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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* 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* Port Vale 2-2 Mansfield Town [Kellan Gordan, Danny Rose (P)] | Sky Bet League Two | Saturday 21st September 2019 | Vale Park, Stoke  *The views expressed in this article, are solely those of the writer and not those of their associated organisations* A 2-2 Draw on paper mixed in with the results so far this season on the back of a 4-0 hammering doesn’t look great – however for the first time this campaign, I left the game with the feeling that a succession of victories for this Mansfield Town side is just around the corner. They key for Mansfield this season has been consistency, or more accurately a blatant lack of it! However, if you take away the period of time Stags played with ten men against Cambridge from the past two games, you can clearly see a hunger and desire to go and play on the front foot and hurt teams. Unfortunately, the breakthroughs didn’t come prior to the red card Tuesday which sent us hurling back into Toxic city, and whilst twice surrendering the lead yesterday at Port Vale leaves us pretty much in the same place – I believe the Stags are very close to breaking free into something far more positive. For 99% of the game Mansfield were on the front foot and showed a real eagerness to press high up the pitch, win the ball back and move it with fluidity and purpose – highlighted in both Kellan Gordon’s goal and in the build-up for the penalty, which Danny Rose was never going to miss. The Stags had a number of chances and openings created through the same attitude and application which we can’t ignore and rightfully praise – there’s been far too much emphasis put upon highlighting the negatives over recent weeks. Naturally there’s one negative to highlight, and that’s a failure in concentration which has ultimately cost us two goals and two points, late in both halves. I think it’s natural for a side after such poor form to let the adrenaline get to them when on the verge of victory, especially after playing so well, we just have to work on this and iron out the creases for victory to follow. That’s what is important now to build momentum, I’m delighted that Dempster admitted the players were arguing etc after the game, because it shows they care and desperately want to improve – Dempster and his reshaped backroom team now must channel this in the right way to get the results, likewise we as supporters, back at home, must show the same positive support which was shown yesterday. Everybody makes mistakes, we all learn that something we think is acceptable could be phenomenal with that extra 10% effort, concentration and desire. One point could be three points with that extra 10% - so let’s focus on that this week, rather than the negatives. -- match recap --Two changes were made by Dempster, one enforced as White replaced the suspended again Matt Preston, whilst Otis Khan replaced Sterling-James in attack – the Stags sticking with the 3-4-3 which was looking so bright, prior to Preston’s red card.
After a sluggish start on a bright afternoon it was the visitors who tested the water first as Cullen stung the palms of Logan on the half volley on nine minutes. The Stags’ keepers’ save sparked life into the Stags, Mal Benning picked out Sweeney with a free kick who saw his header deflect behind for a corner, from which Shaughnessy nodded wide. Mansfield were on the front foot and grabbed a deserved lead on 14 minutes with neat build up play which saw Hamilton twist, turn and shoot – his shot was saved by Kellan Gordon was on hand to riffle in the rebound, squeezing in from a tight angle. Three minutes later Mansfield were close to a second as Rose met a cross at the far post, but nodded just over – Bishop had two further efforts for the Stags to double their lead before the break, but a lapse in concentration saw Vale claw one back seconds before the whistle, Cullen converting at the far post as Mansfield failed to clear their lines. The sucker punch winded the Stags but not enough to stop them going again in the second half, Rose, Gordon and Hamilton all had chances before Rose was fouled inside the box on 75 minutes – there was never any doubt over the outcome, as Rose stood up and ripped the back of the net out with a powerful spot kick to put Mansfield back in front. CJ Hamilton saw an effort saved by Brown in the Vale goal with a minute to go which would have sealed all three points, alas whilst Mansfield looked certain to seal victory, five minutes added time gave the hosts hope, and ultimately a shot at a point, taken in the fourth minute as Mansfield failed to clear a corner – allowing Smith to smother the ball home and steal a point from the jaws of defeat for Port Vale. FULL TIME: Port Vale 2-2 Mansfield Town | Attendance 5,109 (679) STAGS: [3-4-3] Conrad Logan |Hayden White, Krystian Pearce ©, Ryan Sweeney | Kellan Gordon, Neal Bishop, Conor Shaughnessy, Mal Benning | Otis Khan (Alex MacDonald 86), Danny Rose, CJ Hamilton Unused Subs: Aidan Stone, Alistair Smith, Jacob Mellis Dapo Afolayan, Andy Cook, Omari Sterling-James mu6\ 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 0-4 Cambridge United | Sky Bet League Two | Tuesday 17th 