Archived News from January 2022
|
CLOUGH, CHARSLEY AND MATT TAYLOR REACTION
|
 |
|
Stags overcame Walsall ‘hurdle’ - says manager
mansfieldtown.net, Saturday 15th January 2022 Mansfield Town manager Nigel Clough believes his side overcame a ‘hurdle’ after beating ‘experienced’ Walsall 2-0 at One Call Stadium this afternoon. The resilient display ensured the Stags recorded a ninth win in ten league games. The boss believes the victory carries extra significance as Mansfield climb into the play-off positions. “I felt it was more important [than the Swindon victory],” said the Stags' boss. “They’re a good, experienced team. https://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/2022/january/stags-overcame-walsall-hurdle---says-manager/ “We knew they’d cause us problems today. “It was lovely to get over that hurdle.” The win came courtesy of two fine finishes from substitute Harry Charsley. “It [the substitution] was enforced unfortunately. Ollie Clarke was feeling his hamstring but you can’t have much more of an impact [than Charsley’s]. “We had a little dig on Tuesday night that the subs that came on weren’t quite at the speed of the game. “I said to him to come on and win the game. “That’s the sort of impact you want your substitutes to have. That just proves, you pick the eleven but it’s not always about [just] the eleven,” the manager said. The Stags’ chief believes the weather played a part in slowing down the tempo of the game. “It was a difficult pitch today. It was a completely different game to the other night,” said the gaffer. “It was a little bit tricky the pitch, in terms of getting the ball down and playing fluid football and Walsall are an unbelievably honest side who came to stop us playing. “[Walsall] Also came to be a threat like they were at their place with the lad on the break [George Miller] and he caused us problems all game.” The boss was keen to highlight the importance of midfielder George Maris’ display in keeping the score level prior to the Stags taking the lead. “I said to them at half-time 'just don’t concede today' and I thought the turning point in the game wasn’t the first goal [but] it was a few minutes before that when George Maris kept one out on the line. “It [Maris’ heroic block] typifies the spirit [in the squad] and the teamwork [in the dressing room]. “He’s back in there as a midfielder, it hit him in the face and he’s keeping it out the goal. “Two or three minutes later,[we get a] a long throw and we get the break from it and we’re 1-0 up.” The boss was pleased to see his side their first victory with a two-goal deficit since the 3-1 win at home to Scunthorpe in November. “It’s lovely to go and get that second one, even with two minutes to go,” he said. “To go and get that second one so that we’re not hanging on [was great to see] because usually we have one-goal games. “It’s much nicer when you get that cushion.” The manager provided an update on the absence of Ryan Stirk from the squad and the injuries to fellow midfielders Ollie Clarke and George Lapslie. “He [Stirk] tested positive after the game on Tuesday night, on Wednesday, I think. “He should be [available for Forest Green in midweek]. If he gets a couple of negatives [tests then he’ll be] available for Tuesday. “His [Ollie Clarke’s] hamstring just tightened up so we’ll see how he is over the weekend, but I’d think he would be a doubt [for Forest Green]. “George Lapslie’s not too far away and if we can get Ryan Stirk back involved as well that will cover us more in midfield.” On the ongoing contract talks with defender John-Joe O’Toole, the boss issued an update. “We’ve got a deadline of Monday,” the gaffer revealed. “One way or another we’ll get an announcement out on Monday.” Watch the manager's interview in full by clicking here. --------------- Boss Nigel Clough delighted to see sub Harry Charsley take his chance with brace against Walsall as Mansfield Town soar into play-off spots chad.co.uk, By John Lomas, Saturday 15th January 2022 Manager Nigel Clough said he couldn't take the credit for second half super sub Harry Charsley's match-winning brace as Stags beat Walsall 2-0 to go into the play-off spots this afternoon. Charsley was the hero, but Clough said: “It was an enforced change unfortunately as Ollie Clarke felt his hamstring, but Harry couldn't have had much more of an impact. “We had a little dig on Tuesday night that the subs who came on weren't quite at the speed of the game. “Today I told him to go on and win the game and that's the sort of impact you want your substitutes to have. It just proves it's not all about the XI you pick. https://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/boss-nigel-clough-delighted-to-see-sub-harry-charsley-take-his-chance-with-brace-against-walsall-as-mansfield-town-soar-into-play-off-spots-3529029 “It was his sort of game in those conditions today, scrappy and hard-fought. He has come up with two good finishes. “Usually we have had one goal games, so it's much nicer when you have that two goal cushion at the end.” He added: “It was a difficult pitch today in terms of getting it down and playing football and Walsall are an unbelievably honest side, who came to stop us playing and be a threat on