The Underwhelming Christmas | Stags 1-1 Southend United

Sky Bet League Two | Saturday 19th December – One Call Stadium [Behind Closed Doors]

We all remember that very first Christmas when we were sat down by our parents or grandparents and told the real story about Santa and Christmas – and we remember that feeling of the magic draining away, waking up on Christmas Day feeling completely numb and underwhelmed.

Watching Mansfield over the last three games has left me with the same feeling this Christmas, with yesterday’s 1-1 draw with bottom side Southend the latest feeling of bah bloody humbug.

Nigel Clough pulled no punches in his post-match interview, highlighting it was the poorest display the team had shown during his tenure and that a repeat performance of the first half – would not be accepted.

The first half was so far off the pace and completely stripped of every value and promise we’ve worked towards since Coughlan was rightfully dismissed and we were punished. The second half we showed a little more of what we are about and thankfully levelled through Jordan Bowery’s powerful strike – but in truth it’s another game we’ve completely failed to put distance between ourselves, and the hungry chasing pack.

The last three, no four, games we’ve gone backwards. Crawley, we’re in complete control but switch off and make it ridiculously hard for ourselves and in the end a point is a good one – but it should have been three.

Grimsby, again poor, not being ruthless enough and if it’s not for a penalty we take nothing from the game and the gap opens.

Carlisle is expected but on balance shouldn’t have happened, one moment of quality has undone us and despite good play in midfield, we’re so weak and ineffective in the final third it’s a very easy night for the hosts.

And then yesterday against Southend – the bottom side, regardless of form, should not be coming to our place and dictating the first 45 minutes of play.

I’ve said it a number of times – we need to go back to the diamond in midfield and play to our strengths which is through the middle with support from the wing, not the other way around – with James Perch the lynch-pin at the back, we’ve really missed his experience and composure.

Scunthorpe on Boxing Day – for me a point isn’t enough, we need to show some fight and desire, setting ourselves up for a far better 2021.  

Click HERE to read the clubs official match report.

​STAGS: Marek Stech | Kellan Gordon (Corey O’Keeffe 90), Farrend Rawson, Ryan Sweeney, Mal Benning | Harry Charsley, Ollie Clarke ©, George Maris (Andy Cook 45) | George Lapslie, Jamie Reid (Stephen McLaughlin 53), Jordan Bowery
Unused Subs: Aidan Stone, James Perch, Tyrese Sinclair, Rollin Menayese