Archived News from October 2003
|
SPORT FIRST REPORT
|
 |
|
Report from Sport First.
Thanks to Carole for transcribing it: ARTELL SHINES By Lisa Flintham Mansfield left Third Division leaders Hull looking nervously over their shoulders after this fourth successive victory kept up the pressure on the pace setters. Former Manchester City defender Keith Curle's side recorded four straight wins for the first time since 1995 and are now just one point behind Hull; who play Carlisle today, after goals from Chris Beardsley and David Artell. Mansfield dominated the match from start to finish, although York deserved credit for their dogged defending and lightening breaks which kept the home side working hard all afternoon. Curle said “We knew York were going to be a difficult team to break down. Their defensive record isn't bad and you can tell they have some ability. “We know that teams will come here to stop us playing and we have to stick to our guns and make sure we are not caught on the counterattack. It was a disciplined performance. “We must make sure we keep that discipline and not get frustrated and it is important the fans stick with us when teams come here to nullify us. “I was pleased for young Chris Beardsley. He's been on the fringe of things since I have been here, but his chance has come and he took one of three opportunities presented to him. “He was absolutely excellent in training this week, and got his rewards in this match.” It was an afternoon to remember for 18-year-old Beardsley who was making his full debut for Mansfield and was involved in both goals, netting the second himself for his first-ever senior goal. The first goalscorer; defender Artell, was also prominent throughout and deserved his strike. Mark Ovendale was by far the busier of the two goalkeepers in the first half and made a string of good saves. But he was helpless on 31 minutes when Beardsley forced a save from him at the near post when meeting a Liam Lawrence corner. The ball ran loose and defender Artell hammered it home from seven yards. Ovendale made more good saves after half-time while Beardsley saw Stuart Wise in the way on the line as he shot goalwards from seven yards. But the visitor's resistance finally crumbled on 76 minutes as Beardsley's big moment arrived. Another Lawrence corner found the head of Artell and Beardsley made sure with a crucial flick on its way into the net. York, without an away goal in their last five trips, came close seven minutes from time but John Parkin's hitting shot came back off the crossbar. It appeared the events of the day had gotten to the York players as they had three people cautioned. The guilty players Leigh Wood, Dave Merris and Richard Cooper. York player manager Chris Brass, who had limped off injured after 13 minutes said: “We were beaten by a better side. They had a little bit more impetus than us and a little bit more quality in the final third. “This Mansfield side has been together a long time and know each other's games inside out. “They passed the ball well and that's where we want to be too. “We knew it would be difficult as Mansfield are a good side. But we must learn to eradicate certain things. “If you get beaten by a wonder goal from open play then you sometimes have to hold your hands up. But the two we conceded were difficult for me to accept.” |
Latest | October 2003