and its magic, I think the first real time it got under my skin was the season we ended up playing Newcastle in round three. Since we’ve had even more great cup adventures, non-more-so than the season we played Liverpool at home – every cup run had its highs and lows, and despite a 1-0 win over Chorley potentially being the start of another great cup experience, I can’t help but think it’s another chapter in our frustrating story of the 2019/20 campaign. I also used to be fancied by magic tricks, I’ve this memory of my uncle pulling biscuits or money from my ears – but a few years ago, I worked with a “magician” (I use the term lightly) who tried to perform some tricks, but got it badly wrong and basically ruined the elusion – ever since I think I’ve become a cynic and after yesterday’s lacklustre victory, my cynical nature has infected my love for the cup. Before I go on, it’s important to say that ultimately all that matters is the fact the Stags got the job done and progressed to round two – but for me, Mansfield Town looked well below par and far from the team we expect, and in fairness know, is locked deep within that dressing room. Not for a second was I expecting Mansfield to come out and put three or four past Chorley who despite winning just two games all season, are actually a hard team to break down – but what I was expecting was a little more effort, care and desire to go out and win a game of football. There’s being cautious and patient in approach play and then there’s how Mansfield played in the first half basically! Chorley didn’t really make it hard for us, that’s no disrespect to them by the way – they simply didn’t need to, we made it hard for ourselves by being so negative with the ball, you could see certain players asking questions of each other – I actually felt sorry for John Dempster because he could do little about it. Naturally he’ll take the blame for the continued negative home form along with his staff, but the players need to stand up and be counted too – I’m again reading lots of comments about a change in the dugout, but cynical me is starting to wonder if the change needs to be there, or out on the pitch because it’s the players who are struggling to understand the basics of how to effectively play – the same players who had the same issue in the final 4/6 games of last season, when promotion was thrown away. I was sent a screenshot of what Neal Bishop wrote on Facebook after the game about being booed after winning, I agree with him to be fair – a snippet reads “People need to let the disappointment of last season go, we messed up, we didn't get promoted, we're truly sorry, but the negativity and toxic atmosphere that currently surrounds our club, at home games, is not going to turn back time. I would say stop scapegoating people and get behind the boys, because the truth is the lads prefer playing away from home at the minute, and that should never be the case.” I’d say that 95% of the anger and disappointment from supporters comes from being so close to success last season, but that was then and this is now. We have a new manager DEAL WITH IT with a new way of thinking, if anything this is a season which should have been heighted as one of transition and rebuilding, but for one reason or another, expectation and ambition has put Dempster and the squad in a vice of pressure to go one better and claim automatic promotion. I back John Dempster to succeed, I haven’t booed once and whilst I may be frustrated at the below par football being played, will not become a boo boy. Deep down after his appointment, I sort of resigned myself to at least another season in League Two after this one to allow wounds to heal and a changes to really have an impact – I truly hope I’m wrong and it clicks, like it did for Paul Cox in his second season, after January and we achieve promotion. Yesterday was below par from the players, you can’t hide away from that – BUT, it is also yesterday, in the past with no way of changing the outcome – a bit like last season really. We got the goal we needed to squeeze us into round two and now we move onto Burton, which will no doubt see those needing minutes get game time, followed by two away games in the League, let’s go out and win them both and come into December with a more positive heart of hope. The season of goodwill and cheer is around the corner; in more than one way I hope! Let’s act that woeful magician I once met, and show we’ve got plenty of tricks up our sleeves! MATCH RECAP Captain Pearce missed out through injury once again meaning Mal Benning took the armband once again, Conor Shaughnessy missed out – having not been given permission to become cup tied by parent club Leeds United, Willem Tomlinson took his place in the only change – Danny Rose returned to the bench. Click HERE to read the clubs official match report FULL TIME: Mansfield Town 1-0 Chorley STAGS: [4-3-1-2] Conrad Logan | Kellan Gordon, Matt Preston, Ryan Sweeney, Mal Benning © | Alex MacDonald (CJ Hamilton 64), Neal Bishop, Willem Tomlinson (Jacob Mellis 78) |Otis Khan | Nicky Maynard, Andy Cook (Danny Rose 72) Unused Subs: Bobby Oljenik, Alistair Smith, Omari Sterling-James, Jimmy Knowles *The views expressed in this article, are solely those of the writer and not those of their associated organisations* Mansfield Town 2-3 Colchester United (Ryan Sweeney, Omari Sterling-James) | Sky Bet League Two | Saturday 2nd November 2019 | One Call Stadium  *The views expressed in this article, are solely those of the writer and not those of their associated organisations* Another Sunday morning and we’re picking up the pieces after another defeat on home soil, is anyone else getting a little bit sick of watching the visitors celebrate over and over again, after Mansfield Town’s simple errors gift them three points? Colchester are a good side and I completely agree with the post-match comments saying they’ll be up there, but excuse me for looking back for a second, but aren’t we supposed to be up there too? Curious ranting comments aside, yet again we didn’t play too badly and I’ve actually got no complaint in conceding the third goal as naturally we were exposed because we were, rightly, chasing the game rather than sitting back and accepting our fate – at least we had the heart to chase at least a point, proven when Omari netted to make it 3-2, or as some bemoaned – too little too late. I spoke weeks ago that as a collective we needed to find an identity and certainly have done successfully away from home, perhaps we need to be a little bolder and say this is our system on the road, and this (differently) is how we are going to set up when we’re at home, there’s more than one way to win a game of football. Fortunately, we have a break from league action now with Chorley in the FA Cup followed by the traditional run-out for those who need it in the EFL Trophy at Burton, two games for me that we need to be winning to regain a bit of a buzz and zip about us. Chorley is a huge test considering our home form, we have to be ruthless and far tighter than we have been. We are consistently under performing at home, IF we get that right we’ll be ok but there must be a timer ticking away to reach a point where changes need to be considered – no matter what form they come in. I firmly believe in John Dempster to improve our form and start to climb the table, but the squad need to start taking some responsibility again, because home is supposed to be a happy place and right now, it doesn’t quite feel it. match recapBirthday boy Sir Mal Benning took the captains armband in the absence of the injured Pearce, Matt Preston took his place in the line-up in the only change from last weekend’s victory at Walsall.