the break. “I thought the turning point of the game today wasn't the first goal but came a few minutes before when George Maris kept one out on the line. “It typified the team work and spirit that he's back in there as a midfielder. It hit him in the face. “Overall we did enough to win the game and it was good to get over that hurdle today as we knew they'd cause us problems.” Stags have now won nine out of 10 league games and six in a row to finally arrive in the mix and Clough said: “To come from second bottom to where we are, we're now looking up rather than down which is nice and we're in good spirits going to the runaway leaders Forest Green on Tuesday night. “Every game won't be brilliant with great, fluid football and lots of chances, but the fans know that and as long as that effort is there, we will find a bit of quality and shine through.” Ryan Stirk missed the game with Covid but could be available for Tuesday night and Clough also said a final decision on the future of John-Joe O'Toole would be made on Monday with Doncaster Rovers favourites to sign him on a better deal than Stags can offer. ------------------ Stags ‘buzzing’ as outstanding run continues - Charsley mansfieldtown.net, Saturday 15th January 2022 Harry Charsley says his teammates are ‘buzzing’ after the midfielder’s brace in Mansfield’s 2-0 home victory over Walsall claimed a ninth league win in ten games for the Stags. The 25-year-old says that the team’s hard work and confidence has propelled Mansfield on their impressive run, which has also seen Nigel Clough’s side win seven consecutive league games at One Call Stadium. Charsley opened the scoring in the fixture against the Saddlers in the 57th minute by converting a bouncing ball inside the box. That was before the midfielder linked up with Jordan Bowery to seal the victory in the 89th minute. https://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/2022/january/stags-buzzing-as-outstanding-run-continues---charsley/ “The first one just dropped to me from the long throw-in,” he said. “I just managed to put it away. “The second one, me and Jordan [Bowery] linked up well on the right-hand side and [I] managed to squeeze it in at the near post. “The team battled really well first-half and he [manager Nigel Clough] wanted more of the same second half. That’s what we tried to do and I think we did it well. “I was delighted to get the second [goal] and the lads were to. [It] was great to see [the game] off, great to get two goals and great to get three points.” The Everton academy product felt that Mansfield’s hard work in training played an important role in their victory over Walsall. “Today was about winning [our] battles and working really hard,” said Charsley. “I think it was a great performance from the team over the 90 minutes. “It was a tough battle out there [and] to get three points against really tough opposition, the lads are buzzing. “We all train really hard. We believe in each other. “I think confidence has grown each game. We keep getting results and confidence is high, so long may it continue.” Next up for Charsley and Mansfield is a tough away test against league leaders Forest Green Rovers on Tuesday night. The midfielder acknowledged the task in hand and alluded to Mansfield’s impressive support. “It will be a tough game away from home,” he said. “Last year we managed to get a result [away to Forest Green], so hopefully [we can] again this season. “It was a great atmosphere again [today]. They [the supporters] have been really good for us especially in the last ten minutes of games when we need to dig deep. “It was another great performance from them today as well. “It’s been really good, everyone is in good spirits [and] we just want to push on.” -------------------- Confidence growing with every win, says Mansfield Town two-goal hero Harry Charsley chad.co.uk, By John Lomas, Saturday 15th January 2022 Mansfield Town two-goal hero Harry Charsley said confidence was growing as Stags' winning run continued with today's 2-0 home win over Walsall. Charsley struck twice in the second half to make it six league wins in a row and nine out of 10 to move into the play-off spots and he smiled: “We believe in each other and confidence has grown each games as we keep getting results. “Everyone is in good spirits and we just want to push on. https://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/confidence-growing-with-every-win-says-mansfield-town-two-goal-hero-harry-charsley-3529041 “It was a great performance from the team first and foremost for the 90 minutes. “It was a tough battle out there and to get three points today against a really tough opposition, the lads are buzzing.” On his goals, he said: “The first one dropped to me from a long throw and I just managed to put it away. “Me and Jordan (Bowery) linked up well for the second down the right hand side and I just managed to squeeze it in at the near post. “I was obviously delighted to get the second, and the lads were too, as it make it calmer in the last few minutes of the game at just 1-0. “The pitch wasn't easy, so today was all about winning your battles, winning second balls and working really hard.” ------------------- Matt Taylor told the Walsall