RUN OF DEFEATS ENDED WITH A SHARE OF THE SPOILS

Mansfield Town (FTYBR) 2 Northampton Town (Claret Shoemakers) 2 

On a surprisingly freezing Mid-March morning, FTYBR FC took to the field against Claret Shoemakers (Northampton Town Supporters) hoping to put to an end a run of five defeats.

The side had a several absentees in the experienced Dave Baxter, Ian Hoult, Scott Latkowski, Stuart Eggleshaw and Michael Scothron, but Manager; Steve Hartshorn had confidence in the side he had chosen. FTYBR FC started the game with Nick Sankey in goal and a back four, left to right of Andy Holmes, Jamie Wheatman, James Brunt and Ady Coupe.  The midfield consisted of Wayne Sharpe on the left, Craig Ploughman on the right and James Brown and James Bird in the centre, up front, Gary Bird and Drew Stokes. Phil Waddington and Martin Clark on the bench.

The Stags side started brightly and controlled the early exchanges but without worrying the visitors keeper too much. Gary Bird was causing the Cobblers defence a number of problems with his pace but the finishing touch was missing as Bird, Ploughman and Brunt all missed great opportunities to give the home side the lead.

The visitors to their credit were also playing nice football and on several occasions Sankey had to be alert to deny them opportunities of taking the lead.

Just before the half time break FTYBR created the best move of the game when a fine ball from Captain for the day, James Bird, found Drew Stokes on the right hand side, Stokes headed for the bye-line before centring perfectly for his striking partner, Gary Bird who beat the defender to the ball but was frustrated to see the Cobblers keeper make a fine near post save.

The 2^nd half started in much the same vain as the first with the game having a competitive edge but to both sides credit being played in a perfect spirit of supporter friendliness.

FTYBR FC edged ahead when James Bird and Craig Ploughman won the ball on the edge of the Cobblers box, with Cobblers cries for a free kick, the ball was centred and Wayne Sharpe looped an effort over the keeper into the back of the net. Referee, Craig Kerry waved away the protest and the goal stood. The Cobblers could have had fair point to argue about the goal, but to their credit, rolled up their sleeves and got on with the game.

On 57 minutes, FTYBR went a further goal ahead when James Bird broke through the centre of the Northampton defence and confidently stroked the ball under the Cobblers keeper.

One minute later it could have been 3-0 but for save from the Cobblers keeper. A fine ball played through for Gary Bird saw the young striker’s pace leave the Cobblers defence behind, but when facing a one on one was frustrated to see the keeper finger tip the ball away and the chance was gone.

On the hour mark, The Northampton side were awarded a free kick. Whereas in the first half their free kick efforts failed to trouble Sankey in the Stags goal, this opportunity was taken well. 2-1.

Both sides were now going full out to get another goal. A goal for the Stags side would have finished the game, a goal for the Cobblers would mean that they would be right back in it and either side knew the importance.

Chances for both sides came and went with James Brunt causing problems from corner kicks and Sankey having to be at his best to block a goal-bound effort with his legs.

Phil Waddington was introduced up front in place of the hard working and dangerous Drew Stokes as Manager, Steve Hartshorn tried to freshen things up front in an attempt to get what would have been a game wining goal.

Northampton upped the pressure in search of an equaliser and at times, the home side defended in desperation hoping to gain all three IFA league points.

On 82 minutes, the equaliser came. The ball dropped and was hit on the volley from 20 yards, the ball hitting the back of the net, leaving Sankey routed to the spot. Ironically the goal was scored by the Cobblers player who had played in goal during the first half. It was in truth a great finish and worthy of earning his side a share of the spoils.

A frantic final eight minutes saw chances for both sides but in the end a draw seemed to both sets of players a fair result.

The Stags supporters’ man of the match (awarded by the opposition team) was rightly given to Craig Ploughman who tackled well and took players on with confidence throughout the game.

Manager, Steve Hartshorn satisfied if not a little disappointed.

“At 2-0 I thought the side had done enough to come away with the win, but credit to Northampton they battled back and in the end, deserved a share of the points. I was pleased though with the performance and also pleased that the game was played in the right way. The Cobblers lads seem a great bunch and I hope they enjoyed their day in Mansfield, despite their sides defeat in the afternoon.” 

Squad details

Sankey, Coupe, Holmes, Brunt, Wheatman, Sharpe, Brown, Bird J, Ploughman, Stokes, Bird G, Waddington, Clark.

 Man of The Match  v Northampton Town - Craig Ploughman