The Stags had the best chance to open the scoring on four minutes as Andy Cook’s dominant header from Gordon’s cross was expertly saved by Gerken in the visitors’ goal, but four minutes later the Stags were left deflated as an unreal strike from Comley fizzed into the top corner to give Colchester the lead. On the half hour Conrad Logan made a top draw save to keeper out Harriott’s effort, tipping the ball around the post before on 43 minutes it was the Colchester keeper producing the saves, denying Maynard’s powerful effort. It looked like Mansfield would be a goal down at the break, but a good phase of football right before the whistle led to a corner – Ryan Sweeney did the rest, arriving at the back post to turn home his first goal of the season. Mansfield, despite the goal, would soon be feeling the pressure after the restart as just two minutes in, Captain Mal gave a soft spot-kick away to give Nouble the chance to give the visitors the lead – fortunately, Conrad Logan had other ideas and guessed correctly to deny the U’s man with a sublime bit of goalkeeping. The Stags then had their own calls for a penalty turned away as Cook was shoved to ground by Prosser on 57 minutes, six minutes later the Stags were flabbergasted once more as a delightful ball from Maynard picked out Cook at the far post, somehow the visitors denied the inform striker to keep the score 1-1. In a frantic U-turn a minute later Logan was again the hero to keep out Harriott once more, tipping the ball onto the post as Colchester broke free – on 75 minutes Logan could do nothing, as Senior prodded the visitors back into the driving seat. Jacob Mellis returned from a lay-off alongside Hamilton to replace the booked Bishop and lively Khan, in a bid to get the Stags back level – ultimately as Mansfield threw bodies forward Colchester nabbed another on 87 minutes as Gambin made it 3-1. From the restart, substitute Omari Sterling-James made it 3-2 converting Hamilton’s driven cross but it proved too little too late, as the full time whistle followed – another home defeat. FULL TIME: Mansfield Town 2-3 Colchester United | Attendance 4,125 (212) STAGS: [4-3-1-2] Conrad Logan | Kellan Gordon, Matt Preston, Ryan Sweeney, Mal Benning © | Alex MacDonald (Omari Sterling-James 84), Neal Bishop (Jacob Mellis 78), Conor Shaughnessy |Otis Khan (CJ Hamilton 78) | Nicky Maynard, Andy Cook Unused Subs: Bobby Oljenik, Alistair Smith, Willem Tomlinson, Jimmy Knowles Written by | Craig Priest *The views expressed in this article, are solely those of the writer and not those of their associated organisations* Walsall 1-2 Mansfield Town (Andy Cook, Alex MacDonald) | Sky Bet League Two | Saturday 26th October 2019 | Banks’s Stadium  *The views expressed in this article, are solely those of the writer and not those of their associated organisations* One of my favourite quotes is “fall down seven times, stand up eight” – simply meaning that you have the courage to stand up, be counted and succeed more times than you fall. After losing to Salford in the week, the Stags needed to stand up once more against struggling Walsall, in order to not start to struggle themselves. Apart from a scrappy opening ten minutes and a lapse in concentration at the end of the first half, Mansfield looked to have enough grasp on the game and deserved their victory, showing patience in possession and getting bodies into key areas at critical times – exactly what Dempster wanted the foundations to be when he took the reins in the summer. With three months of the season now complete, you have to look at the progression in terms of results, systems and commitment to the cause. Whilst the season has been littered with a discipline issue with far too many suspensions, we’ve seen a transition from a squad capable of only playing one way to a team capable of dropping effectively into three or four systems – something which has been at the heart of our much improved October. I said at the start of the month the objective would be to go through it unbeaten, the disappointing result in midweek sadly meant that couldn’t happen, but we’ve started to gather momentum and that has to be looked at as a positive, when compared to that dreadful September, had we seen a repeat of that we’d be in real trouble. I don’t think we’re out of the woods yet because we’ve stuttered our way through October, but I certainly believe we’re going in the right direction – we need to prove so in November now, with a maximum three out of three wins in the league as we face Colchester, Macclesfield and Swindon. Nobody will care about the leasing.com trophy, Burton away – but that’ll be a tough test against a League One outfit which would give us some confidence, whilst without being arrogant, failure to beat Chorley in the FA Cup first round, would be a tragedy. Onto yesterday briefly, credit must go to Conrad Logan who took a lot of stick for not coming out to claim the ball in the build up to Walsall’s goal – you’ve also got to look at defenders tracking runners there, Logan for me had a really good game and make some critical stops, demonstrating good positioning. Andy Cook took his goal well against his former employees and seems to be showing why he’s rated highly with a good goal scoring record at a number of levels, whilst Otis Khan is looking very sharp indeed, given the freedom to play either in the hole or down the left – its not just about his assists, his all round play needs credit – nibbling at defenders toes, pressing full backs and causing errors, that’s the type of player we need to be able to turn a game in seconds – credit again must go to Dempster for giving Khan the confidence, game time and freedom. Three points is all that matters really, well done boys – let’s go and do it again next week! match recapJohn Dempster named an unchanged side despite defeat in midweek, meaning there was no space in the 18 for Hayden White, whose ban is now over, however he’s still struggling with pain on his leg following the injury last season. Danny Rose missed out through injury whilst creative midfielder Jacob Mellis also missed out, despite being back in training.
