Reserves maintain perfect start as they tame the tigers

Mansfield Town’s second string maintained their perfect start to the Central League East Division season this evening, as they tamed Hull City at the One Call Stadium running out 3-1 winners.

Richard Cooper took charge of the Stags who opened the scoring on eight minutes, moments after testing the water with Lindon Meikle’s low cross. Skipper Adam Murray set the goal with a well hit deep free kick which found Ross Dyer; the front man’s powerful header was far too strong for Joe Cracknell in the Hull goal.

Straight from the restart the young Hull side looked to respond as Paul McElroy hit the bar from distance, Liam Marsden and Liam Mitchell also both came to the Stags rescue as the visitors teased the hosts with a number of low crosses from the impressive Sam Topliss.

Adam Murray and Lindon Meikle both came close to finding a second goal for Mansfield, the latter did eventually double the Stags lead on 39 minutes, tapping in the loose ball after Cracknell had pushed away Ross Dyers 18 yard driven effort.

Meikle again came close on the stroke of half time however it would be Hull that struck next, reducing the deficit on 63 minutes as Aaron McLean, Hull’s only senior player, tapped underneath a helpless Liam Mitchell.

Despite Hulls goal and a short spell of sustained pressure, Mansfield remained in control and were handed there just rewards in the second minute of three added on. Junior Daniel impressed in the Stags box heading away a Hull City cross allowing Mansfield to counter – two excellent headers from Dyer and Rhead then played Lee Stevenson clean through on goal, the midfielder made no error in slotting beneath the on rushing keeper to seal the points.

FULL TIME: Mansfield Reserves 3-1 Hull City Reserves

Referee: Declan Bourne

Stags: Liam Mitchell, Liam Marsden, John McCombe, Ryan Tafazolli, Junior Daniel, Louis Briscoe, Adam Murray ©, Lee Stevenson, Lindon Meikle, Ross Dyer, Matt Rhead
Unused Subs: Godfrey Poku, Joe Flint, Jack Thomas, Jack Hawkins, Jason Gregory, Ben Birch.