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* It’s hard to know where to begin on this summary of a thrashing at the hands of Cambridge United, Football is a game rife with emotion played and supported with a pumping heart of emotion – and often it’s difficult to not explode in anger following such as a disappointing performance, but this afternoon I don’t feel anger or hate – I feel empty, like that pumping heart has been ripped right out. Not looking at the games in isolation was mentioned heavily on Saturday and is far more prominent now as SOME supporters call for the removal of John Dempster from his post as manager and things, yet again, start to become heated on social media. Actually that’s a good way of looking at the whole situation – there’s an inferno ripping through the heart of the dressing room, and we can’t stop it. Honestly I’m stuck as to how to tackle this blog, I really want to look at the positive and heap praise on John Dempster for making changes, not just to personnel, but to the system in order to make us more attacking and hungry in the first half, in which I thought we were the best we have been thus far in his tenure. BUT, I always want to examine the failings – how has a team with 90% the same players, gone so drastically from a promotion form, to what is arguably relegation form. I’ve read social media posts from many, and had countless conversations with people about the situation and what I find laughable about most of the former, is the number of posts blaming Dempster for last night’s disgraceful defeat, because the fact is he can’t play for the team – it’s the players who have created this horrible feeling. Did John Dempster get Matt Preston sent off at 0-0 when we were on top? No, only the rashness of said player caused him to collect his second, and deserved, straight red card of the campaign. Did John Dempster tell Andy Cook to take a touch too many when Rose put a goal on a plate at 1-0 down? No, only the inexperience and lack of composure from the 20-goal-a-season striker saw him miss, and Cambridge subsequently go down the other end and score. Key moments change games in live play – and only the players can change that. I’m not just talking about last night, key moments of not concentrating and making school boy mistakes have cost us defeats against Leyton Orient, Exeter and Crawley this season – whilst 90% of the same mistakes made similar mistakes and errors under David Flitcroft, in failing spectacularly to secure automatic promotion last season. The red card was a stupid one to pick up and was at the bare minimum going to cost us a goal, to the Stags credit they did enough to battle for the best part of 25 minutes to keep it 0-0. Again to the managers’ credit changes were made to try and get back into the game and had Cook buried that cast iron goal, I actually think Mansfield might have gone on and nicked a win as mad as it sounds – but another key moment goes astray and within seconds, Cambridge use their advantage to score, fair play to them in getting four easy goals – it’s never nice to be on the receiving end of that. Supporters are entitled to an opinion, it’s part of the game, I do however feel there is a line – telling the manager to “F off and die” is hardly going to make him want to improve the team, football managers and footballers are PEOPLE, just like you and me. I watched the post-match interview with a lump in my throat if I’m being honest, I saw a man whose given everything to this club as a player, captain and academy coach look lost, broken and shattered – and that’s not a nice place to be, trust me. Any comments I make about players, managers, coaches etc past, present or future are my own comments, but are made based solely on football and the decisions they make which effect the result and form – anyone making needless abusive comments like the one referenced by Dempster in his post-match, is a bully and should be ashamed. Back now to reality, I really want the manager to be successful and I understand that takes time – he and the players need to unite to put out the fire before it is too late, if that means upsetting the apple cart and making radical changes then do it, because SOMETHING has to be done to turn this season around, because if I’m honest – I feel like we’re heading straight for the iceberg without any life boats on board, fortunately it’s further in the distance than many think and with a bit of work, we can steer away from it. Let’s start that at Port Vale on Saturday, playing the way we did in the first half – with intensity and hunger, which with an added bit if composure and confidence, will see us be on the right end of a 4-0 score line, I honestly deep down believe that, BUT that work and commitment to each other from within the heart of the inferno HAS TO START NOW. Hurt. Angry. Defeated. Disappointed – chose whichever feeling you want to, and remember that people will quit and give up on you, you’ve got to wake up every day – and not give up, or quit, on yourself. match recapJohn Dempster made three changes as Neal Bishop returned to the side after a lay-off, whilst Mal Benning also returned to line-up – replacing Mellis and MacDonald, whilst Omari Sterling-James was handed a start, replacing the injured Nicky Mayanrd.