Having lost four on the spin, Walsall needed a response – led by Mansfield born Darrell Clarke he showed no mercy towards his home time team with his side pilling on pressure inside the opening ten minutes, fortunately with no end result with the Stags all over the place! Mansfield saw sight of goal on 12 minutes as Maynard forced a save from the keeper as he met ex-Saddler Mal Benning’s cross at the front post, four minutes later Maynard hit again to earn a corner, from which Mansfield couldn’t capitalise. Conrad Logan made a fine stop on 22 minutes as Walsall broke through Mansfield’s back line, eight minutes later that stop proved critical as Andy Cook came back to haunt his old side, heading home a Khan cross after a brilliant bit of play from the Stags’ midfielder who had Walsall chasing shadows. Mal Benning was next to annoy his ex-employers as straight from the restart as he threw himself in the way of Gaffney’s goal-bound effort, at the other end Benning sought another belter to add to his collection but whistled his effort wide – on 40 minutes Cook came close to a second, turning well in the area before firing wide. Conrad Logan made another good stop on 43, but right on the stroke of half time was picking the ball out of the net, as lapse defending allowed substitute Adebayo to head home a free kick from close range. After the break Walsall looked to turn the game on its head as Adebayo hit again, Logan wasn’t going to be beaten though and pulled another fine save out of the bag. The Stags were forced into a change on the hour as Pearce was replaced by Preston after picking up a knock, Sir Mal Benning became captain Mal as Pearce winced off. Eight minutes later Logan made yet another save and Mansfield countered with the new captain leading the charge, he cut the ball back into the midfield – Alex MacDonald did the rest, powering the ball home from six yards. A good finish. Sir Mal nearly added a classic Benning strike to the collection to seal victory, curling a beautiful effort towards the top corner, denied by a finger tip save from the keeper after a short free kick. Afolayan and Hamilton both came on for the last few minutes which saw little action, the full time whistle followed sealing victory for John Dempster’s men. FULL TIME: Walsall 1-2 Mansfield Town | Attendance 4,521 (877) STAGS: [4-3-1-2] Conrad Logan | Kellan Gordon, Krystian Pearce © (Matt Preston 59), Ryan Sweeney, Mal Benning^ | Alex MacDonald, Neal Bishop, Conor Shaughnessy |Otis Khan | Nicky Maynard (CJ Hamilton 88), Andy Cook (Dapo Afolayan 90+1) Unused Subs: Bobby Oljenik, Alistair Smith, Willem Tomlinson, Jimmy Knowles [^Captain after Pearce substitution] Written by | Craig Priest *The views expressed in this article, are solely those of the writer and not those of their associated organisations* Mansfield Town 1-2 Salford City (Nicky Maynard) | Sky Bet League Two | Tuesday 22nd October 2019 | The One Call Stadium  *The views expressed in this article, are solely those of the writer and not those of their associated organisations* A week or so ago it felt like Mansfield Town were turning a corner, and to be fair for the most part of last night’s match performance wise, the Stags were on the more positive attacking road – alas, the same old mistakes crept in and Salford City were the victors, proving all you need to do to win a game of football, is the basics. Mansfield played some good stuff and absolutely dominated the statistical game, but when the full time whistle blows on the season – stats and data won’t earn promotion or end in relegation, they mean absolutely nothing. John Dempster’s men looked dangerous in transition play but really lacked the luck and cutting edge when it mattered, whilst at the other end a lack of basic action cost two goals – not winning headers or tracking runners costing us the opening goal, and trying to be too clever in removing the danger for the second. We can’t slip into these habits as frequently as we are doing and expect to compete in the top three. We are miles off the mark to where we should be at this stage of the season – you can’t allow the opposition so many free gifts, we need to be winning the games against the sides around us, not handing them the points. Before the month began I said the objective for me would be to go unbeaten, we’ve not managed to do that and now need to beat Walsall comfortably (I mean in control of the game, not like by 6/7 goals) to take some positives from the month, let’s end October on a high rather than get spooked and terrifyingly be at the wrong end of the table! Match recapWith Ryan Sweeney back from his one game suspension he returned to the starting line-up in one of three changes replacing Preston – CJ Hamilton and Willem Tomlinson also missed out, with Alex MacDonald & Andy Cook getting the nod to start.
