Season 21/22 Stagsnet Match Report
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Mansfield Town
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Exeter City
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Rawson 34, Longstaff 67.
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Jay 90+5
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Attendance: 6,702 (392 from Exeter)
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Date: 4 March 2022
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WHAT A NIGHT AS STAGS BEAT EXETER
Martin Shaw at the One Call Stadium, Field Mill What a night it was at the One Call Stadium last night as Mansfield Town beat Exeter City to march into the top 3 in League Two. This was the Stags’ 10th home win on the trot in the league equalling the club record in the Football League (set in 1949). When Mansfield lost at Exeter in October, the Stags dropped into the bottom two in the table. Exeter were 4th in the table at the time, and were still in the same position yesterday before the Stags leapfrogged them after the game. Since that day in October, Mansfield have played 18 games in the league, losing just one, winning 14 and drawing 3. The Stags are unbeaten for 14 league games. We have also won at Sunderland and Doncaster in the FA Cup before bowing out to Middlesbrough in a brilliant game. It is an incredible run, after going 14 league and cup games without a win. All this against an Exeter side that have not lost at Mansfield in the last 11 games: 7 wins for Exeter and 4 draws. It was in March 1998 that the Stags last beat Exeter here, 3-2. And you have to go back to 1985 for Mansfield’s previous win before that. And all this in front of Mansfield’s biggest attendance in the league this season at home of 6,702. It was the highest attendance in the home stands (6,310) since we were promoted back from the Conference. (see footnote *) The atmosphere was again pulsating, and it vindicated the decision to move the game, as a one-off, to a Friday night. David Sharpe had explained at the recent fans forum: “One of the reasons behind switching the Exeter game (to a Friday night), we both believe this place under lights is a special place to play football (in an unbelievable atmosphere). Exeter weren't going to bring many (supporters) on a Saturday anyway. But I personally felt, the less (supporters) they (Exeter) bring, the better for us. Any advantage we can get is great.” And Nigel Clough had added: “It is different at night matches (the atmosphere), the floodlights and everything, I don't know what it is.” The game itself was a great advert for League Two. Two sides playing very good football. Exeter themselves were on a fantastic run, they had won 6 and drawn 2 of their previous 8 league games. The first half was tight, but the Stags were deservedly ahead at the break. The goal that separated the sides came after 34 minutes from the unlikeliest of sources as Farrend Rawson scored his first goal in a Stags shirt in his 76th game. Matty Longstaff, in his first game at the One Call Stadium, cut in from the left, and chipped in a cross from just inside the area towards Rhys Oates. The ball was missed by Oates and defender Sam Stubbs (**), leaving Rawson unmarked in the six yard box to stab the ball past the keeper. (** on further review of the video, the ball appears to very slightly deflect off Stubbs’s back. I have still given the assist to Longstaff). The Stags had other efforts at goal as Stephen McLaughlin had a shot blocked and sent another from 28 yards just over the bar, while Longstaff sent a crisp shot from 20 yards straight at the keeper. Plenty of good moves from the Stags as well, especially down the left. However Exeter had gone closest to scoring apart from the goal when Nathan Bishop made a fine save palming over a shot from 8 yards from Kieran Phillips after Phillips had weaved his way past Hewitt, Stirk and Longstaff. Into the second half, and Mansfield could have increased the lead as Jamie Murphy crossed from the left and Oates headed over the bar unmarked. But after 59 minutes, two brilliant saves from Bishop kept Mansfield in front. Bishop got down to his left to save one-handed from Josh Coley’s shot from 8 yards, Coley retrieved the loose ball and fired goalwards again, Bishop this time saving with his legs. That proved crucial as the Stags opened up a two goal lead after 67 minutes. McLaughlin fired in a low cross from the left, level with the edge of the six yard box, and Longstaff was left unmarked ten yards out to fire into the net left footed. Longstaff’s second goal in consecutive games, and a goal on his home debut to add to his earlier assist. It was nearly 3-0 after 79 minutes. Bowery got into the area on the right, played across to Oates, with his back to goal near the penalty spot. Oates knocked the ball up, turned and in one movement volleyed just wide of the right post. Exeter put the Stags under pressure in the closing minutes. Jake Caprice, who had an excellent game at left wing-back, cut inside and fired a low shot straight at