twitter feed: "If the game had finished 0-0, that would have been a fair result." --------------------- Matt Taylor: Scoreline was harsh on Walsall expressandstar.com, By Joe Edwards, Saturday 15th January 2022 Matt Taylor has expressed his disappointment after Walsall's defeat at Mansfield Town, insisting: "I don't think it was a 2-0 game." The Saddlers lacked a killer touch as they were downed by two Harry Charsley strikes at Field Mill. Just before the Stags took the lead, Walsall had George Miller have a shot cleared off the line, and Taylor was left to rue missed opportunities while feeling the scoreline was harsh on them. On the Miller miss and Charsley opener, Taylor said: "That's the game there and then. "We've created some really good opportunities by playing a different way - we had to because of the surface and the opposition. "When the players stuck to the game-plan, we got chances. We looked competitive. "I was pleased at half-time, with the desire the players showed. https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/walsall-fc/2022/01/15/matt-taylor-scoreline-was-harsh-on-walsall/ "When you get those chances away from home, you've got to score. "We didn't do that, and then we didn't defend a set play and make them work hard enough for that goal. "The second goal flatters them as we were pushing and trying to get back into the game. "We'd gone two up front, so you're always going to be vulnerable. "I'm disappointed. There were signs of real competitiveness, and the players are extremely disappointed. "I don't think it was a 2-0 game. I've got to be perfectly honest. "I'll accept it when we get beaten well, but we had enough opportunities to get something from the game. "When you don't take chances, you make it very difficult for yourself." It was the third game without a win for the Saddlers, while they have only won one of their last eight across all competitions. Charsley's first came after Walsall failed to deal with a long throw-in, while the second saw him finish off a neat counter-attack and punish slack marking. "We dealt with their threat for the majority and got into the final third ourselves, but we weren't ruthless enough," said Taylor. "We've got to score. I can't stand here and make excuses, we've got to score. "George is fully aware he should score there, and if you score that, it changes the complexion of the game. "That's football in a nutshell. When you don't take your opportunities, you're always vulnerable." Meanwhile, Taylor addressed Otis Khan's absence from the squad and said it was due to the winger being ill. Khan's current deal with the Saddlers is days from expiring, and the club have been in discussions over fresh terms. But the boss said him not being involved was nothing to do with his contract situation. Taylor added: "He's ill. I found out this morning that he's been ill during the night, so he wasn't available. "It's difficult. Hopefully, the illness isn't severe, and he'll be back with us soon." --------------------- Scoreline flattered Mansfield Town believes Walsall boss Matt Taylor chad.co.uk, By John Lomas, Saturday 15th January 2022 Walsall manager Matt Taylor felt the 2-0 scoreline flattered Mansfield Town as his battling Saddlers came up short at the One Call Stadium this afternoon. “We have created some good opportunities today playing a different way, which we had to do with the surface and the opposition,” he said. “We were compact in our shape first half and I was pleased at half-time with the real desire the players showed. “But when you get those big chances away from home you have got to score. https://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/scoreline-flattered-mansfield-town-believes-walsall-boss-matt-taylor-3529037 “We didn't do that and we conceded from a set play and didn't make them work hard enough for their second goal, which flattered them. “I don't think that was a 2-0 game today to be fair. “We were pushing and trying to get back in the game so you're always going to be vulnerable. “I will accept it when we get beat well but today we had enough opportunities to get something from the game.” He said: “It was disappointing but there were signs of real competitiveness with the players. “You could see the confidence Mansfield had from winning games and that comes from a clear structure. “You see the way they play - they are big and strong and have good centre forwards. They get the ball to them very quickly and they are effective. But we dealt with that well most of the game. “As a team I still don't think we have hit anywhere the heights we need to with the talent we've got. “But we won't panic. With where we are, the only way we can look in the league is up.” The game swung over three second half minutes as George Maris denied George Miller on the line before Harry Charsley scored the first of his two goals. “That was the game there and then in a nutshell,” said Taylor. ----------------- Taylor reflects on Mansfield defeat https://www.saddlers.co.uk/news/2022/january/taylor-reflects-on-mansfield-defeat/ Walsall Head Coach Matt Taylor was left to rue his team’s lack of cutting edge in decisiveness moments after Saturday’s defeat to Mansfield Town. Half-time