Click HERE to read the clubs official match report FULL TIME: Mansfield Town 1-2 Salford City | Attendance 4,170 STAGS: [4-3-3] Conrad Logan | Kellan Gordon, Krystian Pearce ©, Ryan Sweeney, Mal Benning | Alex MacDonald (Dapo Afolayan 67), Neal Bishop, Conor Shaughnessy |Otis Khan, Nicky Maynard, Andy Cook Unused Subs: Bobby Oljenik, Alistair Smith, Willem Tomlinson, Matt Preston, CJ Hamilton, Jimmy Knowles Written by | Craig Priest *The views expressed in this article, are solely those of the writer and not those of their associated organisations* Forest Green Rovers 2-2 Mansfield Town (Andy Cook 2) | Sky Bet League Two | Saturday 19th October 2019 | The New Lawn, Nailsworth  *The views expressed in this article, are solely those of the writer and not those of their associated organisations* For a good hour, it appeared Mansfield Town had slipped back into their old ways – however Stags boss John Dempster had other ideas as he faced up against his former boss in Mark Cooper, and had a secret ingredient within his kitchen – a master Cook! Andy Cook’s brace single handily gained a below par Mansfield a point from the jaws of defeat to ensure the unbeaten sequence continued, Stags boss Dempster will however be cursing his luck – dealt a blow before the game that star man Danny Rose will be out for four to six weeks with an ankle problem, picked up in training. The Stags felt the loss of their leading scorer and all round engine in a drab first half which saw the side lack power, drive and conviction – with Conrad Logan having to spar the sides blushes on a number of occasions against the dominant Rovers. Mansfield were also with Alex MacDonald in midfield and looked zapped of all energy which is a massive concern with a game on Tuesday night against Salford which the Stags need to win to keep the momentum flowing. Cook’s impact was a delight to see, showing why he was so highly rated both in the conference and in League One – sometimes you need that old fashioned target man to play off and around, it’s going to be critical across the next month but it’s also got to be managed in the right way with fitness. Dempster wasn’t helped with suspensions and question marks over fitness, leaving little option over which system to play – fortunately Ryan Sweeny should be back for Tuesday after serving a one game ban for picking up five yellow cards, giving options to go with a back three – whilst Hayden White should be back for the trip Walsall after his three game ban. Having those two back will be a massive boost and will allow bodies such as Kellan Gordon and Mal Benning in particular to play higher up and bolster the midfield which looked very slow and tired yesterday – lacking width down both flanks with Kellan Gordon having to do three jobs playing on a nasty knock inflicted in the first half, and with CJ Hamilton looking nowhere near the effective CJ we’ve come to know and love. You can’t go through the season being pretty as it’s ultimately results that get you through, I think had this game been played a month or so ago – we’d have ended up losing 3-0, so to come back and draw 2-2 having looked so flat and out of the game is a real credit to the players and something we need to keep harvesting and taking into the next game. Salford haven’t had the start they’d have hoped for in League Two but similar to ourselves have a squad of quality – it’s import we come out and dominate play from the off like we did against Oldham – as three points on the back of yesterday’s draw will show good form indeed and help us climb! I’m delighted with a point at Forest Green, yes there are areas for concern but when you take in the factors of injuries and suspensions coupled with fitness of those available, we’ve rustled up a gourmet meal with the bare minimum in stock – which just shows, it’s all about the quality of the Cook!... match recapForced into three changes with injuries to Rose and MacDonald plus the suspension of Sweeney, John Dempster opted for a 4-3-3 to face Forest Green – Matt Preston returned from suspension to replace Sweeney in an otherwise unchanged back four, whilst Tomlinson replaced MacDonald in the midfield and Hamilton replaced Rose in attack with Khan pushed higher up to make a front three. There was a welcome return for keeper Bobby Oljenik on the bench too.
