FEATURED BLOGGER 'Disappointment Is Par For The Course'

Mark Plumb Writes...

Mansfield Town suffered a heavy 3-1 defeat at the hands of Swindon Town at Field Mill. The first half started with both teams having plenty of the ball in the early exchanges but it was the away side who took the lead in just 4 minutes when, from a free kick the ball got whipped in for Linganzi who was their to convert from close range.

Disappointing start for the Stags, who should have dealt better with the marking from the free kick. As the half wore on Mansfield were huffin and puffin and created a good chance from Spencer shot, which was well saved the Swindon keeper. It was difficult to pick any stand out performers for us but I felt Butcher did well to intercept a few passes and made a few good tackles, coming back deep.

Mellis also had plenty of the ball but not being able to create anything in good positions. Swindon doubled their lead courtesy of Goddard who finished off from a good attacking move from the away side to make it 2-0. Changes had to be made from a disappointing performance from our perspective. It came with Angol replacing Spencer and Sterling James coming on for Atkinson. It was to get much worse for the Stags as the half wore on with Swindon dominating possession and looking threatening every time going forward. Adding salt to the wounds the away side were awarded a penalty when Pearce looked to have draw the foul. Up stepped Norris to slot home and kill the game off 3-0.

The game was crying out for a Jamie Maguire type player to get stuck in and a leader of the pitch to install some passion and belief. We got a constellation goal from Rose who did well to direct his shot past the keeper making it 3-1.

Full time whistle blew and the Stags were put out of their misery. For me the frustration of it is we know we have the players and have a good squad but it means nothing if you don’t play with pride or passion, which I feel is something that lot of players lack in today’s game. Credit to Swindon they played good football and were well organised.

As a supporter all we ask from our team is for them to give it their all and to want to wear the shirt with pride, getting our money’s worth. I felt today we should have had a reaction from the disappointing result against Colchester a week before, hoping that result would just a bad at the office. Even though it is still a new squad, some of the players need to really step up their game and prove their worth.

​It is all well and good doing it in league one and championship but league 2 is a tougher league where you have to get stuck in and show some ruthlessness. Onwards and upwards for away trip to Barnet. Up the stags !!!!