Bishop from 30 yards. Then on 90 minutes, a corner from the right by Exeter sub Jack Sparkes was turned just wide at the far post by another sub Sam Nombe. Exeter went even closer after 90+2 minutes. Nombe lifted the ball goalwards from an angle on the left, 6 yards out, over Bishop, Hewitt and sub Wallace, the ball hit the inside of the right post, bounced along the line, was missed by another Exeter sub Ozzy Zanzala who only had to touch it to turn it in, and into the grateful arms of Bishop on the line. An extraordinary escape for the Stags. Exeter did pull a goal back that their play deserved after 90+5 minutes, with 20 seconds of stoppage time remaining. Josh Key curled a high ball from the right into the area, Bishop made a mess of dealing with it on his line, and could only push the ball out to Matt Jay who had an empty net to fire into from 4 yards. A bad mistake from Bishop. A rare mistake from him though and his earlier excellent saves had kept the Stags in front. It was a great win for the Stags and just about deserved against a very good Exeter City side. The Stags are in the top 3, possibly only for 24 hours, but still have games in hand over other sides around them. No game in midweek, but then another huge game next Friday night, away to Tranmere Rovers, who are level on points with the Stags before Saturday’s games. If you can’t get to the game, you will again be able to watch it with us on iFollow Stags. DETAILED REPORT : The pitch was heavy, particularly in front of the West Stand, where the rain covers had been on to protect from heavy overnight and morning rain. Fortunately the rain had stopped at lunchtime. I believe that if heavy rain had persisted through the afternoon and early evening, the game would have been in doubt. Mansfield made one change from the side that won at Bradford. Bowery came in for Maris, who was on the bench. There were no other changes in the 18. O’Toole and Hawkins remained out through suspension. Hawkins is available for the next game, at Tranmere. O’Toole has one more game out and will be available for the Port Vale game. Bowery was up front on the left with Oates on the right. Murphy was behind the front two though played quite a lot on the left. Longstaff (right), Stirk (middle), Quinn (left) were in the midfield. Exeter were without Jevani Brown and Chiek Diabate who were both injured in their last game. Brown has been their best player in recent matches and was a big loss. Surprisingly they dropped Sam Nombe, their second top scorer, to the bench. Former Stag Colin 'Junior' Daniel, is now on loan at Aldershot, while Padraig Amond is out with a long term injury. Inside the opening two minutes there was a great tackle from Hewitt on Kieran Phillips as he threatened to run in on goal. At the other end after 7 minutes, McLaughlin had a shot from 25 yards blocked. A great move from the Stags down the left after 11 minutes: McLaughlin played a 1-2 with Quinn, McLaughlin played inside to Bowery, who then fed Quinn on the wing, and then a ball down the line for McLaughlin but the offside flag was up. Great football. After 15 minutes a McLaughlin free kick was cleared to Longstaff, who controlled the ball and sent a crisp shot from 20 yards straight at the keeper. Exeter went close to scoring after 17 minutes when Bishop made a fine save palming over a shot from 8 yards from Kieran Phillips after Phillips had weaved his way past Hewitt, Stirk and Longstaff. More great football from the Stags after 25 minutes, keeping the ball for a minute or so, before Murphy crossed from the left, just over the diving Longstaff at the far post. After 30 minutes, there was a minute’s applause marking 30 years of Ukraine independence, to show solidarity with Ukraine. The referee stopped play as the ball went out of play, so that the players and management could join in with the applause. The goal that separated the sides at the break came after 34 minutes from the unlikeliest of sources as Farrend Rawson scored his first goal in a Stags shirt in his 76th game. Longstaff, in his first game at the One Call Stadium, cut in from the left, and chipped in a cross from just inside the area towards Oates. The ball was missed by Oates and defender Sam Stubbs (**), leaving Rawson unmarked in the six yard box to stab the ball past the keeper. (** on further review of the video, the ball appears to very slightly deflect off Stubbs’s back. I have still given the assist to Longstaff). McLaughlin sent in another shot, this time from 28 yards, just over the bar, after 36 minutes. Exeter left wing-back Jake Caprice got past Akins to the byline after 38 minutes, and he fired in a hard low cross which Bishop gobbled up. Then on 44 minutes, Caprice tried his luck with a shot from 30 yards which Bishop pushed away as it bounced awkwardly in front of him. The Stags ahead at the break, and just about deservedly so in a tight game. Some great passing and movement. Half time 1-0 After 48 minutes, a great turn and run by Bowery into the box but the ball just ran away from him before he could get in a shot. Three minutes