After a sluggish opening ten minutes it was Forest Green who were the better side, Willem Tomlinson did well to keep the hosts at bay on nine minutes, sliding into block Stevens’ effort before Otis Khan tracked his runner down the rovers’ right hand five minutes later. Conrad Logan then took the plaudits, first denying Steven on 24 minutes before keeping out Collins two minutes later as the dangerous hosts threatened to break the deadlock, a feat achieved with a stunning effort from Collins on the half hour – as Mansfield allowed the Rovers man space to unleash an unstoppable effort. The hosts nodded an effort into the side netting two minutes later before Logan again pulled off two fine stops to keep the score at just 1-0, denying Shephard on 35 before claiming a teasing cross with three minutes of the half remaining. Andy Cook was given his orders at the break to come off the bench, replacing a shattered Tomlinson as the Stags switched to a 4-4-2, Hamilton took up residence on the right wing with Khan on the left – the change sparked some life into the Stags but they lacked presence on the right and subsequently withdrew Hamilton for Afolayan on 58 minutes. Three minutes later the hosts had what had been coming, a second goal as Aitchison fired past Logan – the goal sparked Mansfield into life and the Stags responded beautifully just two minutes from the restart as Khan drove down the left hand side to latch on to Benning’s pass – Khan cut inside and crossed for Cook, who sent a thunderous header into the net. Mansfield weren’t happy at 2-1 and set about finding the goal to level things, Cook delivered on 75 minutes, twisting well inside the area to smash a low volley towards goal which the keeper should have kept out – however the volley had enough power to squirm underneath the keeper and trickle into the net! Cook should then have sealed a hat-trick and a Stags victory five minutes time in a similar move – this time the Volley had more conviction, but determined not to be beaten again, the keeper made an equally good save. Six minutes of time was added on, during which Knowles replaced Maynard to help chase the game out – it seemed like sixty minutes rather than six, but the final whistle eventually arrived, marking a scuffle between both sides after Khan appeared to be struck with the ball trying to run the clock down as the hosts applied late pressure, not what you want to see but alas, a point of passion, and a point to take home. Well done lads. FULL TIME: Forest Green Rovers 2-2 Mansfield Town | Attendance 2,276 (309) STAGS: [4-3-3] Conrad Logan | Kellan Gordon, Krystian Pearce ©, Matt Preston, Mal Benning | Willem Tomlinson (Andy Cook HT), Neal Bishop, Conor Shaughnessy |Otis Khan, Nicky Maynard (Jimmy Knowles 90+3), CJ Hamilton (Dapo Afolayan 57) Unused Subs: Bobby Oljenik, James Clarke, Omari Sterling-James, Alistair Smith Written by | Craig Priest *The views expressed in this article, are solely those of the writer and not those of their associated organisations* Mansfield Town 6-1 Oldham Athletic (Maynard 3, Wheater OWN GOAL, Afolayan, Knowles PEN) | Sky Bet League Two | Saturday 12th October 2019 | One Call Stadium  *The views expressed in this article, are solely those of the writer and not those of their associated organisations* After last weekend’s dramatic late winner at Grimsby, Mansfield Town needed to ensure they grabbed another victory, no matter how ugly, to jolt some momentum into their season – a thoroughly profession 6-1 of Oldham has done more than provide a jolt of momentum, it hopefully, has grabbed the old stuttering unacceptable form by the scruff of the neck and tossed it out into the wild to be banished forever. Many who write about yesterday’s victory will have mentioned “nine-man Oldham” in their introductory paragraph, however I feel the Stags would have still won convincingly at 11 vs 11 – Oldham’s two deserved red cards just widened the goal posts. In actual fact Mansfield learned a very valuable lesson playing against nine men, because at 2-0 following the double dismissal, the Stags switched off and arrogantly put their feet up thinking about how the win bonus would be spent. Through the Stags’ compliancy, despite having two men less, Oldham began to dominate play and clawed it back to 2-1, very much looking the more likely to score to make it 2-2 until Maynard sealed his hat-trick with a good counter attacking move right on the stroke of half-time. I’m sure John Dempster and the coaching staff will have had words at the break and that the Stags will guard more closely against complainant behaviour in the future, doing so fabulously in the second half, controlling play patiently and taking the opportunities when they presented themselves. Naturally a 6-1 victory gets everyone hyped and despite the two man advantage, given which people would expect even the worst team on the planet to go on and deliver a thrashing to the opposition - Full credit has to go to John Dempster, because even prior to the cards, the Stags were in full control and playing the best they have done under the ex-skipper. That came through a change in style, with Hayden White suspended and Matt Preston STILL suspended, the Stags boss opted for a back four rather than a three and it worked wonders in allowing the centre backs to do what’s been lacking since the change of guard in the dugout – to actually play! Pearce and Sweeney playing the ball out allowed Gordon and Benning to both get wider with us often, even at 11 v 11, to play with just two at the back, with either Shaughnessy or Gordon and Benning dropping in to be the third defender dependant on how Oldham came forward. That adaptability within our ranks allowed us to be far more fluid in our approach play and is a big reason as to why we raced into a two goal lead, I firmly believe that had the game stayed at 11 v 11, that playing in that manner would have led us to a similar score line. The hunger and desire to cover ground and move the ball caused Oldham real issues at 11 v 11 and naturally did even more damage at 11 v 9 – I feel if we can keep that up and play with that fizz and elastic pull and bounce, not only will we start to go on a bit of a run, but it also won’t be the first time we put six past someone. The most pleasing thing from the entirety of the game is our professionalism, as I said above the wake-up call at 2-0 could prove critical, as after that we stripped all arrogance and frustration (ish) when things didn’t go our way, fighting and playing for each other – Maynard teeing up Afolayan, Mal Benning making youngster Knowles take then penalty for his first ever Football League goal just two examples of togetherness within the camp. Meanwhile the Stags need to be praised for their care towards Oldham’s Dylan Fage who only minutes after coming on, lunged into a challenge with Maynard in the build up to the 5th goal to try and prevent the Stags scoring again, causing himself injury. Pearce raced over to put him into the recovery position and called for the medical team to come on which is exactly what you want to see, we care for others rather than get wrapped up in the arrogant celebrations. I’m glad to see via twitter the lad is OK, many other footballers wouldn’t care to prevent at goal at 4-1 down with nine men away from home, a great attitude. It’s Forest Green up next for Mansfield who will look for their third consecutive victory, let’s go there and be as professional as yesterday and get the job done! Get in! match recapWith Hayden White suspended and Matt Preston still banned, it was Conor Shaughnessy who came in as the only change, and whilst many expected him to slot into a back three, he joined MacDonald and Bishop in midfield as the Stags went for a flat back four.