John Dempster also tweaked the system, going from a 3-1-4-2 to a more attacking 3-4-3 – In summary the first half was the best we’ve played all season, the second half was a vast contrast following the red card and is 45 minutes of football I never care to whiteness again – click here to read the clubs report if you REALLY want too! FULL TIME: Mansfield Town 0-4 Cambridge United | Attendance 3,567 (181) STAGS: [3-4-3] Conrad Logan | Matt Preston [SENT OFF 49], Krystian Pearce ©, Ryan Sweeney | Kellan Gordon (Otis Khan 86), Neal Bishop, Conor Shaughnessy, Mal Benning (Andy Cook 81) | Omari Sterling-James (Alex MacDonald 75), Danny Rose, CJ Hamilton Unused Subs: Aidan Stone, Alistair Smith, Jacob Mellis Dapo Afolayan Written by | Craig Priest *The views expressed in this article, are solely those of the writer and not those of their associated organisations* Crawley Town 1-0 Mansfield Town | Sky Bet League Two | Saturday 14th September 2019 | The People’s Pension Stadium, Crawley  *The views expressed in this article, are solely those of the writer and not those of their associated organisations* “Over a period of games, so far this season we haven’t been good enough – that’s the reality” They’re the words not of me, but of Stags boss John Dempster following another sloppy and careless defeat at Crawley yesterday, and to be honest – the Stags boss is spot on. Another Dempster quote is “You can’t play a period of games and keep harping on about fine margins” and again he’s right, there’s only so many weeks and games in which you can take them in isolation before you need to look at the bigger picture, as with eight games now played – the form book isn’t looking good for Mansfield Town. Reflecting on yesterday for a moment, you can argue that the Stags enjoyed the better of the chances but just couldn’t find the killer instinct at key moments – however stats don’t win football matches, all they show is that deep within there is a possibility – the problem is that the consistency needed to unlock that, is absent from within. When we played football on the floor we looked fluid and dangerous, but we didn’t stick with it for long enough periods to really hurt Crawley – we resorted to more directional, static play, which was far too easy for Crawley to pick off and eventually, ultimately exploit. You can turn round and blame the deflection and say “it happens” and you’d have a point, but for me you need to look at the build-up play which leads to the shot coming in – we’ve had three opportunities to press and try to clear our lines, executing none of them, backing off and backing off and backing off, until the inevitable happens. It was the same at Exeter and there’s been plenty of other examples throughout the season where we’ve been punished in similar fashion. Those are the fine margins which Dempster eluded too in his post-match comments, in solitary games they are fine margins – but games come thick and fast, we’ve now played 17% of the season and “fine margins” have lost us two away games, costing us at least two points, and also seen us concede needless goals. We all know from last season how these fine margins add up and we can’t afford to be letting this happen on a constant basis, because another four games like this and we’ll struggle to turn it around – because so far we haven’t shown that we have the mentality to do so, or the consistency. I think we have to look at systems in which we can be more effective going forward, we changed to a back four after the Crawley goal and looked more intent, too little too late in that particular match – but if we can start with that intent and hunger, we will go out and really hurt a team. We certainly have the personnel to do so, if for example you looked at playing a 4-4-2 or a 4-2-3-1 you can utilise Otis Khan and get more out of CJ Hamilton playing further forward, not to mention the likes of Omari Sterling-James and Dapo Afolayan, who both looked hungry when they came on and could be the key to hurting teams early. Hurting teams early is certainly what’s needed right now, it’ll give us that bounce and zest in our attacking play and give us something to protect which may turn these fine margins, into positive ones. It’s a long way home when you begin to bubble with frustration at how things aren’t quite going your way – sometimes you’ve got to let go of what’s gone and pull together to light up the darkness, naturally we’ll get disheartened and say things we shouldn’t – we’re only human after all, but it’s important to focus on Tuesday’s night’s match and put things right. I’m just as frustrated and would love to sit here and hammer negative words at my keys just to get it out of my system, but it’s a pointless exercise - a lot of our problem as a collective is that we still have our eyes firmly fixed on promotion. Sometimes when you’ve been so close to achieving something you won’t take your eyes off of it and be constantly be haunted by the memories of failure, merging with those dreams of what could have, and should have, been – it’s like running before you can even crawl. We need to take a little step back and focus on the little tasks, set ourselves smaller objectives – like two back to back wins which includes at the very least, one clean sheet – because two wins from the next two games gives us a bounce and a platform to build upon and see where we are in 3-4 games times, after a quarter of the season. I believe in the players and management – it’s just time to stop crawling and start running. Come on you Stags. -- Match recap --John Dempster named an unchanged side from the one which beat Scunthorpe United 2-0 last weekend, striker Dapo Afolayan made the bench following a little niggle which kept him out of the previous weekends squad.