later, a brilliant sliding tackle by McLaughlin on the half way line allowed Murphy to send Oates away to the edge of the box, he got in a shot which was deflected away by Pierce Sweeney. After 54 minutes, a soft low shot from Caprice from 15 yards was straight at Bishop. A good move from the Stags again after 56 minutes, Quinn crossed in but the keeper was able to catch it with Bowery looking for a header at the far post. Straight to the other end and Josh Coley cut inside from the left and shot wide of the left post. Mansfield could have increased the lead after 57 minutes as Murphy crossed from the left and Oates headed over the bar unmarked. But after 59 minutes, two brilliant saves from Bishop kept Mansfield in front. Bishop got down to his left to save one-handed from Josh Coley’s shot from 8 yards, Coley retrieved the loose ball and fired goalwards again, Bishop this time saving with his legs. After 64 minutes, another stunning move from Mansfield: McLaughlin to Quinn to Bowery to Stirk to Murphy. Murphy turned and ran forward before laying the ball into the path of Bowery to run on to in the box but Bowery was superbly tacked by the excellent Sam Stubbs (son of Alan Stubbs) before he could get in a shot. On 66 minutes, Matt Jay turned a sent a low shot straight at Bishop from 18 yards. I had thought he was offside but video footage shows he wasn’t. Those Bishop saves just before the hour proved crucial as the Stags opened up a two goal lead after 67 minutes. McLaughlin fired in a low cross from the left, level with the edge of the six yard box, and Longstaff was left unmarked ten yards out to fire into the net left footed. Longstaff’s second goal in consecutive games, and a goal on his home debut to add to his earlier assist. McLaughlin's cross took the slightest of deflections off Stubbs, but I have still credited the assist to him. After 76 minutes, Oates won the ball on the left, ran along the byline and crossed to Longstaff but the ball was bundled behind. It looked as though it should have been a corner but the referee gave a goal kick. Caprice got to the byline after 78 minutes and crossed in, the ball was headed up and Bishop caught it on his line. Mansfield made their first change after 79 minutes as Lapslie replaced Longstaff. It was nearly 3-0 after 79 minutes. Bowery got into the area on the right, played across to Oates, with his back to goal near the penalty spot. Oates knocked the ball up, turned and in one movement volleyed just wide of the right post. Wallace replaced Quinn after 83 minutes. Perch replaced Oates after 90 minutes. Exeter put the Stags under pressure in the closing minutes. Caprice cut inside and fired a low shot straight at Bishop from 30 yards after 88 minutes. Then on 90 minutes, a corner from the right by Exeter sub Jack Sparkes was turned just wide at the far post by another sub Sam Nombe. Exeter went even closer after 90+2 minutes. Nombe lifted the ball goalwards from an angle on the left, 6 yards out, over Bishop, Hewitt and sub Wallace, the ball hit the inside of the right post, bounced along the line, was missed by another Exeter sub Ozzy Zanzala who only had to touch it to turn it in, and into the grateful arms of Bishop on the line. An extraordinary escape for the Stags. Exeter did pull a goal back that their play deserved after 90+5 minutes, with 20 seconds of stoppage time remaining. Josh Key curled a high ball from the right into the area, Bishop made a mess of dealing with it on his line, and could only push the ball out to Matt Jay who had an empty net to fire into from 4 yards. A bad mistake from Bishop, who misjudged the cross. A rare mistake from him though and his earlier excellent saves had kept the Stags in front. Wallace restarted the game and sent the ball out for a throw-in in the perfect place right by the Exeter corner flag allowing the Stags to pin Exeter in and not release the ball forward in the remaining 20 seconds. Nigel Clough told me after the game this was perfect play from Wallace, and he had wanted Quinn to do the same in a previous game, but Quinn had put it out too close to the halfway line. Great celebrations at the final whistle, as we’ve become used to after Stags victories. Farrend Rawson was my man of the match, for a great display in central defence and of course his all-important first goal. Elliott Hewitt alongside him was also very good in central defence. McLaughlin had yet another good game at left back, with excellent defensive work and going forward. Akins also had a good game, up against the excellent Caprice. Hawkins is available next week against Tranmere, and I expect him to come straight back into the side, with Hewitt reverting to right back, and Akins slotting in somewhere else. Bishop was a candidate for my man of the match until his mistake in the final minute, but as I said already, his earlier brilliant saves had been crucial. Exeter boss Matt Taylor said after the game: “They have a good goalkeeper and he is probably one of the best in the league”. The midfield was very good again, with some wonderful moves, passing, and