Mansfield started very brightly with a high intensity press and should have been ahead after seven minutes as Maynard found Rose on the edge of the box – the Stags’ leading scorer couldn’t add to his tally, stinging the hands of the keeper. Rose had a further two efforts before MacDonald and Khan both stepped up to try their luck – neither could unlock the Oldham door, one man who could and did was Maynard on the half hour mark, timing his run well to nod Gordon’s right sided cross crisply into the back of the net. Maynard doubled his and the Stags’ tally three minutes later, this time Rose won the ball in the middle and did well to work it wide left to Khan – his quick feet left Oldham stuck in the mud and watching on helplessly, as his cut back found Maynard who simply couldn’t miss. Oldham’s afternoon went from bad to worse on 37 minutes when Egert crocked Benning, the Oldham man getting a straight red card for the reckless challenge. The referee had initially played on after Bishop had slipped in Benning, Bishop had been sent toppling by Morais who, after a mele of players following the Benning incident, picked up his second yellow and followed Egert into the dressing room. Mansfield had a two-man advantage but arrogance and shoddy defending saw the visitors claw one back on 43 minutes, as Shaugnessy failed to track to the run of Hamer who had a simple tap-in after Logan had initially done well to palm away a cross/shot from the left. The first half drama was far from over and the Stags struggled to find their rhythm after the goal, but Maynard soon banished any doubt- sealing his hat-trick on the stroke of the half time, skipping through from the half way line, nudging the ball around the on rushing keeper and into the empty net. After the break Mansfield set about inflicting damage and added a fourth on 56 minutes, Sir Mal Benning will claim the goal as he drilled a cross low into the middle, David Wheater turned it into his own net – but I’m sure he’ll be more than happy to award it Mansfield’s knight of the relm. Substitute Dapo Afolayan added the fifth on 66 minutes after Maynard had tussled his way through and clipped towards goal – the shot was going wide by the on loan West Ham man is quick, and got the final touch to ensure the Stags’ fifth goal of the afternoon. Maynard then got a standing ovation as he was replaced by youngster Jimmy Knowles on 69 minutes – Knowles put in a solid display in midweek against Crewe and was on the scoresheet for the second time in as many games, getting the chance to net his first ever Football League goal eight minutes from time. Afolayan was fouled inside the box but Mal Benning beat him to the ball – instructing youngster Knowles to take the spot kick, from which he sent the keeper the wrong way and erupted the One Call Stadium in delight, ultimately sealing a brilliant day at the office for the Stags! FULL TIME: Mansfield Town 6-1 Oldham Athletic | Attendance 4,368 (441) STAGS: [4-4-2] Conrad Logan | Kellan Gordon, Krystian Pearce ©, Ryan Sweeney, Mal Benning | Alex MacDonald (Dapo Afolayan 61), Neal Bishop, Conor Shaughnessy, Otis Khan | Nicky Maynard (Jimmy Knowles 69), Danny Rose (Andy Cook 55) Unused Subs: Aidan Stone, Alistair Smith, CJ Hamilton, Willem Tomlinson Written by | Craig Priest *The views expressed in this article, are solely those of the writer and not those of their associated organisations* Mansfield Town 1-1 Crewe Alexandra (Knowles) *Crewe won a bonus point, 4-3 on penalties | Leasing.com EFL Trophy NORTH Group E Game 2 of 3 | Tuesday 8th October 2019 | One Call Stadium, Mansfield  *The views expressed in this article, are solely those of the writer and not those of their associated organisations* “Oh, we had a game, did we?” that’s the remark made by many as another leasing.com trophy match is chalked off the Calendar, with a total of 800 spectators watching on as John Dempster’s men were beaten yet again on penalties. The stakes were hardly high however as the Stags slipped to their fifth consecutive shoot-out defeat, their third this season (the last time the Stags won a shootout was in the FA Cup in November 2012 against Slough in a first round replay – current Stags boss John Dempster was sent off in that game fact fans) – however a win against League One Burton in the third and final group game, should see the Stags through to the knockout stages on five points. I certainly felt that despite ten changes, the Stags had fielded a side capable of winning the game but a lack of game time for the majority playing saw-tired legs towards the end, and as such the urge to go for broke wasn’t really needed. The match was very much about getting minutes into players to bolster the ranks and improve the league form on the back of Saturday’s dramatic win at Grimsby, with the major positive being the return of keeper Bobby Oljenik who’d been out since last December. Bobby’s return was great to see and despite being beaten by an outrageous effort from an acute angle late on in the first half, I’m sure both he and the boss John Dempster will be pleased with the display – which given Conrad Logan’s new coaching role, will probably see him start against Oldham on Saturday. Suffering an injury like Bobby’s can change a play mentally, and the glovesman should be praised for his attitude and commitment to return, playing like his old self – making some good, smart saves and distributing quickly from the back – something we’ve been missing for longer than we all care to admit. Another positive was the goal of youngster Jimmy Knowles who looked far more hungry and dangerous this time out, we certainly have a great prospect for the future there and have to nurture it – you could see the pride in Dempster when Knowles scored. I’m not too disheartened by the shootout, it’s a lottery as we know and whilst it would have been nice to break the bad spell of spot kicks, it’s not a major disaster. Victory to take into Saturday would have been nice, but we’re now two games unbeaten in all competitions and we’ve got players looking hungry to get game time over the coming months. Match RecaP Ryan Sweeney was the only man to keep his place in the starting line-up from Saturday, Conor Shaughnessy and Matt Preston partnered him at the back – Preston able to play given that suspensions in the league don’t count for the EFL Trophy, he’ll serve his final game of his second ban this term on Saturday.