Both sides enjoyed early opportunities with Nicky Maynard firing wide for the Stags on three minutes, before a Matt Preston block denied Camara three minutes later as the hosts’ opened up some space. Conrad Logan was sold short by CJ Hamilton on 20 minutes when the wing-back miscued a back pass, the Stags keeper raced out and controlled well before smashing clear, five minutes later Logan was the hero again as Pearce felled Grego-Cox inside the box – the Stags number one getting inside the penalty takers head, guessing correctly to palm away the spot-kick. Danny Rose should have put Mansfield ahead on 32 minutes but the Stags’ number 32 got in a real mess following excellent build up play which saw Maynard provide an inch perfect cut back – Rose took a very heavy touch which saw the keeper collect, rather than lace the ball into the net which was crying out to be hit – Mansfield’s best chance of the half by far. CJ Hamilton stung the palms of the home keeper on 42 minutes with a right footed effort, but on the stroke of half-time, it was the Stags’ stopper Logan who again bailed his side out of trouble – this time denying Lubala, after his skipped effortlessly through the defence. Former Stag Ollie Palmer hit a tame free kick straight into the grateful grasp of Logan on 49 minutes, but four minutes later taunted the Stags faithful like a petulant child, as Lubala was allowed far too much space on the edge of the area to hit a tame shot, which looped up off of Matt Preston and beyond Logan – who could do nothing bar, rightfully, berate his static defence who had three chances to close the ball down. Kellan Gordon offered a response for the Stags straight from the restart but failed to keep his effort down from MacDonald’s pass, before Rose was twice denied by Morris in the Crawley goal. Benning replaced the booked Sweeney on 63 minutes to drop into a 4-4-2 with MacDonald on the right wing, the Stags looked lively immediately but again failed to finish the move – Maynard this time denied by the keeper. Afolayan and Sterling-James then came on for the Stags the former fired over the bar from a Rose flick on with 12 minutes remaining. At the other end Logan denied Lubala a second before with three minutes to go, the Stags best chance of the second half saw a seemingly unstoppable Benning venomous effort, expertly palmed away by Morris who flew through the air – a save which ultimately earned the hosts victory, and sent Mansfield on the long journey home empty handed and deflated. FULL TIME: Crawley Town 1-0 Mansfield Town | Attendance 2,068 STAGS: [3-1-4-2] Conrad Logan | Matt Preston, Krystian Pearce ©, Ryan Sweeney (Mal Benning 63) | Conor Shaughnessy | Kellan Gordon, Jacob Mellis, Alex MacDonald (Dapo Afolayan 70), CJ Hamilton | Nicky Maynard (Omari Sterling-James 73), Danny Rose Unused Subs: Aidan Stone, Alistair Smith, Otis Khan, Neal Bishop Written by | Craig Priest *The views expressed in this article, are solely those of the writer and not those of their associated organisations* |
