Archived News from December 2003
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STAGS BEATEN AT HOME BY IMPS
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Mansfield Town 1 - 2 Lincoln City
Lawrence 34 (pen) Butcher 3, Gain 50 Attendance: 5,797 (1008 from Lincoln) Mansfield Town: Kevin Pilkington, Bobby Hassell, RhYs Day, Dave Artell, Adam Eaton, Wayne Corden, Tom Curtis, Lee Williamson, Liam Lawrence, Junior Mendes, Iyseden Christie. Subs: Colin Larkin (for Corden 77), Neil Mackenzie (for Eaton 83), Jason White, Luke Dimech, Craig Disley. Bookings: Mendes (36), Christie (80), Artell (86) Reports from various sources below: ----------------- Match Statistics (Stags/Imps) 14 Goal Attempts 10 10 On target 6 4 Off target 4 0 Woodwork 0 9 Corners 9 12 Fouls 18 3 Offside 3 ---------------- Footymad.net: Lincoln hung on for their first away win in two months and ended Mansfield's seven-match unbeaten run in a pulsating local derby between two promotion challengers. The Stags, who fell behind for the second time five minutes into the second half created five clear chances to level in a one-sided finish. But Tom Curtis twice fired wide when well placed, Iyseden Christie's snapshot was deflected into the side netting and then their unmarked striker headed wide before Rhys Day was denied by Alan Marriott's save on the line. The Imps had got off to the best possible start, Richard Butcher robbing Lee Williamson in midfield and firing a 30-yard blockbuster into the top corner after just 3 minutes. Mansfield hit back immediately with a spell of heavy pressure and it needed two fine saves by Marriott to beat away Liam Lawrence's close-range volley and then Curtis' long-range strike, The keeper again excelled when he held on to Junior Mendes' shot on the turn, but he was fortunate on the half hour when the unmarked David Artell prodded Wayne Corden's cross straight into the arms of the keeper. The Stags finally converted one of their chances to level in the 34th minute. Paul Morgan gave the ball away in the area and when Ben Futcher tripped Christie, Lawrence converted his sixth penalty of the season. In first-half injury time Lincoln should have regained the lead, keeper Kevin Pilkington dropping a long throw and Simon Yeo firing the loose ball into the side netting from six yards. However, just five minutes later the Imps were back in front. The Stags again struggled to clear a long throw and when Mark Bailey found Peter Gain on the edge of the area the midfielder's low drive through a crowded penalty area found the bottom corner of the net. ----------------- Ananova: FT: Mansfield Town 1 Lincoln City 2 Peter Gain scored his second goal of the season to guide Lincoln to a valuable 2-1 victory over promotion rivals Mansfield. Gain was on hand to drive Mark Bailey's pass into the net shortly after half-time to end a run of two successive defeats for the visitors. City had dominated from the kick-off and broke the deadlock in the opening minutes. Richard Butcher collected the ball 25 yards from goal and unleashed a sensational strike which flew past goalkeeper Kevin Pilkington and into the net. But Mansfield were gifted an equaliser when Ben Futcher brought down Iyseden Christie inside the box. Liam Lawrence lashed home the penalty, but Gain had the final word with a quality finish. ----------- |
Latest | December 2003