Read the clubs official detailed report here FULL TIME: Mansfield Town 1-1 Crewe Alexandra* Crewe win 4-3 on penalties for a bonus point | Attendance 800 STAGS: [3-4-3] Bobby Oljenik | Matt Preston ©, Conor Shaughnessy, Ryan Sweeney | James Clarke, Alistair Smith, Willem Tomlinson (Jacob Mellis 51 > Mal Benning 71), CJ Hamilton | Dap Afolayan, Andy Cook, Jimmy Knowles (Otis Khan 83) Unused Subs: Aidan Stone, Kian Sketchley, Nicky Maynard, Kellan Gordon Written by | Craig Priest *The views expressed in this article, are solely those of the writer and not those of their associated organisations* Grimsby Town 0-1 Mansfield Town (Pearce) | Sky Bet League Two | Saturday 7th October 2019 | Blundell Park, Cleethorpes - Grimsby  *The views expressed in this article, are solely those of the writer and not those of their associated organisations* The start to Mansfield Town’s season has been like one of those sickness bugs which for whatever reason, you just can’t shake. You can take a variety of medicines and different routines, but ultimately all you need sometimes is some fresh sea air to flush it out of your system and make it all go away. HOPEFULLY that’s what Mansfield have done, yesterday’s performance at Grimsby was about coming away with a result no matter what – ignore the haters, drowning out the doubters, and pulling together to get the job done. Since full time I’ve seen comments and had conversations with people about the performance, my answer is the same every time – it didn’t need to be pretty, it didn’t need to be fluid – it just needed to be collective in the pursuit of small goals, getting to half-time at 0-0 might seem stupid, but the way in which the season has panned out so far, it was massive. The second half game plan was for me about blocks of 15 minutes, if we could go through to 60 again without conceding but enjoying more of the ball, we could push and hurt. The red card, yes another one, rocked the boat and could have been cause for the self-destruct button to be hit, but the Stags were strong enough to rally and stay on top. What followed is the ingredient we need to start climbing the table – grit and determination to fight for every last second, to fight for one and other and to fight for all three points. Grimsby offered very little with a man advantage and I never felt threatened playing with one less, it would have been so easy to sit back, shut up shop and play for a point – but sometimes you’ve got to battle and really put the work in to break out of a bad spell, and Pearce’s goal right at the death was the prime example of that. What is important now is to channel the passion and the buzz into our next two home games this week. The Crewe game very few will care about but for me we are a squad and we win and lose together – regardless of the amount of changes we make, getting a victory to take into Saturday and add further spring into our step is vital. Let’s make our trip to the seaside the start of a bright memory, and not just a bit of sun breaking through on an otherwise rainy story. match recapHayden White and Nicky Maynard were brought back into the starting line up with Shaughnessy and Hamilton dropping to the bench, Dempster named an otherwise unchanged side with Matt Preston still suspended.