flowing football. Murphy had his best game for the Stags in my opinion, and Bowery was good going forward and defending set pieces. Rhys Oates was a little below his recent very high standard, but he can’t be outstanding every game. A word on Exeter. They play the game in the right way, no dark arts or play-acting. And they play good football. And credit to their manager Matt Taylor who always gives an honest assessment after the game. He described Mansfield as a “really impressive team." And said he would be "very surprised if they finish outside the top 3”. Man of the Match: Farrend Rawson Here’s a running tally of various stats this season: Goals (league and cup): Oates 9, Johnson 7, Bowery, Hawkins 6, O.Clarke, Lapslie, McLaughlin 4, Maris, O’Toole 3, Charsley, Longstaff 2, Caine, Forrester, Hewitt, Quinn, Rawson, Sinclair, Stirk 1. 1 OG Assists (league and cup): McLaughlin 9, Oates 6, Quinn 5, Bowery 4, Charsley, O.Clarke, Johnson, Sinclair 3, Hawkins, Maris, Rawson, Stirk 2, J.Clarke, Gale, Hewitt, Lapslie, Law, Longstaff, Murphy 1 (note: in the case of a penalty, the player who earns the penalty gets an assist. In the case of a solo goal, such as Maris against Newport at home, nobody gets an assist. In the case of the scorer scoring from the rebound after a shot is saved or blocked, the player who had the shot saved gets an assist. In the case of an own goal, the player who caused the own goal gets an assist, for example McLaughlin against Newport away where his shot was deflected in for an own goal.) Average home league attendance: 4898 (average away fans: 527, average home fans 4372) footnote (*): the game was switched from non-all-ticket to all-ticket the day before the game. The capacity in the home stands in the case of an all-ticket game is about 7000, and for a non-all-ticket game is about 6400. For an all-ticket game, the capacity is higher, but the club cannot sell tickets on the day of the game. |
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Report by: Martin Shaw at the One Call Stadium, Field Mill
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Line Up:
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(4-3-1-2)
Bishop 8 Was a candidate for my man of the match until his mistake in the final minute. Made three brilliant saves, one in the first half from Phillips, then two in quick succession from Coley in the second half, which were all crucial. Made a mistake for Exeter’s consolation goal, which was late enough not to affect the victory. Exeter boss Matt Taylor said after the game: “They have a good goalkeeper and he is probably one of the best in the league”. Akins 7 Had a good game at right back, up against the excellent Caprice. Did well going forward. Rawson 9 My man of the match, for a great display in central defence and of course his all-important first goal. Hewitt 8 Great tackle in the opening two minutes set him up for a very good performance in central defence. McLaughlin 8.5 Yet another very good game at left back, with excellent defensive work and going forward, including an assist for the second goal. Longstaff 8 Scored his second goal in consecutive games, on his home debut, and got an assist for the first goal. After the game Nigel Clough said: "A brilliant ball in from Matty Longstaff (for the first goal). He wasn't as influential as he was last week, but he has made one and scored one." Stirk 8 Really good game in the centre of midfield. Quinn 8 Involved in lots of excellent moves down the left. Murphy 8 Had his best game for the Stags in my opinion. Started behind the front two though played quite a lot on the left, and linked up very well with McLaughlin and Quinn. Got better as the game went on. Oates 6.5 A little below his recent very high standard in my opinion, but he can’t be outstanding every game. One good turn and shot. Bowery 7.5 Up front alongside Oates, a good game with some good runs into the box and involved in plenty of good moves. Also defended set pieces well. |
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Sub Line Up:
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Lapslie (for Longstaff, 79 mins) - Did very well when he came on.
Wallace (for Quinn, 83 mins) - Perch (for Oates, 90 mins) - Subs not used: Stech, Maris, O.Clarke, Johnson. |
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Opposition Line Up:
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(3-4-1-2) Cameron Dawson; Pierce Sweeney, Sam Stubbs, Jonathan Grounds (Jack Sparkes, 72); Josh Key, Archie Collins, Timothee Dieng, Jake Caprice; Matt Jay; Josh Coley (Offrande Zanzala, 78), Kieran Phillips (Sam Nombe, 62). Subs not used: Scott Brown, Alex Hartridge, Nigel Atangana, Kyle Taylor.
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Referee:
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Ollie Yates 8 Handled the game very well. Nigel Clough said: "The referee said he enjoyed it too. No yellow cards, which is highly unusual in modern day football. He said: I wasn't even close to giving one."
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