substitute Harry Charsley scored a brace to condemn the Saddlers to back-to-back defeats in Sky Bet League Two. It proved to be a frustrating afternoon for Taylor and the players, particularly after they came close to taking the lead just minutes before Mansfield’s opener. “We had a fantastic opportunity to score and within a period of minutes we go and concede,” Taylor said. “I felt that when we stuck to the gameplan we were a real threat and we got into some fantastic areas. “You see the pitch; it wasn’t conducive to play in the way we normally would so it was a case of competing and fighting and I thought in the first half we did that really well. “George has had two really good attempts, should score one of them at least and that was the difference. “We know that we’re going to create chances, we know as a team that that’s always going to be the case but we didn’t take them and then we didn’t defend anywhere near well enough. I haven’t seen the goal back, the players suggested there might be an infringement or foul in that goal but I haven’t seen it but we’ve got to be stronger and we’ve got to deal with it better. “The second goal, we’re pushing to try and get ourselves back into the game. We make substitutions to make sure that it gives us a better chance of scoring and we get hit because we don’t do the right thing when the ball drops to us. “I thought there we signs we were more competitive, which is great. The moments in games where they really turn and the big moments, we weren’t first in any of those today and that’s what’s disappointing. “The players are upset and we’ve got to bounce back. We’ve got a group of players in the dressing room who are extremely disappointed they haven’t got anything here because I felt we deserved it.” Saturday saw a first league start of the season for defender Tom Leak and Taylor felt the defender acquitted himself to a difficult task well. “Tom did well,” he commented. “It was a big test for him, he hasn’t played much football this season so for him to come in for what I consider a good pairing in the first half and then dealing with the front three, a different threat with the way they play up to Hawkins when he plays up there and I thought Tom dealt well with it. “He’s a young player who’s got a huge amount of development to come.” -------------------- "We Weren't Ruthless Enough" - Matt Taylor Reacts as Walsall Suffer Another Defeat Walsall Head Coach Matthew Taylor spoke to the press following the Saddlers' League Two meeting with Mansfield Town. Speaking after his side suffered their second defeat in as many games, Taylor admitted he was disappointed as the Saddlers were punished for their lack of cutting edge in the final third. A brace from second-half substitute Harry Charsley saw the Stags secure all three points, with both goals arriving shortly after the Saddlers had squandered an opening of their own, something Taylor agrees can't be allowed to happen. Despite creating very little in front of goal - the Saddlers securing just three shots on target - Taylor also insisted a two-nil scoreline was harsh on his side, as he believes they deserved to take something from the game. Speaking to the assembled media, Matt said; "That's the game, there and then. "We've created some really good opportunities by playing a different way - we had to because of the surface and the opposition. When the players stuck to the game-plan, we got chances. "We looked competitive. I was pleased at half-time, with the desire the players showed. When you get those chances away from home, you've got to score. "We didn't do that, and then we didn't defend a set play and make them work hard enough for that goal. The second goal flatters them as we were pushing and trying to get back into the game. "We'd gone two up front, so you're always going to be vulnerable. I'm disappointed. There were signs of real competitiveness, and the players are extremely disappointed. "I don't think it was a 2-0 game. I've got to be perfectly honest. I'll accept it when we get beaten well, but we had enough opportunities to get something from the game. When you don't take chances, you make it very difficult for yourself." The result sees the Saddlers winless in their last three league games, and with very little to show for their recent endeavours. Despite the team beginning the match in better form than many previous outings, it can be argued that both goals were a result of yet more sloppy defending, and as a side effect of a weak attacking line, something Taylor is keen to remedy. Matthew continued; "We dealt with their threat for the majority and got into the final third ourselves, but we weren't ruthless enough. "We've got to score. I can't stand here and make excuses, we've got to score. George is fully aware he should score there, and if you score that, it changes the complexion of the game. "That's football in a nutshell. When you don't take your opportunities, you're always vulnerable." Read more: https://www.bescotbanter.net/2022/01/we-werent-ruthless-enough-matt-talor.html ---------------------- John Radford What a sight to see on a Saturday evening after another brilliant win. (ref the league table) COYS!!! -------------- |
Latest | January 2022