Mansfield saw off a number of early chances from the hosts it was they who saw the best opening come on 20 minutes when Hanson broke through one-on-one with Logan, clipping wide of the target. Two minutes later Maynard blocked an effort from his own man after he teed up MacDonald – Rose was then kept at bay by the keeper after connecting with Khan’s free-kick on the half hour mark. Mansfield started the brighter after the break with two efforts inside the opening five minutes from Rose and Khan, but on the hour mark disaster struck as Hayden White picked up a straight red card. Hamilton then replaced Maynard as Mansfield looked for some balance across the pitch with a man less, Ryan Sweeney had to throw himself in the way of a Hanson volley before Hamilton could spark into life at the other end, beating his man for pace and squaring into the middle – only for there to be no Stags player awaiting the pass. Six minutes were added on and in the final minute Hamilton was hacked down on the left hand side, Mal Benning whipped in the free kick and after a scramble in the box – captain Pearce connected and drilled into the net in front of the Stags faithful to spark pandemonium as John Dempster’s men sealed a wonderful win. FULL TIME: Grimsby Town 0-1 Mansfield Town | Attendance 5,087 (681) STAGS: [3-4-3] Conrad Logan | Hayden White [SENT OFF 60], Krystian Pearce ©, Ryan Sweeney | Kellan Gordon, Neal Bishop, Alex MacDonald, Mal Benning | Otis Khan (Conor Shaughnessy 85), Nicky Maynard (CJ Hamilton 65), Danny Rose (Andy Cook 83) Unused Subs: Aidan Stone, Alistair Smith, Dapo Afolayan, Willem Tomlinson Written by | Craig Priest *The views expressed in this article, are solely those of the writer and not those of their associated organisations* Mansfield Town 0-1 Plymouth Argyle | Sky Bet League Two | Saturday 28th September 2019 | One Call Stadium, Mansfield  *The views expressed in this article, are solely those of the writer and not those of their associated organisations* No matter what Mansfield Town try, they keep getting bogged down as another defeat marks 25% of the season (well actually it’ll be half-time against Grimsby if you want to be pedantic!) and leaves John Dempster’s men in a pool of negativity in 19th place – the wrong end of the table. What’s more frustrating is that for the most part, the Stags played OK and we’re perhaps the better side – BUT you can’t squander four opportunities to clear the ball and give the opposition the chance to pop one in from 40 yards, nor can you waste golden chances to score when it’s harder to miss. The rain seemed like a metaphor for the season so far, as bad luck and misery seemed to pour down upon us – to be honest, it felt like that scene in the Vicar of Dibley where she’s merely skipping along, splashing in the puddles, before wooosh, in she goes into a deep puddle – thoroughly embarrassed, struggling to get out. It feels like a broken record at the minute with our poor performances and missed opportunities, I feel for John Dempster because like former boss Stewart Watkiss posted on Facebook – there’ll be nobody hurting more than him right now, nobody more desperate to put it right. I can’t fault the substitutions yesterday, we needed attacking flair and brought on three strikers – but again couldn’t take opportunities when they came. All we can do is keep working hard and get that little bit of luck – that’s what Plymouth got and had we taken the lead through CJ Hamilton early doors, I feel we may be sitting here talking about a two or three-nil win. We’re low on confidence, we have to address that period between their goal and half time when we were totally flat and lucky not to be punished further – and we have to go up a gear when it comes to set-plays and our entry’s into the box. It may seem daft to say after ANOTHER defeat, but over the last three games I’ve seen the glimmer of a flame ready to light the fire and let it rage, we just need it to click and lady luck to smile on us once more. Into October we go now, let’s get through this month unbeaten with a minimum of three wins from the five league games – if we achieve that, then we’re in a far better place, failure to do so is another discussion for another time, because right now we need to pull together and be strong enough to get out of the puddle that’s drowning us. -- match recap --John Dempster continued to smash mirrors and run over black cat’s this week as it looked like goalkeeper Bobby Oljenik would be back – a dislocated finger in training prevented his return, whilst Hayden White was admitted to hospital with stomach cramps.
Alex MacDonald took White’s place with Shaughnessy slotting into the back three – the Stags started brightly and should have been ahead on three minutes as Khan and Rose linked up – the latter slotted in Hamilton who went through at pace 1 vs 1 – his touch though was heavy and allowed the visiting keeper to smother, to the sound of angry groans from the Stags’ faithful. Ten minutes later the visitors took the lead with a sublime effort from Conor Grant, although questions must be asked of the Stags who failed to clear their lines despite having three/four chances to do so, before Grant smashed one in from 40 yards. Mansfield struggled to get going again after the goal and found themselves penned in for long periods of the half, Conrad Loagn produced a fine save on 35 minutes to deny Grant a second scorcher whilst at the other End, Otis Khan came closest with a free kick which was miles over. The Stags responded well after the break in their quest to pull themselves level, Danny Rose did well to turn and shoot to win a corner, from which the Stags wasted by delivering straight into the grasp of Palmer. Khan, Bishop and Gordon all saw efforts blocked by Argyle before Benning’s goal bound effort on 62 minutes was accidently blocked by Shaughnessy. Substitute Afolayan curled one wide after replacing Hamilton, before Cook and Maynard were brought on with the Stags going four up front – in the last minute of normal time, Maynard picked out Cook – but the front man was denied by the legs of Palmer who ultimately, earned his side all three points. FULL TIME: Mansfield Town 0-1 Plymouth Argyle | Attendance 4,499 (550) STAGS: [3-4-3] Conrad Logan | Conor Shaughnessy (Andy Cook 77), Krystian Pearce ©, Ryan Sweeney | Kellan Gordon, Neal Bishop, Alex MacDonald, Mal Benning | Otis Khan (Nicky Maynard 81), Danny Rose, CJ Hamilton (Dapo Afolayan 66) Unused Subs: Aidan Stone, Alistair Smith, Jacob Mellis, Willem Tomlinson Written by | Craig Priest *The views expressed in this article, are solely those of the writer and not those of their associated organisations* |
